Product classification
HS code for Container house: 9406.20
Buildings, modular building units, of steel.
Classification of container house under HS 9406.20
A container house is classified under HS code 9406.20, which specifically identifies modular building units of steel. This classification is based on the product's identity as a prefabricated building rather than its origin as a shipping container. According to the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 94, prefabricated buildings are defined as structures that are finished in the factory or put up as elements, presented together, to be assembled on-site. While the structural shell may be a steel shipping container, the addition of insulation, internal walls, flooring, electrical wiring, and plumbing transforms the item from a transport vessel into a habitable structure. The Harmonized System updated its nomenclature to include 9406.20 to better categorize the growing industry of modular steel buildings. The classification applies regardless of whether the unit is intended for use as a residence, an office, or a commercial kiosk, provided it meets the criteria of being a modular unit designed for permanent or semi-permanent placement.
- Covers
- Shipping container homes and residential units
- Modular steel office containers
- Prefabricated steel pop-up shops and cafes
- Portable steel medical clinics
- Modular steel worker accommodation units
- Steel-framed prefabricated classrooms
- Also under 9406.20
- Portakabin modular buildings
- ATCO Structures & Logistics units
- Algeco steel modules
- Karmod prefabricated steel buildings
- Boxman Studios container structures
Codes often confused with 9406.20
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification for a container house is HS code 8609.00, which covers containers specially designed and equipped for carriage by one or more modes of transport. If a container has been modified for habitation, it loses its primary character as a transport vessel and must be moved to 9406.20. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 7308.90, which covers structures and parts of structures of iron or steel. However, because the item is a complete building unit, the specific heading for prefabricated buildings (9406) is legally required over the general heading for steel structures.
Top exporters and importers of HS 940620 (the code used for container house), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 940620 (the code used for container house) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 29% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 13% 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 940620, not only container house.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $475M 29% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $210M 13% of world exports
- 3 Slovenia $129M 8.0% of world exports
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $226M 13% of world imports
- 2 Germany $162M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $137M 7.9% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 container house
Brazil classifies container house under NCM 9406.20.00: HS 9406.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
EU Regulatory Requirements
This product category is subject to the EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR). Importers must provide due diligence statements proving the product was not produced on deforested land after December 31, 2020.
This product is covered by the EU Timber Regulation (EUTR), requiring operators to exercise due diligence to minimize the risk of placing illegally harvested timber on the EU market.
Questions about container house
What is the HS code for Container house?
The HS code for Container house is 940620 (Buildings; modular building units, of steel). The correct HS code for a container house or a modular building unit made of steel is 9406.20.
How do I classify Container house for customs?
Container house is classified under HS code 940620 — Buildings; modular building units, of steel. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a container house be classified as a vehicle?
No, even if it is portable, a container house is classified as a prefabricated building under 9406.20, not as a vehicle or trailer.
Which countries are the top exporters of container house (HS 940620)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 940620 (the code used for container house) in UN Comtrade data were China ($475M, 29% of world exports), Czechia ($210M) and Slovenia ($129M). 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 container house (HS 940620)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 940620 (the code used for container house) in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($226M, 13% of world imports), Germany ($162M) and Saudi Arabia ($137M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Container house the same in all countries?
The base HS code 940620 for Container house 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 container house in Brazil?
In Brazil, container house (HS 940620) is classified under NCM 9406.20.00.