14 min read

HS Code vs HTS Code vs Schedule B: What’s the Difference?

Learn the difference between HS codes, HTS codes, and Schedule B codes. Understand the 6-digit HS system, U.S. import classifications, and export codes.

On this page

If your business imports or exports products from the United States, you have probably encountered three terms that sound interchangeable: HS code, HTS code, and Schedule B code.

They are related, but they are not the same thing.

The simplest way to understand the difference is:

HS code = the international six-digit foundation used to classify traded goods.

HTS code = the U.S. import classification system built on the HS.

Schedule B code = the U.S. export classification system built on the HS.

The first six digits of U.S. HTS and Schedule B classifications generally correspond to the same HS subheading. Beyond those six digits, however, the U.S. import and export classification systems can differ.

That distinction matters because using the wrong classification system—or assuming an export code and import code are automatically interchangeable—can create problems for customs reporting, duty determination, and trade compliance.

This guide explains HS vs HTS, Schedule B vs HTS, when each classification is used, and what businesses need to know when classifying products for U.S. trade.

HS vs HTS vs Schedule B at a Glance

Classification	What it means	Where it is used	Digits	Primary purpose
HS Code	Harmonized System code	Internationally	6 digits	Common global product classification
HTS Code	Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States	U.S. imports	Up to 10 digits	Import classification, tariff treatment and statistical reporting
Schedule B Code	U.S. export classification	U.S. exports	10 digits	Export classification and statistical reporting

The important relationship is that HS forms the common foundation. The United States then extends that framework into separate import and export classification systems.

What Is an HS Code?

HS stands for Harmonized System, formally the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System.

It is the international framework used to classify traded goods. The system is maintained by the World Customs Organization (WCO) and organizes products into a hierarchical structure of chapters, headings, and subheadings.

The HS classification structure works like this:

First 2 digits: Chapter

First 4 digits: Heading

First 6 digits: HS subheading

The six-digit level is the internationally harmonized portion of the classification system. Countries can then add additional digits to meet their own tariff and statistical requirements.

For example, a product may have an HS classification such as:

8509.40

The first two digits identify the chapter, the first four identify the heading, and the first six identify the international HS subheading.

However, 8509.40 is not necessarily the complete classification you would use to import that product into the United States.

That's where the HTS comes in.

What Is an HTS Code?

HTS stands for Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States.

The HTS is the U.S. system used to classify products imported into the United States.

It is based on the international HS structure but adds U.S.-specific subdivisions beyond the six-digit HS level. The U.S. International Trade Commission explains that the HTS subdivides the international four- and six-digit categories into U.S. eight-digit provisions and 10-digit statistical reporting categories.

An HTS classification therefore gives U.S. importers more detail than the basic six-digit HS code.

It is also important because the HTS contains the U.S. tariff structure used to determine applicable duty treatment.

What is an HTS code used for?

An HTS code is used for U.S. imports to help:

Classify imported merchandise

Determine applicable tariff treatment

Support customs entry documentation

Collect import statistics

Identify relevant provisions within the U.S. tariff schedule

The classification is not simply a keyword lookup. U.S. classification must be determined using the applicable legal provisions and General and Additional U.S. Rules of Interpretation.

What Is a Schedule B Code?

Schedule B is the U.S. export classification system.

If a company is exporting products from the United States, Schedule B is generally the relevant U.S. export classification system.

Schedule B is administered by the U.S. Census Bureau and is based on the international Harmonized System.

Like HTS, Schedule B uses the six-digit HS structure as its foundation and extends it to a 10-digit classification for U.S. export reporting.

So the relationship is:

HS → international foundation

HTS → U.S. import classification

Schedule B → U.S. export classification

HS Code vs HTS Code: What's the Difference?

The biggest difference between an HS code and HTS code is scope.

An HS code is the internationally harmonized six-digit classification.

An HTS code is the more detailed U.S. import classification built from that HS foundation.

Think of it this way:

→ International six-digit classification

HTS

→ HS six digits

→ U.S.-specific additional digits

→ U.S. tariff and statistical information

For example, a foreign supplier may provide an HS or tariff code for a product. That does not automatically mean the code is the correct HTS classification for importing that product into the United States.

The USITC specifically notes that codes supplied by foreign suppliers may be based on the exporting country's tariff schedule and therefore may not match the appropriate U.S. HTS number beyond the first six digits.

Why does this matter?

