Product classification

HS code for Drilling platform: 8905.20

Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms.

Classification of drilling platform under HS 8905.20

Drilling platforms are classified under HS code 8905.20 because they are floating or submersible structures whose navigability is subsidiary to their main function of resource extraction. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System covers ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8905 specifically addresses light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, and other vessels the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function. Subheading 8905.20 is dedicated to floating or submersible drilling or production platforms. These structures are designed to operate while floating or while resting on the sea floor (submersible). The classification is based on the platform's ability to be moved on water, even if it requires towing. If a platform is permanently fixed to the seabed and cannot be moved, it may be classified elsewhere, such as under heading 7308 as a structure of iron or steel. The Explanatory Notes to heading 8905 clarify that these platforms are generally equipped with the necessary equipment for drilling or production, such as derricks, cranes, pumps, and living quarters for the crew. The essential character of the vessel is its ability to function as a stable platform for offshore operations rather than the transport of goods or persons. This classification remains applicable even if the platform is temporarily moored or jacked up on the seabed during its operational phase, provided it retains the characteristics of a floating or submersible vessel.

Covers
  • Jack-up drilling rigs
  • Semi-submersible drilling platforms
  • Floating production storage and offloading (FPSO) units (if primarily for drilling/production)
  • Submersible drilling barges
  • Floating oil rigs
Also under 8905.20
  • Transocean Deepwater Horizon (drillship type)
  • Noble Globetrotter II (drillship)
  • Shell Prelude FLNG (FPSO type)
  • Maersk Invincible (jack-up rig)
  • BP Thunder Horse PDQ (semi-submersible)

Codes often confused with 8905.20

Common mistake. These platforms are often confused with HS code 8430.41 or 8430.49, which cover boring or sinking machinery. However, 8430 applies to the machinery itself, whereas 8905.20 applies to the entire floating structure. Another common error is using 8901, which is for cargo or passenger ships; 8905.20 is specific to the functional nature of the platform.

8430.41Boring or sinking machinery; self-propelled, n.e.c. in heading no. 84308430.49Boring and sinking machinery; not self-propelled84.30Moving, grading, levelling, scraping, excavating, tamping, compacting, extracting or boring machinery, for earth, minerals, or ores; pile drivers and extractors; snow ploughs and snow blowers89.01Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods

Top exporters and importers of HS 890520 (the code used for drilling platform), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890520 (the code used for drilling platform) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 38% 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 890520, not only drilling platform.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $7.0B
  2. 2 Saudi Arabia $1.4B
  3. 3 Singapore $780M

World total: $12.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Brazil $5.2B
  2. 2 Congo* ~$2.2B
  3. 3 Australia $1.9B

World total: $13.5B 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 drilling platform

Brazil classifies drilling platform under NCM 8905.20.00: HS 8905.20 with 00 added.

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

Questions about drilling platform

What is the HS code for Drilling platform?

The HS code for Drilling platform is 890520 (Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms). The HS code for floating or submersible drilling or production platforms is 8905.20.

How do I classify Drilling platform for customs?

Drilling platform is classified under HS code 890520 — Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include fixed offshore platforms?

No, fixed platforms that are not designed to float or be moved are typically classified as structures under heading 7308.

Which countries are the top exporters of drilling platform (HS 890520)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890520 (the code used for drilling platform) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.0B, 57% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.4B) and Singapore ($780M). World exports came to about $12.2B, 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 drilling platform (HS 890520)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 890520 (the code used for drilling platform) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($5.2B, 38% of world imports), Congo (about $2.2B) and Australia ($1.9B). World imports came to about $13.5B, 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 Drilling platform the same in all countries?

The base HS code 890520 for Drilling platform 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 drilling platform in Brazil?

In Brazil, drilling platform (HS 890520) is classified under NCM 8905.20.00.