What HS code do I use for a cargo ship?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
HS-2 · Chapter 89
HS chapter 89: Ships, boats and floating structures
Section XVII — Vehicles, aircraft, vessels and associated transport equipment
Goods classified under this chapter include various types of ships, boats, and floating structures, such as cargo ships and fishing vessels. For example, if you are importing a ferry-boat designed for passenger transport, this chapter will guide you in determining the correct HS code.
To find the appropriate HS-4 code, start by identifying the specific type of vessel. For instance, if your product is a fishing vessel, you would look under 8902. Each heading provides a clear description, helping you avoid confusion with similar vessels like cargo ships or pleasure yachts.
Once you have the HS-4 code, drill down to the HS-6 level by reviewing the detailed notes and definitions associated with that code. For example, if you are dealing with a tugboat, you would check 8904 and ensure it meets the criteria outlined for tugs and pusher craft, distinguishing it from other vessel types.
Terms & reference phrasing
These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.
ships and boats · floating structures · cargo ships · fishing vessels · pleasure yachts · tugboats · floating cranes · warships · importing vessels · exporting boats · HS codes for ships · marine transportation · vessel classification · floating docks · submersible platforms · boat import regulations · shipping vessels · marine trade
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Related topics
Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.
- how to classify a fishing vessel under HS-89
- requirements for importing cargo ships
- understanding HS codes for pleasure boats
- differences between HS-8904 and HS-8905
- import regulations for floating structures
- finding the correct HS-4 code for tugs
- shipping documentation for yachts and boats
- navigating HS-89 for marine vessels
Examples & common questions
Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.
Example products
- Cruise ship designed for leisure travel
- Fishing vessel equipped for processing seafood
- Luxury yacht for recreational use
- Tugboat used for maneuvering larger vessels
- Floating crane for construction projects
- Warship for military operations
- Raft used for emergency rescue operations
- Dredger for maintaining waterways
Common classification questions
How to classify a fishing vessel for import?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
Are yachts classified under HS-89?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What are the requirements for importing a tugboat?
Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.
How do I find the right HS-4 code for my vessel?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
What is the difference between HS-8901 and HS-8902?
Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.
Questions & answers
For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.
- What types of vessels are included in HS-89?
- HS-89 includes various vessels such as cargo ships, fishing boats, pleasure yachts, tugs, and floating structures.
- How do I determine the correct HS-4 code?
- Identify the specific type of vessel you are dealing with and refer to the relevant HS-4 heading that best describes its function.
- Is there a specific code for fishing vessels?
- Yes, fishing vessels are classified under **8902**.
- What should I check before selecting an HS code?
- Review the title text, notes, product form, and intended end-use to ensure accurate classification.
- Can I classify a floating dock under HS-89?
- Yes, floating docks can be classified under **8905** or **8907**, depending on their specific function.
All HS-4 headings in chapter 89 (8)
Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.
8901
Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods
8902
Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products
8903
Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes
8904
Tugs and pusher craft
8905
Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the navigability of which is subsidiary to main function; floating docks, floating, submersible drilling, production platforms
8906
Vessels; other, including warships and lifeboats, other than rowing boats
8907
Boats, floating structures, other (for e.g. rafts, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons)
8908
Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up
Browse first heading (HS-4 8901)
Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (8901). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.
Before you file customs documents
Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.
How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.