#### EXPORT COMPLIANCE

# **What are Schedule B commodity codes?**

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###### Export Compliance

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Schedule B commodity codes are administered by the U.S. Commerce Department’s Census Bureau. They are 10 digit codes that are used to classify goods bound for export from the United States. Schedule B numbers are based in part on the international Harmonized Schedule, which is used to regulate imports of goods around the world (including in the United States, using a variant known as the Harmonized Tariff System).

###### In this Article...
1. [Are Schedule B and HTS numbers the same?](/content/resources/knowledge-center/what-is-schedule-b-commodity-code#toc-1/index.html)
2. [What is the Difference between Schedule B commodity codes and ECCNs?](/content/resources/knowledge-center/what-is-schedule-b-commodity-code#toc-2/index.html)

## **Are Schedule B and HTS numbers the same?**

Schedule B numbers and HTS numbers are U.S.-specific numbers derived from the same international standard – the Harmonized System (HS) – set by the World Customs Organization (WCO). The first six digits of a Schedule B, HTS, and HS number for a given item will be the same; however, the last four is where they differ.

It is important to use the correct number for the correct use-case. Schedule B commodity codes are used by the U.S. Census Bureau for tracking exports, and HTS numbers are used for _importing._ Both of these sets of numbers are applicable for the U.S. only; the rest of the world uses HS numbers.

## **What is the Difference between Schedule B commodity codes and ECCNs?**

[An Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)](http://www.customsinfo.com/knowledge-center/what-are-export-control-classification-numbers) is generally applied if an exported good is housed on a controlled list such as the U.S. Commerce Control List (CCL). An ECCN often applies to [dual-use items](/content/knowledge-center/dual-use-goods-and-technology/index.html) for the purposes of export control from the U.S. This 5-digit designation differs in purpose from the scope of a Schedule-B number. Most ECCNs require a license for export, which includes a fraction of the items exported or re-exported from the United States.

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## **Learn More**

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Global Compliance Misconceptions

Learn why organizations around the world use Descartes CustomsInfo to better demonstrate reasonable care and support classification determinations.

[Read More about Global Compliance Misconceptions](/content/resources/knowledge-center/descartes-customsinfo/index.html)

Meggitt and a Centralized Screening Process that Keeps Up with Evolving Needs

Learn how Meggitt PLC benefitted from Descartes Visual Compliance’s denied party screening solutions.

[Read more about Meggitt and a Centralized Screening Process that Keeps Up with Evolving Needs](/content/content/media/documents/2020-12/cs_meggitt.pdf)

## **Talk to an Expert?**

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[Contact Us](/content/resources/knowledge-center/what-is-schedule-b-commodity-code#form/index.html)

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