HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8904.00 – Tugs and pusher craft
HS code 8904.00 is the 6-digit subheading for tugs and pusher craft. It is used for harbor tugs, ocean-going tugs, river push boats, salvage tugs and escort tugs.
What HS 8904.00 covers
This category encompasses specialized vessels designed for maneuvering other ships, barges, or floating structures by pushing or towing. Tugs are essential workhorses in ports, harbors, and inland waterways, providing critical assistance for docking, undocking, and navigating large vessels, as well as for salvage operations. Pusher craft are primarily used on rivers and canals to propel barge trains. International trade in these vessels is driven by the global shipping industry's need for efficient port operations and inland logistics. Major exporters are shipyards specializing in robust, high-horsepower marine construction, often found in countries with strong maritime traditions. Importers include port authorities, shipping companies, salvage operators, and inland waterway transport firms worldwide. Key factors in this trade include engine power, bollard pull, maneuverability, safety standards, and compliance with regional maritime regulations.
- Covers
- Harbor tugs
- Ocean-going tugs
- River push boats
- Salvage tugs
- Escort tugs
- Azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs
- Tractor tugs
- Examples
Damen ASD Tug 2810, Robert Allan Ltd. RAmparts 3200, Sanmar Bogacay Class, Crowley Resolution, Svitzer Hermod
Codes often confused with 8904.00
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 890190 (other vessels for transport of goods or persons) if their primary function as a workboat for maneuvering other vessels is overlooked, or 890590 (other special purpose vessels) if their specific role isn't recognized.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890400, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890400 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 28% 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 Saudi Arabia $755M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $538M 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $448M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$829M 28% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Thailand $299M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $252M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 8904.00
Brazil does not split HS 8904.00: its NCM code is 8904.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 89.04 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8904.00
What is HS code 890400?
HS code 890400 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tugs and pusher craft. This category encompasses specialized vessels designed for maneuvering other ships, barges, or floating structures by pushing or towing. Tugs are essential workhorses in ports, harbors, and inland waterways, providing critical assistance for docking, undocking, and navigating large vessels, as well as for salvage operations. Pusher craft are primarily used on rivers and canals to propel barge trains. International trade in these vessels is driven by the global shipping industry's need for efficient port operations and inland logistics. Major exporters are shipyards specializing in robust, high-horsepower marine construction, often found in countries with strong maritime traditions. Importers include port authorities, shipping companies, salvage operators, and inland waterway transport firms worldwide. Key factors in this trade include engine power, bollard pull, maneuverability, safety standards, and compliance with regional maritime regulations.
What products fall under HS code 890400?
Harbor tugs, Ocean-going tugs, River push boats, Salvage tugs, Escort tugs, Azimuth stern drive (ASD) tugs, Tractor tugs
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890400?
This code might be confused with 890190 (other vessels for transport of goods or persons) if their primary function as a workboat for maneuvering other vessels is overlooked, or 890590 (other special purpose vessels) if their specific role isn't recognized.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890400?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890400 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($755M, 21% of world exports), China ($538M) and Türkiye ($448M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 890400?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890400 in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $829M, 28% of world imports), Thailand ($299M) and India ($252M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 890400 structured?
HS code 890400 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (89) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (04) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 890400?
In Brazil, HS code 890400 is NCM 8904.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.