Product classification
HS code for Factory ship: 8902.00
Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels, for processing or preserving fishery products.
Classification of factory ship under HS 8902.00
Factory ships are classified under HS code 8902.00, which specifically covers fishing vessels and other vessels designed for the processing or preserving of fishery products. The classification is based on the vessel's primary function and structural equipment. Unlike standard cargo ships, factory ships are outfitted with industrial machinery for cleaning, filleting, freezing, or canning fish while at sea. Under the Harmonized System, heading 8902 encompasses all vessels regardless of tonnage, provided they are equipped for commercial fishing or the industrial processing of aquatic animals. This classification follows the principle that the vessel's specialized utility for the fishing industry takes precedence over its general maritime transport capabilities. The presence of onboard processing plants, refrigeration units, and specialized storage holds for processed goods confirms its placement in this category.
- Covers
- Fish processing factory ships
- Trawlers with onboard freezing facilities
- Mother ships for fishing fleets
- Vessels for canning fishery products at sea
- Whale-processing ships
- Also under 8902.00
- FV Cornelia Marie (crab boat)
- Atlantic Dawn (factory trawler)
- Eemshaven (trawler)
- Icelandic fishing vessels
- Russian factory ships
Codes often confused with 8902.00
Common mistake. Factory ships are often misclassified under 8901.90, which covers general cargo vessels. However, 8901 is for vessels designed for the transport of goods, whereas 8902 is for vessels that actively process goods. Another confusion occurs with 8905.90, which covers floating structures like dredgers or floating docks. If the vessel is primarily a self-propelled ship designed for the fishing industry's industrial needs, 8902.00 is the mandatory code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890200 (the code used for factory ship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890200 (the code used for factory ship) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vanuatu, with about 14% 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 890200, not only factory ship.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $403M 27% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $378M 26% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $221M 15% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vanuatu* ~$183M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $154M 12% of world imports
- 3 Kiribati* ~$108M 8.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.3B 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 codes for factory ship
Brazil splits HS 8902.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8902.00.10Fishing and fish-processing vessels, 35 m or more
- 8902.00.90Fishing and fish-processing vessels under 35 m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about factory ship
What is the HS code for Factory ship?
The HS code for Factory ship is 890200 (Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products). The HS code for factory ships and vessels designed for processing fishery products is 8902.00.
How do I classify Factory ship for customs?
Factory ship is classified under HS code 890200 — Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Do small fishing boats use this same code?
Yes, commercial fishing vessels of all sizes, including small trawlers, are classified under 8902.00, provided they are for commercial use and not for sport or recreation.
Which countries are the top exporters of factory ship (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890200 (the code used for factory ship) in UN Comtrade data were China ($403M, 27% of world exports), Türkiye ($378M) and Denmark ($221M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of factory ship (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890200 (the code used for factory ship) in UN Comtrade data were Vanuatu (about $183M, 14% of world imports), Denmark ($154M) and Kiribati (about $108M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Factory ship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890200 for Factory 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 factory ship in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 890200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for factory ship depends on the product's details: 8902.00.10 (Fishing and fish-processing vessels, 35 m or more), 8902.00.90 (Fishing and fish-processing vessels under 35 m).