Explanatory Notes — Application of the Product Classification

Canada and the United States both compile their merchandise trade statistics in terms of the Harmonized System (HS); however, they use different annotations beyond the basic 6-digits codes making comparisons impossible.

Canada

• Imports
  
  The 6-digits codes of the Harmonized System are extended to 10-digits codes to track imports. These codes correspond to the Canada Customs Tariff.
  • The tariff classification is revised annually. Thus, 10-digit HS codes may be added, deleted or change in description from year to year.
  • Beyond the 6-digit level, the breakdown in the customs tariff does not necessarily match the export classification (see below).
  • Canada's customs tariff generally does not match the equivalent U.S. customs tariff
  • In some cases - but not all - information on quantities of imported products are recorded (e.g. in kilograms, square meters, liters and so on). Such information may be purchased from Statistics Canada when available.
• Exports
  
  For collecting information on exports, the international 6-digits codes are extended to 8-digits codes by Statistics Canada.
  • Canada's export classification differs from the U.S. equivalent Schedule B which uses 10-digit codes.
  • In some cases - but not all - information on quantities of imported products are recorded (e.g. in kilograms, square meters, liters and so on). Such information may be purchased from Statistics Canada when available.

	Canada	United States	Comparable
In Trade Data Online
Imports - Exports Harmonized System (HS)	6-digit codes	6-digit codes	Yes*
As recorded by customs
Imports (Customs Tariff)	10-digit code (HS + 4 extra digits)	10-digit code (HS + 4 extra digits)	No
Exports	8-digit code (HS + 2 extra digits)	10-digit code (HS + 4 extra digits)	No
* Canada-U.S. figures not completely comparable due to valuation differences (e.g. freight charges)