HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8908.00 – Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up
HS code 8908.00 is the 6-digit subheading for vessels and other floating structures, for breaking up. It is used for end-of-life cargo ships, decommissioned oil tankers, scrapped passenger ferries, obsolete naval vessels and retired offshore platforms.
What HS 8908.00 covers
This unique HS code specifically covers vessels and other floating structures that are traded for the sole purpose of being broken up, meaning for ship recycling or scrapping. This trade is a crucial part of the maritime industry's end-of-life cycle, where materials like steel, non-ferrous metals, and reusable equipment are recovered. It is a highly regulated sector due to significant environmental concerns (e.g., hazardous materials like asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals) and labor safety issues. Major ship-breaking nations import these vessels, often purchasing them from shipowners globally at the end of their operational lives. The value of these imports is primarily derived from the recoverable scrap metal and components, offset by the costs associated with safe and environmentally compliant dismantling. This trade highlights the global flow of materials and the challenges of sustainable industrial practices.
- Covers
- End-of-life cargo ships
- Decommissioned oil tankers
- Scrapped passenger ferries
- Obsolete naval vessels
- Retired offshore platforms
- Old fishing trawlers
- Bulk carriers for recycling
- Examples
- MV Blue Lady (former passenger ship)
- USS Enterprise (aircraft carrier, for recycling)
- Maersk Alabama (container ship, for recycling)
- various bulk carriers at end of service
Codes often confused with 8908.00
Common mistake. This code is distinct and should not be confused with other vessel codes (e.g., 8901-8907) as it specifically denotes the *purpose* of the vessel's trade – for breaking up, not for operational use. The 'for breaking up' clause is critical for classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 890800, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 890800 in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 70% 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 Nigeria $29M 38% of world exports
- 2 Italy $15M 19% of world exports
- 3 Togo* ~$5.6M 7.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $76M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $662M 70% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $189M 20% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $59M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $946M 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 8908.00
Brazil does not split HS 8908.00: its NCM code is 8908.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 89.08 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8908.00
What is HS code 890800?
HS code 890800 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up. This unique HS code specifically covers vessels and other floating structures that are traded for the sole purpose of being broken up, meaning for ship recycling or scrapping. This trade is a crucial part of the maritime industry's end-of-life cycle, where materials like steel, non-ferrous metals, and reusable equipment are recovered. It is a highly regulated sector due to significant environmental concerns (e.g., hazardous materials like asbestos, PCBs, heavy metals) and labor safety issues. Major ship-breaking nations import these vessels, often purchasing them from shipowners globally at the end of their operational lives. The value of these imports is primarily derived from the recoverable scrap metal and components, offset by the costs associated with safe and environmentally compliant dismantling. This trade highlights the global flow of materials and the challenges of sustainable industrial practices.
What products fall under HS code 890800?
End-of-life cargo ships, Decommissioned oil tankers, Scrapped passenger ferries, Obsolete naval vessels, Retired offshore platforms, Old fishing trawlers, Bulk carriers for recycling
What are common misclassifications for HS code 890800?
This code is distinct and should not be confused with other vessel codes (e.g., 8901-8907) as it specifically denotes the *purpose* of the vessel's trade – for breaking up, not for operational use. The 'for breaking up' clause is critical for classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 890800?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 890800 in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($29M, 38% of world exports), Italy ($15M) and Togo (about $5.6M). World exports came to about $76M, 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 890800?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 890800 in UN Comtrade data were India ($662M, 70% of world imports), Türkiye ($189M) and Pakistan ($59M). World imports came to about $946M, 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 890800 structured?
HS code 890800 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (89) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (08) 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 890800?
In Brazil, HS code 890800 is NCM 8908.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.