Suppose a supplier gives a U.S. importer a code that begins with:

8509.40

The six-digit HS foundation may be correct.

But the importer may still need to determine the appropriate U.S. HTS classification beyond those six digits.

The first six digits being correct does not automatically mean the complete U.S. import classification is correct.

Schedule B vs HTS: What's the Difference?

This is where the distinction becomes particularly important for U.S. companies.

Both Schedule B and HTS codes are based on the same HS system, so their first six digits are generally the same for a particular product.

But they serve different purposes:

HTS

Used for:

U.S. imports

The HTS is used to classify imported merchandise and apply the applicable U.S. tariff treatment.

Schedule B

Used for:

U.S. exports

Schedule B is used to classify products exported from the United States for export reporting purposes.

Are Schedule B and HTS codes the same?

Not necessarily.

The USITC states that the first six digits are the same, but the classification structures diverge at the eight- and 10-digit levels. In many cases, multiple HTS statistical numbers can correspond to a Schedule B number.

So you should not assume:

"The HTS code is the Schedule B code."

Instead, think:

"They share the same six-digit HS foundation, but they are separate U.S. classification systems for imports and exports."

Why Do HS, HTS and Schedule B Codes Differ?

The reason is straightforward.

The HS provides a common international classification framework, but individual countries need additional detail for their own tariff policies, statistical reporting, and administrative requirements.

The United States therefore extends the six-digit HS structure.

But the requirements for imports and exports are not identical, so the U.S. maintains separate classification structures for each.

The result is:

International HS

↓

U.S. import → HTS

U.S. export → Schedule B

The USITC notes that HTS numbers generally contain more detailed U.S. import classifications, while the Schedule B system has its own export classifications.

How Many Digits Are HS, HTS and Schedule B Codes?

This is one of the most common sources of confusion.

HS Code

The internationally harmonized HS classification ends at six digits.

HTS Code

U.S. HTS classifications can extend to 10 digits for statistical reporting.

The structure includes an eight-digit U.S. tariff provision followed by a statistical suffix at the 10-digit level.

Schedule B Code

U.S. Schedule B classifications use 10-digit commodity codes for export reporting.

So:

Level	HS	U.S. HTS	U.S. Schedule B
Chapter	2 digits	2 digits	2 digits
Heading	4 digits	4 digits	4 digits
HS subheading	6 digits	6 digits	6 digits
National/statistical detail	—	Additional digits	Additional digits

The key takeaway is that more digits do not simply mean a "better" HS code. They reflect the additional classification detail required by a particular national system.

Does the Same Product Have the Same HS Code Everywhere?

The answer is yes and no.

At the six-digit HS level, the classification framework is harmonized internationally.

But countries can extend the HS beyond six digits, and those additional digits can differ.

The USITC gives a useful example: a product can share the same six-digit HS subheading in the United States and China while having different national classifications after those first six digits.

This means businesses operating across multiple markets should not assume that a complete tariff code from one country can simply be copied into another country's customs documentation.

A practical rule

Use the six-digit HS code as the international reference point, then determine the relevant country's classification.

That distinction becomes particularly important when maintaining product catalogs across multiple markets.

Can You Use an HTS Code for an Export?

This question is more nuanced than a simple yes or no.

For U.S. exports, Schedule B is the designated export classification system. However, the U.S. Census Bureau explains that HTS numbers can sometimes be used in export reporting because the first six digits align with Schedule B and, in many cases, HTS classifications can be converted to the appropriate Schedule B classification.

The important point is not to treat the two systems as universally interchangeable.

If an export situation specifically requires a Schedule B classification, use the applicable Schedule B number.

Why Correct Classification Matters to Your Business

The distinction between HS, HTS and Schedule B isn't just terminology.

The classification you use can affect how your products are reported and, for imports, how tariff treatment is determined.

An incorrect classification can lead to:

Incorrect duty calculations

Customs questions

Shipment delays

Reclassification

Additional compliance work

Inconsistent product records

Difficulties maintaining classification data across markets

And the problem becomes harder when a company has thousands of products.

A business may need to maintain:

Product data

→ HS classification

→ Country-specific classification

→ Historical classification decisions

→ Review and approval

→ Operational reporting

Managing all of this manually can become difficult when products, markets, and teams multiply.

How Classification Genius Helps Manage HS and HTS Classification

Understanding the difference between HS, HTS, and Schedule B is the first step. The next challenge is managing product classification consistently across a growing catalog.

