Product classification
HS code for Boat propeller: 8487.10
Ships' or boats' propellers and blades therefor.
Classification of boat propeller under HS 8487.10
Boat propellers are critical mechanical components designed to provide propulsion for vessels by converting rotational motion into thrust. Their classification under HS code 8487.10 is determined by their specific function and nature as a part of a mechanical appliance. Chapter 84 of the Harmonized System encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances, along with parts thereof. Subheading 8487.10 is highly specific, directly stating "Ships' or boats' propellers and blades therefor." This precise description leaves no ambiguity regarding the classification of these essential marine propulsion devices, distinguishing them from general machinery parts or raw material components.
- Covers
- Marine propellers for ships and boats
- Individual propeller blades for marine vessels
- Outboard motor propellers
- Inboard propeller units
- Stern drive propellers
- Also under 8487.10
- Wärtsilä Controllable Pitch Propellers
- Rolls-Royce Promas Propellers
- Mercury Marine Propellers
- Volvo Penta IPS
- Schottel Rudderpropellers
Codes often confused with 8487.10
Common mistake. One common area of misclassification involves HS 8409.91, which covers "Parts suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 8407 or 8408." While a propeller is integral to an engine's propulsion system, HS 8487.10 is a more specific and therefore takes precedence for the propeller itself. The general engine parts code would apply to components like pistons or crankshafts, but not the propeller. Another potential confusion could be with general metal articles codes, such as HS 7325 for "Other cast articles of iron or steel," if the propeller is made of metal. However, the functional specificity of 8487.10 overrides a material-based classification for a finished, functional component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848710 (the code used for boat propeller), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848710 (the code used for boat propeller) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 35% 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 848710, not only boat propeller.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $413M 28% of world exports
- 2 Japan $179M 12% of world exports
- 3 Germany $155M 10% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $486M 35% of world imports
- 2 United States $75M 5.5% of world imports
- 3 South Korea $66M 4.8% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 boat propeller
Brazil classifies boat propeller under NCM 8487.10.00: HS 8487.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about boat propeller
What is the HS code for Boat propeller?
The HS code for Boat propeller is 848710 (Ships' or boats' propellers and blades therefor). The HS code for boat propellers, including their blades, is 8487.10.
How do I classify Boat propeller for customs?
Boat propeller is classified under HS code 848710 — Ships' or boats' propellers and blades therefor. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are individual propeller blades classified under the same code as complete propellers?
Yes, the HS code 8487.10 explicitly includes "Ships' or boats' propellers and blades therefor," meaning individual blades are classified under the same code as complete propeller units.
Which countries are the top exporters of boat propeller (HS 848710)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848710 (the code used for boat propeller) in UN Comtrade data were China ($413M, 28% of world exports), Japan ($179M) and Germany ($155M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of boat propeller (HS 848710)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848710 (the code used for boat propeller) in UN Comtrade data were China ($486M, 35% of world imports), the United States ($75M) and South Korea ($66M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Boat propeller the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848710 for Boat propeller 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 boat propeller in Brazil?
In Brazil, boat propeller (HS 848710) is classified under NCM 8487.10.00.