HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8905.20 – Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms
HS code 8905.20 is the 6-digit subheading for floating or submersible drilling or production platforms. It is used for semi-submersible drilling rigs, jack-up drilling rigs, drillships, floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units and tension-leg platforms (TLPs).
What HS 8905.20 covers
This category covers highly specialized marine structures used in the offshore oil and gas industry for exploration, drilling, and production of hydrocarbons. These platforms can be floating (e.g., semi-submersibles, drillships, FPSOs) or submersible (e.g., jack-up rigs). International trade in these assets is characterized by extremely high values, complex engineering, and long project timelines. Major exporters are specialized shipyards and heavy fabrication yards, predominantly in Asia and Europe, with expertise in constructing these massive, technologically advanced structures. Importers are global oil and gas companies, drilling contractors, and energy consortia operating in offshore fields worldwide. Key trade considerations include deepwater capabilities, harsh environment resilience, safety standards, environmental regulations, and the integration of advanced drilling and processing equipment. The market is heavily influenced by global energy demand, oil prices, and technological advancements in offshore exploration.
- Covers
- Semi-submersible drilling rigs
- Jack-up drilling rigs
- Drillships
- Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units
- Tension-leg platforms (TLPs)
- Spar platforms
- Production platforms (floating)
- Examples
- Transocean Deepwater Horizon (drillship type)
- Noble Globetrotter II (drillship)
- Shell Prelude FLNG (FPSO type)
- Maersk Invincible (jack-up rig)
- BP Thunder Horse PDQ (semi-submersible)
Codes often confused with 8905.20
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 890590 (other special purpose vessels) if the platform's specific drilling or production function is not clearly defined, or 890190 (other vessels for transport) if a drillship is mistaken for a cargo vessel.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890520, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890520 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 38% 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 China $7.0B 57% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.4B 11% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $780M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $12.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $5.2B 38% of world imports
- 2 Congo* ~$2.2B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Australia $1.9B 14% of world imports
World total: $13.5B 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 8905.20
Brazil does not split HS 8905.20: its NCM code is 8905.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 89.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8905.20
What is HS code 890520?
HS code 890520 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms. This category covers highly specialized marine structures used in the offshore oil and gas industry for exploration, drilling, and production of hydrocarbons. These platforms can be floating (e.g., semi-submersibles, drillships, FPSOs) or submersible (e.g., jack-up rigs). International trade in these assets is characterized by extremely high values, complex engineering, and long project timelines. Major exporters are specialized shipyards and heavy fabrication yards, predominantly in Asia and Europe, with expertise in constructing these massive, technologically advanced structures. Importers are global oil and gas companies, drilling contractors, and energy consortia operating in offshore fields worldwide. Key trade considerations include deepwater capabilities, harsh environment resilience, safety standards, environmental regulations, and the integration of advanced drilling and processing equipment. The market is heavily influenced by global energy demand, oil prices, and technological advancements in offshore exploration.
What products fall under HS code 890520?
Semi-submersible drilling rigs, Jack-up drilling rigs, Drillships, Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units, Tension-leg platforms (TLPs), Spar platforms, Production platforms (floating)
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890520?
This code might be confused with 890590 (other special purpose vessels) if the platform's specific drilling or production function is not clearly defined, or 890190 (other vessels for transport) if a drillship is mistaken for a cargo vessel.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890520?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890520 in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.0B, 57% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.4B) and Singapore ($780M). World exports came to about $12.2B, 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 890520?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890520 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($5.2B, 38% of world imports), Congo (about $2.2B) and Australia ($1.9B). World imports came to about $13.5B, 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 890520 structured?
HS code 890520 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (89) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 890520?
In Brazil, HS code 890520 is NCM 8905.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.