Articles on this topic (3)
Chapter 99, Mapped: Subchapters, Heading Ranges, and How the Overlays Are Coded
Chapter 99 is four titled subchapters, not one undifferentiated block of overlay codes — and nearly every current Section 301, Section 232, and IEEPA heading lives inside just one of them. A structural map read directly from the HTSUS text, heading range by heading range.
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What Changes When USITC Publishes a New HTSUS Revision
USITC updates the HTSUS at least once a year, and the update doesn't just add provisions — it can silently invalidate classifications made under the prior version. Here's what actually changes and why version tracking matters.
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What Chapter 99 Actually Is (and Why It Breaks the Rest of the Schedule)
Chapters 1–97 classify products. Chapter 99 classifies policy — and it's bolted onto the HTSUS with different rules, a different update cadence, and a different failure mode. Part 1 of an 8-part series on Chapter 99.
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18 Terms
Additional U.S. Notes
Additional U.S. Notes are provisions unique to the HTSUS with no international HS equivalent. They define terms, set tariff-rate quota conditions, and modify duty rates for specific products.
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Chapter (HTSUS)
A chapter is a 2-digit grouping of related headings in the HTSUS. The HTSUS contains 97 active chapters, each with legally binding chapter notes that must be evaluated before any heading analysis under GRI 1.
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Chapter Notes
Chapter notes are legally binding notes specific to a single HTSUS chapter. They take precedence over heading text and must be applied under GRI 1 before any heading comparison is made.
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HTS Code
An HTS code is the 10-digit number that sets an import's duty rate. See a sample HTS code broken down digit by digit, and how the correct code is determined.
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HTS Code Examples
Sample HTS codes for T-shirts, laptops, phones, coffee, furniture, toys, EVs and plastic parts, each broken down digit by digit with its general duty rate.
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HTSUS vs. Schedule B
HTS codes classify imports (CBP); Schedule B numbers classify exports (Census). Both share the first 6 digits, then diverge. Which to use, and when they differ.
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Harmonized System (HS)
The Harmonized System is the international 6-digit product nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization and used by 200+ countries as the foundation for national tariff schedules.
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Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS)
The HTSUS is the legal tariff schedule published by the USITC that governs the classification and duty rates for all goods imported into the United States.
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Heading (HTSUS)
A heading is a 4-digit provision in the HTSUS that defines the scope of a primary product category. All HTSUS classification begins at the heading level under GRI 1, read together with applicable section and chapter notes.
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Schedule B
How to find a Schedule B number: use Census's free Schedule B search engine, start from the first 6 digits of your HTS code, and check digits 7–10 separately.
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Section (HTSUS)
The HTSUS is organized into 22 sections, each grouping related chapters under a broad product category. Section notes are legally binding, apply to all headings within the section, and must be evaluated before any heading analysis under GRI 1.
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Section Notes
Section notes are legally binding notes that apply to an entire HTSUS section. Under GRI 1, they are the first text consulted — a section note can exclude, define, or redirect classification before any heading is considered.
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Statistical Suffix
The statistical suffix is digits 9–10 of a 10-digit HTS code. It is required on formal entry documents and, in some trade remedy contexts, determines whether an overlay duty applies.
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Subheading (HTSUS)
A subheading is a 6- or 8-digit provision in the HTSUS that further subdivides a heading. Subheading classification is governed by GRI 6 and can only proceed after heading-level classification is resolved.
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Subheading Notes
Subheading notes apply only at the 6-digit subheading level under GRI 6. They cannot be used to resolve heading-level classification — applying them at the wrong level is a legal error.
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Tariff Provision
A tariff provision is any enumerated entry in the HTSUS — a heading, subheading, or Chapter 99 overlay — that carries legal significance for classification, duty rates, or trade remedy applicability.
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Ten-Digit HTS Code
What each part of a 10-digit HTS code means: chapter, heading, subheading, U.S. rate line, and statistical suffix, shown on a worked example you can follow.
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U.S. International Trade Commission (USITC)
The USITC is the independent federal agency that publishes and maintains the HTSUS, issues annual tariff schedule updates, and conducts injury investigations in trade remedy proceedings.
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