Product classification

HS code for Cruise ship: 8901.10

Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of all kinds.

Classification of cruise ship under HS 8901.10

The classification of cruise ships under HS code 890110 is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Specifically, GRI 1 states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 89 covers ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8901 is designated for vessels for the transport of persons or goods. Within this heading, 890110 is the most specific subheading for cruise ships, excursion boats, and similar vessels principally designed for the transport of persons. This includes ferry-boats of all kinds. The primary characteristic of vessels in this category is their design for passenger accommodation and safety, often featuring multiple decks, cabins, dining areas, and entertainment facilities. Unlike cargo vessels, the internal volume is dedicated to human occupancy rather than freight. The classification remains 890110 even if the vessel has a secondary capacity to carry vehicles (as in the case of Ro-Pax ferries) or a limited amount of cargo, provided the principal design is for passenger transport.

Covers
  • Ocean-going cruise liners
  • River cruise vessels
  • Sightseeing and excursion boats
  • Passenger ferries and car ferries (Ro-Pax)
  • Hydrofoils and hovercraft for passenger transport
  • Cable ferries for person transport
Also under 8901.10
  • Royal Caribbean's Oasis of the Seas
  • Viking River Cruises' Viking Longships
  • BC Ferries' Spirit of British Columbia
  • P&O Ferries' Spirit of Britain
  • Carnival Cruise Line's Mardi Gras

Codes often confused with 8901.10

Common mistake. Cruise ships are frequently confused with yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports under HS code 8903. The distinction lies in the commercial nature and the scale of the vessel; 8903 is reserved for private pleasure craft. Additionally, floating hotels or restaurants that are not designed for navigation are classified under 8905. Vessels designed primarily for cargo with minor passenger capacity are classified under 890190.

89.03Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes89.05Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the navigability of which is subsidiary to main function; floating docks, floating, submersible drilling, production platforms8901.90Vessels; n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods

Top exporters and importers of HS 890110 (the code used for cruise ship), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890110 (the code used for cruise ship) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 43% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Bahamas, with about 28% 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 890110, not only cruise ship.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 France $9.0B
  2. 2 Italy $4.9B
  3. 3 Germany $3.5B

World total: $21.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Bahamas* ~$1.7B
  2. 2 Germany $1.3B
  3. 3 Malta $572M

World total: $5.9B 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 cruise ship

Brazil classifies cruise ship under NCM 8901.10.00: HS 8901.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about cruise ship

What is the HS code for Cruise ship?

The HS code for Cruise ship is 890110 (Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of all kinds). The primary HS code for cruise ships and similar passenger vessels is 890110. This code covers vessels designed for the commercial transport of persons.

How do I classify Cruise ship for customs?

Cruise ship is classified under HS code 890110 — Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of all kinds. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How is a cruise ship distinguished from a private yacht in the HS system?

A cruise ship (890110) is designed for commercial passenger transport and must meet specific safety and regulatory standards for public carriage, whereas a yacht (8903) is designed for private leisure, regardless of its size.

Which countries are the top exporters of cruise ship (HS 890110)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890110 (the code used for cruise ship) in UN Comtrade data were France ($9.0B, 43% of world exports), Italy ($4.9B) and Germany ($3.5B). World exports came to about $21.0B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of cruise ship (HS 890110)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 890110 (the code used for cruise ship) in UN Comtrade data were the Bahamas (about $1.7B, 28% of world imports), Germany ($1.3B) and Malta ($572M). World imports came to about $5.9B, 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 Cruise ship the same in all countries?

The base HS code 890110 for Cruise 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 cruise ship in Brazil?

In Brazil, cruise ship (HS 890110) is classified under NCM 8901.10.00.