Schedule B Keyword Search - Frequently Asked Questions
What's the purpose of this search site?
This page allows users to search the Schedule B commodity book. Schedule B commodity codes are 10-digit numeric codes used to identify products that are exported to other countries. Each 10-digit code usually takes the form AABBCCDDDD and belongs to several groups. The 2-digit group is the first two digits (AA). The 4-digit group is the first four digits (AABB). The 6-digit group is the first six digits (AABBCC). They are similar to 10-digit Harmonized Tariff System (HTS) codes (the import codes) in that the groups are the same up to the 6-digit level. At the 10-digit level, Schedule B codes and HTS codes can be different.
We have two files: 1.) the Schedule B book, with the code numbers and full descriptions; 2.) 6-digit Schedule B alpha index (with alternative descriptions). The search with look for whatever phrase is entered in the search field. If CARBINE is entered in the search field, it will look for any entry with the word CARBINE. If COMBUSTION ENGINES is entered, it will look for COMBUSTION ENGINES. However, if a phrase is entered in the search field that does not exist in the search files, the search will yield no results. For instance, if the word COMPUTERS is entered, the search with yield nothing when searching the Scheudle B files. However, when searching the 6-digit alpha index, it shows that computers are officially known as AUTOMATIC DATA PROCESSING MACHINES.
The text of the 10-digit Scheudle B codes are searched as well as an alphabetical index of the 6-digit Schedule B codes.
Does this search look for data over the entire U.S. International Trade Statistics web site?
No. This search ONLY LOOKS FOR SCHEDULE B CODES. You can not search for trade balances with other countries using this site. Check the main FAQ page if you can't find what you're looking for.
What if I can't find what I'm looking for?
First, try searching on synonyms. Then, try searching on substrings. The word COMPUTERS may not show up in the Schedule B search, but the word COMPUTER will. If you have too many choices in the results, try searching the results page with the SEARCH PAGE option of your browser.
Call one of our commodities areas and ask to speak to a commodity specialist:
- Durable Goods: (301)457-3259
- Non-Durable Goods: (301)457-3484
Tell them that you've searched for your commodity on the Schedule B search page and could not find what you were looking for.
Who can I contact with more questions?
Call one of our commodities areas and ask to speak to a commodity specialist:
- Durable Goods: (301)457-3259
- Non-Durable Goods: (301)457-3484
I already know my Schedule B codes, but I want to see what codes are close to them. How do I search for my spcific Schedule B code?
Schedule B codes, at their most detailed, have 10 digits. Assuming AABBCCDDDD is a generic 10-digit Schedule B code, it will be referred to in one of two ways: AABBCCDDDD or AABB.CC.DDDD. All of the reference books have the decimals after the fourth and sixth digits (like the second example), so that's probably the most common way.
To search for a specific Schedule B code, just enter the code without the decimals. If your code is 1234.56.7890, search on 1234567890. The same holds true for searching for chapters or other Schedule B codes that are less than 10 digits. Looking for the code 0987.65? Search on 098765. This will yield a page of descriptions where 098765 appears in either the descriptions or the codes.
Example:
Search on 1234567890 -
Results -
Code Description 1234567890 <Example Description 1> <Example Code> <Example description containing 1234567890>
Search on 098765 -
Results -
Code Description 098765 <Example description for the 6-digit code> <Any code starting with 098765> <Example description 2> <Any code containing 098765> <Example description 3> <Example code> <Example description containing 098765>
