Issue 330, February 19, 2002
Everyone should be aware by now that there were major changes to the Schedule B and HTS in 2002. These were not restricted to any particular group of products, but rather they covered a large amount of chapters in both of the lists.

Early in January, the Government (Customs and Census) published the new Schedule B and HTS, but clearly indicated that this was a "preliminary" list. A new list was published again on February 7th, but this is still considered "preliminary", with a final list to follow soon.

As stated on their website: "These files are still considered preliminary pending finalization of end-use, NAICS and SITC code assignments."

When will they be final? Will the government printing office make available a supplement to the printed version? Regrettably the answers to those questions are not forthcoming from the government as of yet.

The bottom line in all of this is the fact that the only place where the current numbers reside is in the government's website at www.census.gov/foreign-trade/schedules/b/index.html. You can go to this website and view/download the information. We strongly suggest that the use of this website information be utilized within your company as the authoritative source of the 2002 Schedule B and HTS.

Our contributing writer, Ken Hughes, Corporate Manager - Export Compliance, is located in our Chicago office and can be reached at 847-233-7923 or ken.hughes@us.danzas.com.

Please note that due to the complex nature of the subject matter, DHL Danzas Air & Ocean cannot be responsible for actions taken by the reader in reliance on the information contained herein without prior consultation with DHL Danzas Air & Ocean.