Product classification
HS code for Cargo ship: 8901.90
Vessels, n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods.
Classification of cargo ship under HS 8901.90
Cargo ships are classified under HS code 8901.90, which is situated in Chapter 89, covering ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 89.01 is dedicated to cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges, and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods. While specific subheadings exist for tankers (8901.20) and refrigerated vessels (8901.30), the subheading 8901.90 serves as a "catch-all" or residual category for other vessels designed for the transport of goods, as well as those designed for the transport of both persons and goods. This includes general cargo vessels, dry bulk carriers, and container ships that do not fit into the more specific subheadings. The classification is determined by the vessel's design and primary intended use. Under the General Interpretative Rules, specifically GRI 1 and 6, the vessel is classified according to the terms of the heading and subheadings. Documentation such as the builder's certificate, vessel registry, or International Tonnage Certificate is typically used to confirm the vessel's specifications and appropriate classification. It is important to note that vessels designed for specific tasks other than transport, such as fishing vessels (8902), tugs (8904), or light-vessels and dredgers (8905), are excluded from this heading. The classification 8901.90 is broad but strictly limited to transport-capable vessels. The condition of the vessel (new or used) does not change the HS code, though it may affect the valuation for customs purposes.
- Covers
- General cargo ships
- Dry bulk carriers
- Container ships
- Multi-purpose cargo vessels
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) cargo ships
- Also under 8901.90
- Maersk Triple E-class container ship
- Cosco Shipping's bulk carriers
- Grimaldi Lines' Ro-Ro vessels
- Spliethoff's heavy-lift ships
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen's car carriers
Codes often confused with 8901.90
Common mistake. Cargo ships are frequently misclassified with tankers (8901.20) or refrigerated vessels (8901.30). Another common error is classifying specialized vessels like offshore supply ships or cable layers under 89.01, when they should often be under 89.05 (floating structures with a specific function). Warships are also excluded and fall under 89.06.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890190 (the code used for cargo ship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890190 (the code used for cargo ship) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Marshall Islands, with about 19% 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 890190, not only cargo ship.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $34.5B 53% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $12.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.1B 12% of world exports
World total: $65.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Marshall Islands* ~$4.3B 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $2.8B 12% of world imports
- 3 France $2.5B 11% of world imports
World total: $22.6B 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 cargo ship
Brazil classifies cargo ship under NCM 8901.90.00: HS 8901.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about cargo ship
What is the HS code for Cargo ship?
The HS code for Cargo ship is 890190 (Vessels; n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods). The HS code for general cargo ships and other vessels for the transport of goods (excluding tankers and reefers) is 8901.90.
How do I classify Cargo ship for customs?
Cargo ship is classified under HS code 890190 — Vessels; n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are container ships classified under 8901.90?
Yes, container ships are typically classified under 8901.90 as they are vessels designed for the transport of goods and do not fall under the specific categories of tankers or refrigerated vessels.
Which countries are the top exporters of cargo ship (HS 890190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890190 (the code used for cargo ship) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34.5B, 53% of world exports), South Korea ($12.5B) and Japan ($8.1B). World exports came to about $65.2B, 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 cargo ship (HS 890190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890190 (the code used for cargo ship) in UN Comtrade data were the Marshall Islands (about $4.3B, 19% of world imports), Denmark ($2.8B) and France ($2.5B). World imports came to about $22.6B, 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.
Is the HS code for Cargo ship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890190 for Cargo ship 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 cargo ship in Brazil?
In Brazil, cargo ship (HS 890190) is classified under NCM 8901.90.00.