HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8805.21 – Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; air combat simulators and parts thereof
HS code 8805.21 is the 6-digit subheading for ground flying trainers and parts thereof, air combat simulators and parts thereof. It is used for F-35 air combat simulator, eurofighter Typhoon combat trainer, full-mission air combat simulators, dome projection systems for combat training and motion platforms for combat simulators.
What HS 8805.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers sophisticated ground-based training systems designed to simulate air combat scenarios for pilots. These trainers are crucial for military aviation, allowing pilots to practice complex maneuvers, engage in simulated dogfights, and develop tactical skills without the risks and costs associated with actual flight. The international trade in these simulators is driven by defense ministries and air forces globally, seeking to enhance pilot readiness and reduce training expenses. Major importers are often countries investing heavily in their air defense capabilities or modernizing their pilot training programs. Exporters are typically advanced defense contractors and simulation technology companies located in nations with strong aerospace and software engineering sectors. Key aspects of this trade include the high fidelity of the simulation, integration with real-world aircraft systems, and the constant need for software updates to reflect evolving threats and aircraft capabilities. These are high-value, technologically intensive products subject to export controls.
- Covers
- F-35 air combat simulator
- Eurofighter Typhoon combat trainer
- Full-mission air combat simulators
- Dome projection systems for combat training
- Motion platforms for combat simulators
- Instructor operating stations for combat trainers
- Examples
- CAE F-35 Full Mission Simulator
- L3Harris F/A-18 Tactical Operational Flight Trainer
- Boeing F-15E Mission Training System
- Thales A400M Full Flight Simulator (for combat variants)
Codes often confused with 8805.21
Common mistake. This code is distinct from other ground flying trainers (880529) by its specific focus on "air combat." Confusion might arise with general flight simulators (880529) if the combat aspect isn't clearly defined, or with video game consoles (9504) if the professional, high-fidelity nature is overlooked.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 880521, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 880521 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 40% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $198M 67% of world exports
- 2 Canada $47M 16% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $26M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $297M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 New Zealand $182M 40% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 17% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $72M 16% of world imports
World total: $449M 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 8805.21
Brazil does not split HS 8805.21: its NCM code is 8805.21.00.
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 8805.21
What is HS code 880521?
HS code 880521 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; air combat simulators and parts thereof. This HS code specifically covers sophisticated ground-based training systems designed to simulate air combat scenarios for pilots. These trainers are crucial for military aviation, allowing pilots to practice complex maneuvers, engage in simulated dogfights, and develop tactical skills without the risks and costs associated with actual flight. The international trade in these simulators is driven by defense ministries and air forces globally, seeking to enhance pilot readiness and reduce training expenses. Major importers are often countries investing heavily in their air defense capabilities or modernizing their pilot training programs. Exporters are typically advanced defense contractors and simulation technology companies located in nations with strong aerospace and software engineering sectors. Key aspects of this trade include the high fidelity of the simulation, integration with real-world aircraft systems, and the constant need for software updates to reflect evolving threats and aircraft capabilities. These are high-value, technologically intensive products subject to export controls.
What products fall under HS code 880521?
F-35 air combat simulator, Eurofighter Typhoon combat trainer, full-mission air combat simulators, dome projection systems for combat training, motion platforms for combat simulators, instructor operating stations for combat trainers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 880521?
This code is distinct from other ground flying trainers (880529) by its specific focus on "air combat." Confusion might arise with general flight simulators (880529) if the combat aspect isn't clearly defined, or with video game consoles (9504) if the professional, high-fidelity nature is overlooked.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 880521?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 880521 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($198M, 67% of world exports), Canada ($47M) and Switzerland ($26M). World exports came to about $297M, 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 880521?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 880521 in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($182M, 40% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and Indonesia ($72M). World imports came to about $449M, 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 880521 structured?
HS code 880521 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 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 880521?
In Brazil, HS code 880521 is NCM 8805.21.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.