Classification Genius helps businesses structure that process by combining intelligent product analysis with review by experienced trade professionals.

Teams can provide product information such as descriptions, technical specifications, material composition, intended use, and supporting documentation. Classification Genius analyzes the submitted information and generates HS and HTS classification recommendations, which are then reviewed before delivery.

The platform also supports bulk classification, product search, a centralized product master, classification history, team collaboration, approval workflows, comments, audit trails, and reporting.

This becomes particularly useful when a business needs to manage classification across dozens or thousands of products rather than treating every classification as a separate manual lookup.

Explore Classification Genius →

When Should You Use HS, HTS or Schedule B?

Use this simple framework:

If you're talking about international product classification

Think:

HS code

The six-digit HS structure provides the common international foundation.

If you're importing goods into the United States

Think:

HTS code

The U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule provides the classification structure used for U.S. imports.

If you're exporting goods from the United States

Think:

Schedule B code

Schedule B is the U.S. export classification system administered by the Census Bureau.

HS Code vs HTS Code vs Schedule B: Quick Reference

Question	Answer
What is an HS code?	The international six-digit Harmonized System classification
What is an HTS code?	The U.S. import classification system based on the HS
What is a Schedule B code?	The U.S. export classification system based on the HS
Are HS and HTS the same?	No. HTS extends the HS framework for U.S. imports
Are HTS and Schedule B the same?	No. They share the six-digit HS foundation but can differ beyond six digits
Are the first six digits generally the same?	Yes, for corresponding products under the U.S. systems
How many digits is an HS code?	Six digits at the internationally harmonized level
How many digits is an HTS classification?	Up to 10 digits in the U.S. statistical reporting structure
How many digits is a Schedule B code?	10 digits
Which code is used for U.S. imports?	HTS
Which code is used for U.S. exports?	Schedule B

Common Mistakes Businesses Make

Mistake 1: Treating HS and HTS as synonyms

People often use the terms interchangeably in conversation.

That's understandable, but technically the HS is the international six-digit foundation, while HTS refers to the U.S. import system.

Mistake 2: Assuming a supplier's code is automatically the U.S. HTS code

A supplier may provide a classification based on its own country's tariff schedule.

The first six digits may align, but the national extensions can differ.

Mistake 3: Using HTS instead of Schedule B for an export requirement

For U.S. exports, Schedule B is the designated export classification system.

Mistake 4: Assuming six-digit HS classification is the whole job

The six-digit HS code provides the international foundation, but businesses often need a country-specific classification for actual import or export processes.

Mistake 5: Treating classification as a one-time lookup

Product catalogs change. Classification requirements can change. National tariff schedules are updated.

The U.S. HTS, for example, receives multiple revisions during the year, while Schedule B also publishes current and obsolete codes.

For businesses managing large catalogs, maintaining classification history and a structured review process is therefore important.

The Bottom Line

The easiest way to remember the difference is:

HS is the international foundation. HTS is used for U.S. imports. Schedule B is used for U.S. exports.

The first six digits connect the systems, but the classification can diverge beyond that point.

For businesses operating across international markets, this distinction matters because the correct classification depends not only on the product, but also on the country and the direction of trade.

And when you're managing hundreds or thousands of products, the challenge isn't simply finding a code. It's maintaining a classification process that is consistent, reviewable, and scalable.

Classification Genius helps businesses manage that process with intelligent classification analysis, expert review, bulk processing, classification history, and centralized product information.

Learn more about Classification Genius →

Frequently asked questions

An HS code is the internationally harmonized six-digit classification used to classify traded goods. An HTS code is the U.S. import classification system built on the HS and extends it with additional digits for U.S. tariff and statistical purposes.

HTS codes are used to classify products imported into the United States, while Schedule B codes are used for U.S. export classification and reporting. Both are based on the six-digit HS system, but their classifications can differ beyond the six-digit level.

No. An HS code represents the internationally harmonized six-digit classification, while an HTS code provides the more detailed U.S. import classification. The first six digits generally correspond to the same HS subheading, but the HTS includes additional U.S.-specific classification detail.

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) is used to classify products imported into the United States, while Schedule B is used for products exported from the United States. Both systems are based on the international HS classification.

Not automatically. A foreign supplier's classification may be based on its country's tariff schedule. While the first six digits may correspond to the same HS subheading, the classification beyond six digits can differ. U.S. importers should determine the appropriate HTS classification for U.S. imports.