Understanding HTSUS and Schedule B Code Classifications

Why Should You Attend:

Importers need to know their product’s Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) numbers. By becoming familiar with the Harmonized System, exporters will become familiar with how The Schedule B (also known as the Statistical Classification of Domestic and Foreign Commodities Exported from the United States) works. This knowledge is necessary:

1. You should attend if you need help in classifying products.
2. You should also attend if you no longer want to be mystified or intimidated by the HTSUS.
3. To determine applicable import tariff rates and whether a product qualifies for a preferential (that is, reduced or free) tariff under a free trade agreement;
4. (For exporters) To file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) in ACE
5. To complete shipping documents, such as certificates of origin
6. To keep importers happy

To stay out of trouble with U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP0 and other U.S. federal entities, and avoid costly and aggravating penalties.

Areas Covered in the Webinar:

• Introduction to and the differences between the HTSUS and Schedule B Code
• The Six General Rules of Interpretation (GRIs)
• Additional U.S. rule of interpretation
• Applying the section and chapter notes of the HTSUS
• Using the World Customs Organization's (WCO's) explanatory notes
• Binding rulings issued by US customs and border protection and informed compliance publications
• Handling special classification issues (Parts, Kits, Sets)
• The importance of commerce invoice descriptions
• Review the roles of a customs broker, freight forwarder and importer/exporter of record
• Determine the difference between duty, user fees, and antidumping/countervailing duties
• Best Practices for effective product classification processes

Who Will Benefit:

• Customs and Export Compliance Managers and Personnel
• Freight Forwarders
• Customer Brokers
• Importers
• International trade consultants
• Classification specialists
• Import managers
• US and Global Trade Compliance Professionals
• Purchasing and Procurement Departments
• Supply Chain Professionals
• Attorneys and Legal Staff
• International Logistics Professional
• Sales & Marketing Professionals
• Exporters
• logistics companies, including 3PL and 4PLs
• Ocean, air and other freight forwarders

Martin Behr
Partner, Law Office of Martin K Behr

Presently, Martin is an instructor with City University of New York's Baruch College Continuing and Professional Studies (CAPS), where he teaches import, export, and other international trade courses. In 2013, Martin received the Outstanding Instructor of the Year Award from Baruch CAPS. Martin has also taught international trade courses at Fashion Institute of Technology and Pace University in New York City. Martin is also of counsel to GRVR Attorneys (www.exportimportlaw.com), which specializes in customs and international trade matters.

Martin is a former U.S. Customs officer (senior inspector and import specialist), who was stationed at land (Champlain-Rouses Point, NY), air (JFK International Airport and Newark Liberty) and sea (Newark) ports of entry. While with U.S. Customs at the Port of New York/Newark, he was also a member of the agency's export control branch.

Martin is also a former special agent with the U.S. Department of Defense, assistant prosecutor with the Office of Hudson County (NJ) Prosecutor, and an executive with a global FMC-licensed Ocean Transportation Intermediary. Martin was also a trade consultant with Unz & Co.

Topic Background :

The Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the U.S. (HTSUS) is a big deal. In hard copy (get yours today from the GPO), it's about six inches thick, two thousand pages long, and weighs about a dozen pounds. If you fail to get a real handle on this tome, you will have trouble in real life, whether you are importing or trying to get a passing grade on the Customs Broker Examination.

The HTSUS consists of ninety-nine chapters, with Chapter 77 being held in reserve for future use. The first ninety-seven chapters are the international divisions that just about all countries use, and contain the classifications for all foreign-made merchandise. Chapters 98 and 99 are unique to the United States.

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