Product classification
HS code for Chemical tanker: 8901.20
Tankers.
Classification of chemical tanker under HS 8901.20
The classification of a chemical tanker under HS code 8901.20 is a precise process governed by the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the specific definitions found in the Harmonized System's Chapter 89. Heading 8901 is dedicated to vessels designed for the transport of persons or goods, and subheading 8901.20 is the specific designation for tankers. To be classified here, a vessel must be primarily designed and constructed for the carriage of liquids or gases in bulk. Chemical tankers are a specialized subset of this category, built to transport hazardous or sensitive liquid chemicals. These ships are engineered with unique features such as stainless steel tanks, specialized internal coatings (like epoxy or zinc silicate), and sophisticated cargo segregation systems to prevent the mixing of incompatible substances. The classification is determined by the vessel's permanent structural characteristics, such as its hull design, tank configuration, and pumping systems, rather than the specific cargo it happens to be carrying at the time of inspection. This ensures that even if a chemical tanker is temporarily carrying vegetable oil or water, it remains classified as a tanker under 8901.20 due to its inherent design for bulk liquid transport.
- Covers
- IMO Type 1, 2, and 3 chemical tankers
- Parcel tankers for multiple chemical cargoes
- Product tankers designed for refined petroleum and chemicals
- Liquid chemical barges (self-propelled)
- Methanol and acid carriers
- Also under 8901.20
- VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)
- Suezmax tanker
- Aframax tanker
- Q-Max LNG carrier
- Stolt Tankers' chemical carriers
Codes often confused with 8901.20
Common mistake. Chemical tankers are sometimes misclassified under HS code 8901.90, which is the residual category for other vessels for the transport of goods (such as bulk carriers or container ships). The distinction is that 8901.90 is for dry cargo, while 8901.20 is strictly for liquid or gas tankers. Another error occurs when classifying floating storage units (FSUs) or floating production storage and offloading units (FPSOs) under 8901.20; these are actually classified under 8905.90 because their primary function is storage or production rather than transport. Finally, gas carriers (LNG/LPG) are correctly placed in 8901.20, but are often confused with general cargo ships.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890120 (the code used for chemical tanker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890120 (the code used for chemical tanker) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 34% 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 890120, not only chemical tanker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $13.5B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $12.6B 39% of world exports
- 3 Japan $2.1B 6.5% of world exports
World total: $32.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $6.4B 34% of world imports
- 2 Marshall Islands* ~$6.0B 32% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $1.4B 7.4% of world imports
World total: $18.9B 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 chemical tanker
Brazil classifies chemical tanker under NCM 8901.20.00: HS 8901.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about chemical tanker
What is the HS code for Chemical tanker?
The HS code for Chemical tanker is 890120 (Tankers). The HS code for tankers, including those designed for chemical transport, is 8901.20.
How do I classify Chemical tanker for customs?
Chemical tanker is classified under HS code 890120 — Tankers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include non-self-propelled chemical barges?
No, non-self-propelled vessels are generally classified under 8901.20 only if they are designed for transport; however, many barges fall under 8901.90 or 8905 depending on their specific design and lack of propulsion.
Which countries are the top exporters of chemical tanker (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890120 (the code used for chemical tanker) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($13.5B, 42% of world exports), China ($12.6B) and Japan ($2.1B). World exports came to about $32.4B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of chemical tanker (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890120 (the code used for chemical tanker) in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.4B, 34% of world imports), the Marshall Islands (about $6.0B) and South Korea ($1.4B). World imports came to about $18.9B, 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 Chemical tanker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890120 for Chemical tanker 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 chemical tanker in Brazil?
In Brazil, chemical tanker (HS 890120) is classified under NCM 8901.20.00.