HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8805.10 – Aircraft launching gear, deck-arrestor or similar gear and parts thereof
HS code 8805.10 is the 6-digit subheading for aircraft launching gear, deck-arrestor or similar gear and parts thereof. It is used for aircraft carrier catapults, steam catapult systems, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), arrestor wires and arrestor engines.
What HS 8805.10 covers
This specialized HS code pertains to the critical infrastructure and equipment used for launching and recovering aircraft, primarily on aircraft carriers or specialized airfields. It encompasses powerful catapult systems that accelerate aircraft to takeoff speed and arrestor gear designed to safely decelerate landing aircraft. The international trade in these goods is highly restricted and strategic, almost exclusively involving military procurement between allied nations. Major importers are countries operating or developing naval aviation capabilities, particularly those with aircraft carriers. Exporters are a very limited number of nations with advanced defense industries capable of designing and manufacturing such complex, high-stress machinery. Key things to know include the immense engineering challenges involved, the strategic importance for national defense, and the strict export controls and technology transfer regulations that govern these transactions. These systems are bespoke, incredibly expensive, and require extensive integration with naval vessel design, making the market extremely niche and politically sensitive.
- Covers
- Aircraft carrier catapults
- Steam catapult systems
- Electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS)
- Arrestor wires
- Arrestor engines
- Deck-arrestor gear components
- Launch bar assemblies
- Examples
- EMALS (Electromagnetic Aircraft Launch System)
- Steam Catapult (C-13)
- Mark 7 Arresting Gear
- F/A-18 launch bar
- aircraft carrier deck equipment
Codes often confused with 8805.10
Common mistake. This code could be confused with general aircraft parts (8807) or even ground support equipment (8479) if the specific function of launching or arresting aircraft is not emphasized. It's distinct due to its direct role in aircraft flight operations from a fixed or mobile platform.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 880510, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 880510 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Egypt, with 88% of world imports. Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $174M 32% of world exports
- 2 Spain $113M 21% of world exports
- 3 Egypt $90M 17% of world exports
World total: $538M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Egypt $1.4B 88% of world imports
- 2 Japan $60M 3.9% of world imports
- 3 Singapore $11M 0.7% of world imports
Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.6B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 8805.10
Brazil does not split HS 8805.10: its NCM code is 8805.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 88.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8805.10
What is HS code 880510?
HS code 880510 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Aircraft launching gear, deck-arrestor or similar gear and parts thereof. This specialized HS code pertains to the critical infrastructure and equipment used for launching and recovering aircraft, primarily on aircraft carriers or specialized airfields. It encompasses powerful catapult systems that accelerate aircraft to takeoff speed and arrestor gear designed to safely decelerate landing aircraft. The international trade in these goods is highly restricted and strategic, almost exclusively involving military procurement between allied nations. Major importers are countries operating or developing naval aviation capabilities, particularly those with aircraft carriers. Exporters are a very limited number of nations with advanced defense industries capable of designing and manufacturing such complex, high-stress machinery. Key things to know include the immense engineering challenges involved, the strategic importance for national defense, and the strict export controls and technology transfer regulations that govern these transactions. These systems are bespoke, incredibly expensive, and require extensive integration with naval vessel design, making the market extremely niche and politically sensitive.
What products fall under HS code 880510?
Aircraft carrier catapults, steam catapult systems, electromagnetic aircraft launch systems (EMALS), arrestor wires, arrestor engines, deck-arrestor gear components, launch bar assemblies
What are common misclassifications for HS code 880510?
This code could be confused with general aircraft parts (8807) or even ground support equipment (8479) if the specific function of launching or arresting aircraft is not emphasized. It's distinct due to its direct role in aircraft flight operations from a fixed or mobile platform.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 880510?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 880510 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($174M, 32% of world exports), Spain ($113M) and Egypt ($90M). World exports came to about $538M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 880510?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 880510 in UN Comtrade data were Egypt ($1.4B, 88% of world imports), Japan ($60M) and Singapore ($11M). World imports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $2.4B of its chapter 88 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 880510 structured?
HS code 880510 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (88) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 880510?
In Brazil, HS code 880510 is NCM 8805.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.