HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8906.10 – Vessels; warships
HS code 8906.10 is the 6-digit subheading for vessels, warships. It is used for aircraft carriers, destroyers, frigates, submarines and corvettes.
What HS 8906.10 covers
This HS code specifically covers warships, which are vessels designed and built for military purposes. International trade in these highly specialized and strategic assets is primarily conducted between governments or through state-controlled entities. The market is characterized by long procurement cycles, high values, and significant geopolitical implications. Major naval powers like the USA, Russia, China, France, and the UK are key exporters, while importers are often nations seeking to modernize or expand their defense capabilities. Trade often involves complex technology transfer agreements, extensive training, and long-term support contracts. These vessels represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering and defense technology, making their trade a sensitive and regulated sector of global commerce. The demand is driven by national security concerns, regional power dynamics, and the need for maritime presence and projection.
- Covers
- Aircraft carriers
- Destroyers
- Frigates
- Submarines
- Corvettes
- Amphibious assault ships
- Patrol vessels
- Examples
- USS Gerald R. Ford (aircraft carrier)
- Type 45 Destroyer (UK)
- FREMM Frigate (France/Italy)
- Kilo-class Submarine (Russia)
- Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer (USA)
Codes often confused with 8906.10
Common mistake. This code could be confused with 8901 (cruise ships, cargo ships) or 890690 (other vessels) if the military purpose is not clearly identified. The key differentiator is the explicit designation as a 'warship' for defense operations.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890610, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890610 in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 79% 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 South Korea $493M 83% of world exports
- 2 United States $59M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$24M 4.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $591M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $535M 79% of world imports
- 2 Romania $51M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Poland $40M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $675M 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 8906.10
Brazil does not split HS 8906.10: its NCM code is 8906.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 89.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8906.10
What is HS code 890610?
HS code 890610 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vessels; warships. This HS code specifically covers warships, which are vessels designed and built for military purposes. International trade in these highly specialized and strategic assets is primarily conducted between governments or through state-controlled entities. The market is characterized by long procurement cycles, high values, and significant geopolitical implications. Major naval powers like the USA, Russia, China, France, and the UK are key exporters, while importers are often nations seeking to modernize or expand their defense capabilities. Trade often involves complex technology transfer agreements, extensive training, and long-term support contracts. These vessels represent the pinnacle of maritime engineering and defense technology, making their trade a sensitive and regulated sector of global commerce. The demand is driven by national security concerns, regional power dynamics, and the need for maritime presence and projection.
What products fall under HS code 890610?
Aircraft carriers, Destroyers, Frigates, Submarines, Corvettes, Amphibious assault ships, Patrol vessels
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890610?
This code could be confused with 8901 (cruise ships, cargo ships) or 890690 (other vessels) if the military purpose is not clearly identified. The key differentiator is the explicit designation as a 'warship' for defense operations.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890610?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890610 in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($493M, 83% of world exports), the United States ($59M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $24M). World exports came to about $591M, 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 890610?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890610 in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($535M, 79% of world imports), Romania ($51M) and Poland ($40M). World imports came to about $675M, 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 890610 structured?
HS code 890610 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (89) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) 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 890610?
In Brazil, HS code 890610 is NCM 8906.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.