Product classification
HS code for Fishing boat: 8902.00
Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels, for processing or preserving fishery products.
Classification of fishing boat under HS 8902.00
The classification of fishing vessels under HS code 8902.00 is based on the functional design and intended use of the craft. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System deals with ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8902 is specifically dedicated to fishing vessels and factory ships, including those equipped for the immediate processing, freezing, or preservation of the catch. This code applies to vessels that are built and equipped for commercial fishing operations on a professional scale. The classification is governed by the physical characteristics of the vessel, such as the presence of specialized equipment like winches, derricks, or refrigerated holds designed for bulk storage of fish. Unlike recreational boats, these vessels are considered capital goods for the fishing industry. Under General Interpretative Rule 1, the classification is determined by the terms of the heading 8902, which is quite specific. The vessel must be primarily designed for catching fish or other living resources of the sea. This includes large-scale factory ships that not only catch but also process the fish into fillets or meal while at sea. The distinction between a standard cargo ship and a fishing vessel is usually clear based on the deck layout and the specialized machinery installed for harvesting marine life.
- Covers
- Commercial trawlers and purse seiners
- Factory ships for processing fishery products
- Longliners and gillnetters
- Vessels for preserving fishery products at sea
- Commercial crab and lobster boats
- 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. Fishing boats are often misclassified under HS code 8903, which is reserved for yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports. If a boat is used for recreational fishing rather than commercial harvesting, it belongs in 8903. Additionally, general cargo ships are classified under 8901.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890200 (the code used for fishing boat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890200 (the code used for fishing boat) 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 fishing boat.
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 fishing boat
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 fishing boat
What is the HS code for Fishing boat?
The HS code for Fishing boat is 890200 (Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products). The HS code for commercial fishing boats and factory ships is 8902.00. This covers vessels designed for professional fishing and processing.
How do I classify Fishing boat for customs?
Fishing boat 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.
Are recreational fishing boats classified under 8902.00?
No, recreational boats, even if used for fishing, are classified under HS code 8903 as vessels for pleasure or sports.
Which countries are the top exporters of fishing boat (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890200 (the code used for fishing boat) 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 fishing boat (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890200 (the code used for fishing boat) 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 Fishing boat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890200 for Fishing 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 fishing boat in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 890200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fishing boat 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).