Product classification
HS code for Ferry boat: 8901.10
Cruise ships, excursion boats and similar vessels, principally designed for the transport of persons, ferry boats of all kinds.
Classification of ferry boat under HS 8901.10
Ferry boats are classified under HS code 8901.10, which falls within Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System, covering ships, boats, and floating structures. This specific subheading is reserved for cruise ships, excursion boats, and similar vessels principally designed for the transport of persons, including ferry boats of all kinds. The classification is determined by the primary function of the vessel, which must be the conveyance of passengers. Even if the vessel is designed to carry vehicles (such as a Ro-Ro ferry), it remains under 8901.10 if the transport of persons is a primary design feature alongside the cargo. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that vessels are classified based on their technical characteristics and intended use at the time of import. For a vessel to qualify under this code, it must be seaworthy and intended for commercial or public transport rather than private recreation.
- Covers
- Passenger-only ferries
- Roll-on/Roll-off (Ro-Ro) passenger ferries
- Catamaran passenger vessels
- Hydrofoil boats for public transit
- Double-ended ferry boats
- Cable ferries for vehicle and 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. Ferry boats are frequently confused with vessels under HS code 8901.90, which covers vessels for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods where person transport is not the primary design. Additionally, smaller vessels intended for private use or sports are classified under HS code 8903, which covers yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports. It is critical to distinguish between a commercial ferry (8901.10) and a private excursion boat (8903.92) based on the vessel's certification and capacity.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890110 (the code used for ferry boat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890110 (the code used for ferry boat) 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 ferry boat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $9.0B 43% of world exports
- 2 Italy $4.9B 23% of world exports
- 3 Germany $3.5B 17% of world exports
World total: $21.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Bahamas* ~$1.7B 28% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Germany $1.3B 23% of world imports
- 3 Malta $572M 9.7% of world imports
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 ferry boat
Brazil classifies ferry boat 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 ferry boat
What is the HS code for Ferry boat?
The HS code for Ferry boat 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 ferry boats of all kinds, designed for the transport of persons, is 8901.10.
How do I classify Ferry boat for customs?
Ferry boat 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.
Does this code include cruise ships?
Yes, HS code 8901.10 specifically includes cruise ships, excursion boats, and similar vessels designed for passenger transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferry boat (HS 890110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890110 (the code used for ferry boat) 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 ferry boat (HS 890110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890110 (the code used for ferry boat) 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 Ferry boat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890110 for Ferry boat 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 ferry boat in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferry boat (HS 890110) is classified under NCM 8901.10.00.