Schedule B, HTS, ECCN, NAICS, SIC - How many numbers do I really need to know??
Schedule B
Schedule B is a 10-digit number used by the Bureau of Census to collect trade data. The first 6 digits of your schedule B number are identical to the first 6 digits of the HTS code used for importing your product into the US. You need to have your schedule B number on all of your export documents.
In April, 2018, you can use: https://uscensus.prod.3ceonline.com/ to help determine your schedule B number (and interestingly enough, the first 6 digits of you HTS code should you want to know that).
Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
The Harmonized Tariff Schedule number is a 10-digit number used by customs to determine any tariffs when you import this product into the US. The first 6 digits of the HTS are identical to the first 6 digits of the products schedule B number and determine how the product is classified, but the last 4 digits vary specify the actual tariff associated with this product (unless there are Trade Agreements that reduce or remove the tariff). You need to have the HTS code clearly on all documents used for importing this product into the US.
Export Control Classification Number (ECCN)
Export Control Classification Numbers are five character alpha-numeric designations used by the Department of Commerce on the Commerce Control List (CCL) to identify dual-use items for export control purposes. An ECCN categorizes items based on the nature of the product, i.e. type of commodity, software, or technology and its respective technical parameters. You need to know your ECCN, even if it only to show that your product can ship under an ECCN of EAR99.
NAICS and SIC
The North American Industry Classification System (NAICS) is the standard used by Federal statistical agencies in classifying business establishments for the purpose of collecting, analyzing, and publishing statistical data related to the U.S. business economy. Lots of US marketing data will require the NAICS code to extract information.
Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) System numbers are used by the US Department of Labor and Occupational Safety and Health Administration to classify the type of business and sometimes was used instead of the NAICS, but unfortunately there is no real correlation between the two systems. Some marketing data is searched by SIC code.