Product classification
HS code for Commercial aircraft: 8802.40
Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned, of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg.
Classification of commercial aircraft under HS 8802.40
Commercial aircraft with an unladen weight exceeding 15,000 kg are classified under HS code 880240. Chapter 88 covers aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. Heading 8802 is for "other aircraft" (for example, helicopters or airplanes), excluding unmanned aircraft which fall under heading 8806. The subheading 880240 is specifically defined by a weight threshold. "Unladen weight" is a technical term referring to the weight of the machine in normal flying order, including all permanently fixed equipment but excluding the weight of the crew, fuel, and non-fixed equipment (such as removable catering supplies or luggage). This code typically encompasses large narrow-body and wide-body commercial airliners used by international and domestic airlines for passenger and cargo transport. The classification is strictly based on the weight of the aircraft rather than its intended use; therefore, a large private jet exceeding this weight would also fall under this code. Accurate weight documentation is required for customs clearance to ensure the aircraft is not placed in a lower weight category, which could affect duty rates and regulatory compliance.
- Covers
- Large passenger jet airliners (e.g., Boeing 737, 777, 787 and Airbus A320, A350, A380)
- Heavy cargo transport aircraft for logistics
- Large regional jets with an unladen weight exceeding 15,000 kg
- Multi-engine commercial transport planes
- Large tankers or specialized heavy-lift aircraft
- Also under 8802.40
- Boeing 737
- Airbus A320
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner
- Airbus A350
- Boeing 747 Freighter
- Lockheed C-130 Hercules (larger variants)
Codes often confused with 8802.40
Common mistake. This code is frequently confused with 880230, which covers airplanes with an unladen weight between 2,000 kg and 15,000 kg. It is also distinct from 880212, which is reserved for large helicopters. Furthermore, unmanned aircraft (drones) are now classified under heading 8806 regardless of weight. Parts for these aircraft are not classified here but under heading 8807.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880240 (the code used for commercial aircraft), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880240 (the code used for commercial aircraft) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 35% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Ireland, with 18% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880240, not only commercial aircraft.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $30.8B 35% of world exports
- 2 Germany $25.2B 29% of world exports
- 3 Canada $6.8B 7.8% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $87.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Ireland $20.5B 18% of world imports
- 2 China $13.8B 12% of world imports
- 3 India $9.9B 8.9% of world imports
World total: $111.0B 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 codes for commercial aircraft
Brazil splits HS 8802.40 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8802.40.10Turboprop aeroplanes over 15 t unladen
- 8802.40.90Jets and other aircraft over 15 t unladen
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about commercial aircraft
What is the HS code for Commercial aircraft?
The HS code for Commercial aircraft is 880240 (Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned; of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg).
How do I classify Commercial aircraft for customs?
Commercial aircraft is classified under HS code 880240 — Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned; of an unladen weight exceeding 15,000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a commercial jet?
The HS code is 880240, provided the aircraft's unladen weight exceeds 15,000 kg.
What is unladen weight in aircraft classification?
It is the weight of the aircraft in normal flying order, including all fixed equipment and instruments, but excluding fuel, payload, and crew.
Which countries are the top exporters of commercial aircraft (HS 880240)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880240 (the code used for commercial aircraft) in UN Comtrade data were France ($30.8B, 35% of world exports), Germany ($25.2B) and Canada ($6.8B). World exports came to about $87.0B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of commercial aircraft (HS 880240)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880240 (the code used for commercial aircraft) in UN Comtrade data were Ireland ($20.5B, 18% of world imports), China ($13.8B) and India ($9.9B). World imports came to about $111.0B, 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 Commercial aircraft the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880240 for Commercial aircraft 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 commercial aircraft in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 880240 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for commercial aircraft depends on the product's details: 8802.40.10 (Turboprop aeroplanes over 15 t unladen), 8802.40.90 (Jets and other aircraft over 15 t unladen).