Product classification
HS code for Buoy: 8907.90
Floating structures, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons.
Classification of buoy under HS 8907.90
A buoy is classified under HS code 890790, which pertains to other floating structures. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System covers ships, boats, and other floating structures. Heading 8907 is specifically for "Other floating structures (for example, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons)." The subheading 890790 is the residual category for these structures and explicitly lists "buoys and beacons." This classification applies to various types of buoys, irrespective of their specific function, such as navigational aids, mooring points, or data collection platforms, as long as their primary character remains that of a floating structure.
- Covers
- Navigational buoys (e.g., channel markers, lateral buoys)
- Mooring buoys for vessels
- Weather buoys and oceanographic data collection buoys
- Marker buoys for fishing or diving
- Spar buoys and can buoys
- Special purpose buoys (e.g., for scientific research, aquaculture)
- Also under 8907.90
- Imodco CALM buoys
- Wärtsilä floating storage units
- Damen floating docks
- Trelleborg marine fenders
- US Coast Guard navigation buoys
Codes often confused with 8907.90
Common mistake. Common misclassifications for buoys often arise from their integrated electronic components or specific functions. Buoys are distinct from vessels designed for the transport of persons or goods, which fall under headings 8901-8906. While some buoys may contain sophisticated surveying instruments, the buoy itself as a floating structure is not classified under 9015 (surveying instruments). Similarly, despite having lights or sound for signalling, the buoy's primary classification is not under 853180 (other electrical sound or visual signalling apparatus), as the floating structure defines its essential character. The presence of such equipment is considered an accessory to the buoy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890790 (the code used for buoy), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890790 (the code used for buoy) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 41% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 12% 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 890790, not only buoy.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $637M 41% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $185M 12% of world exports
- 3 United States $120M 7.7% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $118M 12% of world imports
- 2 Norway $87M 8.4% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $54M 5.3% of world imports
World total: $1.0B 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 buoy
Brazil classifies buoy under NCM 8907.90.00: HS 8907.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about buoy
What is the HS code for Buoy?
The HS code for Buoy is 890790 (Floating structures; tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons). The HS code for a buoy is 890790, which covers other floating structures, specifically listing buoys and beacons.
How do I classify Buoy for customs?
Buoy is classified under HS code 890790 — Floating structures; tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are buoys with integrated electronic equipment classified under 890790?
Yes, buoys with integrated electronic equipment, such as for navigation or data collection, are generally classified under 890790, provided the buoy's primary character remains that of a floating structure. The electronic equipment is considered an accessory or component of the buoy.
Which countries are the top exporters of buoy (HS 890790)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890790 (the code used for buoy) in UN Comtrade data were China ($637M, 41% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($185M) and the United States ($120M). World exports came to about $1.6B, 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 buoy (HS 890790)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890790 (the code used for buoy) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($118M, 12% of world imports), Norway ($87M) and Saudi Arabia ($54M). World imports came to about $1.0B, 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 Buoy the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890790 for Buoy 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 buoy in Brazil?
In Brazil, buoy (HS 890790) is classified under NCM 8907.90.00.