Product classification
HS code for Fireboat: 8905.90
Vessels, light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function, floating docks.
Classification of fireboat under HS 8905.90
Fireboats are classified under HS code 8905.90 because they are specialized vessels designed for a specific technical function rather than the transport of goods or persons. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 89, heading 8905 covers vessels where the navigability is subsidiary to their main function. In the case of a fireboat, the primary purpose is firefighting, equipped with high-capacity pumps and water cannons (monitors) to combat blazes on other ships or waterfront installations. While these vessels are capable of navigation, their structural design and onboard equipment are dedicated to emergency response. The classification falls under the sub-heading 8905.90, which encompasses 'other' vessels of this type, including fire-floats and floating cranes, distinguishing them from light-vessels or dredgers which have their own specific sub-headings within the same group.
- Covers
- Specialized firefighting vessels (fire-floats)
- Self-propelled fireboats with integrated water monitors
- Non-self-propelled firefighting pontoons
- Vessels equipped with high-volume foam and water pumping systems for marine rescue
- Also under 8905.90
- Hyundai Heavy Industries floating dock
- Damen Stan Tug 1606 fireboat
- Saipem 7000 floating crane
- Boskalis dredging vessel
- US Navy floating dry dock
Codes often confused with 8905.90
Common mistake. Fireboats are frequently misclassified under HS code 8906.90, which covers 'other' vessels including warships and lifeboats. However, because fireboats are specifically mentioned in the Explanatory Notes for heading 8905 as vessels with a subsidiary navigational function, 8905.90 takes precedence. Another common error is using 8901.90, which is reserved for cargo or passenger vessels. If a vessel is primarily designed for transport but happens to have a small fire pump, it remains in 8901; however, a dedicated fireboat must stay in 8905.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890590 (the code used for fireboat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890590 (the code used for fireboat) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 16% 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 890590, not only fireboat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $5.9B 38% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $3.3B 21% of world exports
- 3 Saudi Arabia $2.5B 16% of world exports
World total: $15.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.4B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Qatar* ~$1.3B 15% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Thailand $1.1B 13% of world imports
World total: $8.8B 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 fireboat
Brazil classifies fireboat under NCM 8905.90.00: HS 8905.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fireboat
What is the HS code for Fireboat?
The HS code for Fireboat is 890590 (Vessels; light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function, floating docks). The HS code for a dedicated fireboat is 8905.90, categorized under floating docks and vessels with subsidiary navigability.
How do I classify Fireboat for customs?
Fireboat is classified under HS code 890590 — Vessels; light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function, floating docks. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does 8905 differ from 8906?
Heading 8905 is for vessels with a specific industrial or technical function (like firefighting or dredging), whereas 8906 covers vessels that do not fit elsewhere, such as warships or small rowing boats.
Which countries are the top exporters of fireboat (HS 890590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890590 (the code used for fireboat) in UN Comtrade data were China ($5.9B, 38% of world exports), South Korea ($3.3B) and Saudi Arabia ($2.5B). World exports came to about $15.8B, 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 fireboat (HS 890590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890590 (the code used for fireboat) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $1.4B, 16% of world imports), Qatar (about $1.3B) and Thailand ($1.1B). World imports came to about $8.8B, 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 Fireboat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890590 for Fireboat 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 fireboat in Brazil?
In Brazil, fireboat (HS 890590) is classified under NCM 8905.90.00.