HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8906.90 – Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships
HS code 8906.90 is the 6-digit subheading for vessels, other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships. It is used for search and rescue vessels, pilot boats, research vessels, fireboats and buoy tenders.
What HS 8906.90 covers
This category encompasses a diverse range of specialized vessels that are not warships and do not fall under other specific headings like cargo or passenger ships. It includes vessels crucial for maritime safety, research, and specific industrial support, such as search and rescue boats, pilot boats, research vessels, and certain types of lifeboats (excluding rowing boats). International trade in these vessels is driven by the needs of maritime authorities, scientific institutions, offshore industries, and emergency services globally. Manufacturers often specialize in custom-built or highly engineered solutions, adhering to stringent international safety and operational standards. Importers typically include government agencies, port authorities, and private companies requiring specialized marine support. The market is niche but vital for maintaining maritime operations and safety worldwide.
- Covers
- Search and rescue vessels
- Pilot boats
- Research vessels
- Fireboats
- Buoy tenders
- Offshore supply vessels
- Large motor lifeboats
- Examples
- US Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter (FRC)
- Damen Stan Pilot 2205
- RV Neil Armstrong (research vessel)
- Viking Norsafe lifeboats
- Rolls-Royce UT 755 LC (OSV)
Codes often confused with 8906.90
Common mistake. Often confused with 8901 (passenger/cargo vessels) or 8903 (yachts/recreational boats) if their specific non-recreational, non-cargo, non-warship function isn't clearly defined. The distinction lies in their specialized operational roles.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890690, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890690 in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 $1.9B 26% of world exports
- 2 Norway $824M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $786M 11% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.6B 22% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.6B 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $979M 14% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 8906.90
Brazil does not split HS 8906.90: its NCM code is 8906.90.00.
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 8906.90
What is HS code 890690?
HS code 890690 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships. This category encompasses a diverse range of specialized vessels that are not warships and do not fall under other specific headings like cargo or passenger ships. It includes vessels crucial for maritime safety, research, and specific industrial support, such as search and rescue boats, pilot boats, research vessels, and certain types of lifeboats (excluding rowing boats). International trade in these vessels is driven by the needs of maritime authorities, scientific institutions, offshore industries, and emergency services globally. Manufacturers often specialize in custom-built or highly engineered solutions, adhering to stringent international safety and operational standards. Importers typically include government agencies, port authorities, and private companies requiring specialized marine support. The market is niche but vital for maintaining maritime operations and safety worldwide.
What products fall under HS code 890690?
Search and rescue vessels, Pilot boats, Research vessels, Fireboats, Buoy tenders, Offshore supply vessels, Large motor lifeboats
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890690?
Often confused with 8901 (passenger/cargo vessels) or 8903 (yachts/recreational boats) if their specific non-recreational, non-cargo, non-warship function isn't clearly defined. The distinction lies in their specialized operational roles.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890690?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890690 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.9B, 26% of world exports), Norway ($824M) and India ($786M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 890690?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890690 in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.6B, 22% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $1.6B) and India ($979M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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.
How is HS code 890690 structured?
HS code 890690 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 890690?
In Brazil, HS code 890690 is NCM 8906.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.