Product Classification Wizard

A relatively small number of products exported from the United States require an export license from either the U.S. Department of Commerce or another U.S. agency like the State Department. Before you can determine whether or not your product requires an export license, you must first investigate whether or not your product has an Export Control Classification Number (ECCN).

Watch How Product Classification Works

In addition, before you can export or import a product, you must first identify your product’s proper Schedule B (for exports) or Harmonized System (HS) (for imports) number. This number must appear on both export and import documentation that accompanies a shipment.

Our Product Classification Wizard provides several search methods that make the product classification process faster and easier than the traditional method of pouring through volumes of printed books and regulations. And because this information is stored online on our secure web server, you can be sure that you are accessing the most current information available.

Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)

To help determine whether or not your product requires an export license, you must first determine its correct ECCN code. (Since ECCN is an acronym for the U.S.-specific export control number, we use the abbreviation “ECN” to include classification numbers for exports from other countries.)

The Product Classification Wizard allows you to search for the correct ECN number for your product by entering either the first part of the ECN number or a text description of your product.

Schedule B Classification

Before you can export a product from the United States, you must first determine its correct 10-digit Schedule B Classification Code. These codes are valid for only U.S. exports and are maintained by the U.S. Census Bureau.

The Product Classification Wizard allows you to search for a specific Schedule B number either based on a partial code of at least the first two digits or by entering a text description of the product.

Harmonized System (HS) Classification

The World Trade Organization has classified all commodities with a number. This number is called a Harmonized Schedule code and ranges from six to 12 digits, depending on the country. However, the first six digits of this number are uniform throughout most of the world. 

Customs uses the HS number to determine the import duties, taxes and import license requirements for goods entering a country. This number is required for filling in the Customs documentation.

The Product Classification Wizard allows you to search for the proper HS number for your products in several ways. You can search on a partial HS number, you can search on words or phrases that describe your product, or you can look at the entire tree of HS codes and drill down to specific numbers. There is also an HS Mapping tool that allows you to enter the complete HS number for one country and find the complete HS number for another country.

Along with displaying HS numbers, the HS Classification Wizard displays the default duty rate for the product.

Affordable Compliance Solutions

A one-year subscription to the Product Classification Wizard is only $1,200, and there are no limitations to the number of screenings you can conduct each day, month or year. Just call Shipping Solutions toll-free at (888) 890-7447 and subscribe today.

If you’re not yet ready to subscribe, you can try out the Trade Compliance Wizards for free by giving us a call or completing the trial request form. We’ll show you how easy international trade compliance can be!