Document chain

HS, HTS and Schedule B codes cover different jobs

hs hts and schedule b scope is decided on paper long before the container reaches a port. These are the documents that actually carry the decision.

The base document: six-digit baseline

HS is the harmonised six-digit global system, HTS is the US import extension used for duty, and Schedule B is the US export classification used for statistics.

We keep the original and the declared version side by side, so a discrepancy is visible before filing.

The supporting records: US import extension

A Chinese export declaration uses the China tariff line, while the US entry uses the HTS line; they share the first six digits and diverge after that.

Missing or inconsistent values here are the single most common reason a declaration is queried.

What the destination needs: effective date record

Record each code with its jurisdiction and effective date, because a rate update can change the duty line without changing the product.

The destination broker works from the same pack we filed from, which shortens any query cycle.

The failure point we see most often: Assuming one ten-digit number works for both the Chinese export filing and the US import entry.

Have these ready before filing:

Commercial invoice and packing list with matching values and descriptions.
Classification, origin and any licence references used in the declaration.
Booking reference, transport document and the consignee’s broker contact.

Questions importers ask us

Who is responsible for getting this right on a China-origin shipment?

The shipper supplies accurate product and value data; Hovmar Logistics checks the file before submission and coordinates with the destination broker. We confirm the split in writing at booking.

Can Hovmar review this before the cargo leaves Shenzhen?

Yes. Send the commercial invoice, packing list and intended classification before cutoff and our customs desk will flag gaps while they are still easy to fix.

Where this fits in your shipment

Planning a shipment from Shenzhen?

Request a routed freight quote · Chat on WhatsApp · info@hovmar.com

Notes from the Hovmar Logistics customs desk in Shenzhen. Confirm current requirements with your licensed broker before filing.