HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8802.60 – Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles
HS code 8802.60 is the 6-digit subheading for spacecraft, (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. It is used for communication satellites, earth observation satellites, GPS satellites, scientific research probes and suborbital rockets.
What HS 8802.60 covers
This highly specialized HS code encompasses the cutting-edge technology of space exploration and communication. It covers everything from Earth-orbiting satellites used for telecommunications, weather monitoring, and GPS, to deep-space probes and the powerful rockets that propel them beyond our atmosphere. The international trade in these goods is dominated by a few technologically advanced nations and private aerospace companies. Major importers are often countries looking to establish or enhance their satellite communication capabilities, scientific research institutions, or defense organizations. Exporters are typically nations with robust space programs, such as the United States, Russia, China, and members of the European Space Agency. Key things to know include the dual-use nature of many components (civilian and military applications), stringent export controls due to national security implications, and the extremely high value and complexity of these transactions. The trade often involves long lead times, bespoke manufacturing, and significant international collaboration, reflecting the global nature of space endeavors.
- Covers
- Communication satellites
- Earth observation satellites
- GPS satellites
- Scientific research probes
- Suborbital rockets
- Spacecraft launch vehicles
- Lunar landers
- Mars rovers
- Examples
- SpaceX Falcon 9
- Ariane 5
- International Space Station modules
- Hubble Space Telescope
- Starlink satellites
- GPS III satellites
Codes often confused with 8802.60
Common mistake. This code might be confused with parts of spacecraft (8807) or even certain high-altitude aircraft (880211-880240) if not carefully distinguished by their primary function and operational environment. Components specifically designed for spacecraft fall under 8807, while complete spacecraft or launch vehicles are classified here.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 880260, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 880260 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Luxembourg, with 48% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 31% of world exports
- 2 France $1.0B 28% of world exports
- 3 Italy $443M 12% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Luxembourg $386M 48% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$326M 40% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $24M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $811M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 8802.60
Brazil does not split HS 8802.60: its NCM code is 8802.60.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 88.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8802.60
What is HS code 880260?
HS code 880260 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. This highly specialized HS code encompasses the cutting-edge technology of space exploration and communication. It covers everything from Earth-orbiting satellites used for telecommunications, weather monitoring, and GPS, to deep-space probes and the powerful rockets that propel them beyond our atmosphere. The international trade in these goods is dominated by a few technologically advanced nations and private aerospace companies. Major importers are often countries looking to establish or enhance their satellite communication capabilities, scientific research institutions, or defense organizations. Exporters are typically nations with robust space programs, such as the United States, Russia, China, and members of the European Space Agency. Key things to know include the dual-use nature of many components (civilian and military applications), stringent export controls due to national security implications, and the extremely high value and complexity of these transactions. The trade often involves long lead times, bespoke manufacturing, and significant international collaboration, reflecting the global nature of space endeavors.
What products fall under HS code 880260?
Communication satellites, Earth observation satellites, GPS satellites, scientific research probes, suborbital rockets, spacecraft launch vehicles, lunar landers, Mars rovers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 880260?
This code might be confused with parts of spacecraft (8807) or even certain high-altitude aircraft (880211-880240) if not carefully distinguished by their primary function and operational environment. Components specifically designed for spacecraft fall under 8807, while complete spacecraft or launch vehicles are classified here.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 880260?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 880260 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 31% of world exports), France ($1.0B) and Italy ($443M). World exports came to about $3.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 880260?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 880260 in UN Comtrade data were Luxembourg ($386M, 48% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $326M) and India ($24M). World imports came to about $811M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 880260 structured?
HS code 880260 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (88) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (60) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 880260?
In Brazil, HS code 880260 is NCM 8802.60.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.