Product classification
HS code for Air combat simulators: 8805.21
Ground flying trainers and parts thereof, air combat simulators and parts thereof.
Classification of air combat simulators under HS 8805.21
Air combat simulators are classified under HS code 8805.21 because they are specifically designed as ground flying trainers. This code falls within Chapter 88, which covers aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. The classification is determined by the primary function of the device: providing a simulated environment for flight training and combat maneuvers without the aircraft actually leaving the ground. These systems typically incorporate complex mechanical, electronic, and software components to replicate the cockpit environment, flight dynamics, and weapon systems of military aircraft. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, the heading 8805 specifically names ground flying trainers. Subheading 8805.21 further specifies air combat simulators and parts thereof. This classification applies regardless of whether the simulator is used for pilot training, tactical mission rehearsal, or engineering evaluation, provided it is a professional-grade ground-based system designed to simulate flight.
- Covers
- Full-motion flight simulators
- Cockpit procedure trainers (CPT)
- Weapon system trainers (WST)
- Tactical mission simulators
- Parts for simulators such as specialized control yokes and simulated instrument panels
- Also under 8805.21
- CAE F-35 Full Mission Simulator
- L3Harris F/A-18 Tactical Operational Flight Trainer
- Boeing F-15E Mission Training System
- Thales A400M Full Flight Simulator (for combat variants)
Codes often confused with 8805.21
Common mistake. Air combat simulators are frequently confused with video game hardware classified under HS code 9504.50. While both may involve flight simulation, 9504.50 is reserved for entertainment and consumer-grade consoles, whereas 8805.21 is for professional training equipment. Another common error is using HS code 9023.00, which covers instruments and apparatus designed for demonstrational purposes. However, because simulators are functional trainers for aircraft operation, heading 8805 takes precedence as the more specific classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880521 (the code used for air combat simulators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880521 (the code used for air combat simulators) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 67% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was New Zealand, with 40% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880521, not only air combat simulators.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $198M 67% of world exports
- 2 Canada $47M 16% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $26M 8.8% of world exports
World total: $297M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 New Zealand $182M 40% of world imports
- 2 United States $74M 17% of world imports
- 3 Indonesia $72M 16% of world imports
World total: $449M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 air combat simulators
Brazil classifies air combat simulators under NCM 8805.21.00: HS 8805.21 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about air combat simulators
What is the HS code for Air combat simulators?
The HS code for Air combat simulators is 880521 (Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; air combat simulators and parts thereof). The specific HS code for air combat simulators and their parts is 8805.21.
How do I classify Air combat simulators for customs?
Air combat simulators is classified under HS code 880521 — Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; air combat simulators and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are software licenses for these simulators included in this code?
Generally, no. While the hardware is 8805.21, software provided on physical media or via download is often classified under heading 8523, depending on the specific nature of the media and regional customs rulings.
Which countries are the top exporters of air combat simulators (HS 880521)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880521 (the code used for air combat simulators) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($198M, 67% of world exports), Canada ($47M) and Switzerland ($26M). World exports came to about $297M, 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 air combat simulators (HS 880521)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880521 (the code used for air combat simulators) in UN Comtrade data were New Zealand ($182M, 40% of world imports), the United States ($74M) and Indonesia ($72M). World imports came to about $449M, 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.
Is the HS code for Air combat simulators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880521 for Air combat simulators is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for air combat simulators in Brazil?
In Brazil, air combat simulators (HS 880521) is classified under NCM 8805.21.00.