HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8901.30 – Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers
HS code 8901.30 is the 6-digit subheading for vessels, refrigerated, other than tankers. It is used for reefer ships, refrigerated cargo vessels, fruit carriers, fish carriers (non-processing) and temperature-controlled container ships (if dedicated).
What HS 8901.30 covers
This HS code covers refrigerated vessels, excluding tankers, which are specifically designed for the transport of perishable goods requiring temperature control, such as fresh produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals. These specialized ships are vital for maintaining the global cold chain, enabling the international trade of sensitive commodities. Specialized shipping companies, large food distributors, and pharmaceutical logistics firms are key players in importing and operating these vessels. Critical considerations include sophisticated refrigeration systems, precise temperature monitoring capabilities, rapid transit times, and strict hygiene standards to preserve cargo quality. The trade is driven by global food security, consumer demand for fresh products, and the expansion of international pharmaceutical supply lines.
- Covers
- Reefer ships
- Refrigerated cargo vessels
- Fruit carriers
- Fish carriers (non-processing)
- Temperature-controlled container ships (if dedicated)
- Frozen meat carriers
- Examples
- Seatrade's Green Andes
- Star Reefers' Star Best
- Cool Carriers' Cool Express
- Dole's refrigerated container ships
- Lauritzen Cool's reefer fleet
Codes often confused with 8901.30
Common mistake. This category is distinct from 890120 (tankers for liquid bulk) and 890190 (general cargo vessels), as its defining feature is the integrated refrigeration system for solid perishables.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890130, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890130 in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 49% 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 Japan $254M 87% of world exports
- 2 China $27M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $7.1M 2.4% of world exports
World total: $294M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $14M 49% of world imports
- 2 Japan $7.4M 25% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $4.5M 15% of world imports
World total: $29M 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 8901.30
Brazil does not split HS 8901.30: its NCM code is 8901.30.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 89.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8901.30
What is HS code 890130?
HS code 890130 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers. This HS code covers refrigerated vessels, excluding tankers, which are specifically designed for the transport of perishable goods requiring temperature control, such as fresh produce, frozen foods, and pharmaceuticals. These specialized ships are vital for maintaining the global cold chain, enabling the international trade of sensitive commodities. Specialized shipping companies, large food distributors, and pharmaceutical logistics firms are key players in importing and operating these vessels. Critical considerations include sophisticated refrigeration systems, precise temperature monitoring capabilities, rapid transit times, and strict hygiene standards to preserve cargo quality. The trade is driven by global food security, consumer demand for fresh products, and the expansion of international pharmaceutical supply lines.
What products fall under HS code 890130?
Reefer ships, refrigerated cargo vessels, fruit carriers, fish carriers (non-processing), temperature-controlled container ships (if dedicated), frozen meat carriers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890130?
This category is distinct from 890120 (tankers for liquid bulk) and 890190 (general cargo vessels), as its defining feature is the integrated refrigeration system for solid perishables.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890130?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890130 in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($254M, 87% of world exports), China ($27M) and Lithuania ($7.1M). World exports came to about $294M, 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 890130?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890130 in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($14M, 49% of world imports), Japan ($7.4M) and Türkiye ($4.5M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 890130 structured?
HS code 890130 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (89) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 890130?
In Brazil, HS code 890130 is NCM 8901.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.