Product classification
HS code for Flight simulators: 8805.29
Ground flying trainers and parts thereof, other than air combat simulators and parts thereof.
Classification of flight simulators under HS 8805.29
Flight simulators, categorized as ground flying trainers, are classified under HS code 8805.29. This code is part of Chapter 88, which encompasses aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. Heading 8805 covers aircraft launching gear, deck-arrestor or similar gear, and ground flying trainers. Within this heading, a distinction is made between air combat simulators (8805.21) and other ground flying trainers (8805.29). The products under 8805.29 include sophisticated electronic and mechanical systems designed to replicate the flight environment for training pilots in navigation, emergency procedures, and general flight operations. These are distinct from recreational equipment because they are engineered for professional certification and training purposes. The classification depends on the device's primary function as a training tool for aviation rather than a toy or a general-purpose computer system. These units often include motion platforms, realistic cockpit replicas, and advanced visual systems. Parts of these simulators are also classified under this code, provided they are identifiable as being solely or principally for use with ground flying trainers.
- Covers
- Full flight simulators (FFS) for commercial aviation
- Flight training devices (FTD)
- Cockpit procedure trainers (CPT)
- Basic instrument flight trainers
- General aviation flight simulators
- Also under 8805.29
- CAE 737 MAX Full Flight Simulator
- L3Harris A320 Flight Training Device
- FlightSafety International Gulfstream G650 Simulator
- Frasca International Cessna 172 Trainer
Codes often confused with 8805.29
Common mistake. Flight simulators are frequently misclassified under 8805.21, which is specifically for air combat simulators used by the military. They are also often confused with 9504.50, which covers video game consoles and equipment intended for entertainment rather than professional pilot training.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880529 (the code used for flight simulators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880529 (the code used for flight simulators) in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 74% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880529, not only flight simulators.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Canada $1.2B 74% of world exports
- 2 Netherlands $77M 4.7% of world exports
- 3 Spain $51M 3.1% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $451M 20% of world imports
- 2 China $203M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Canada $184M 8.2% of world imports
World total: $2.2B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 flight simulators
Brazil classifies flight simulators under NCM 8805.29.00: HS 8805.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flight simulators
What is the HS code for Flight simulators?
The HS code for Flight simulators is 880529 (Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; other than air combat simulators and parts thereof). Professional ground flying trainers and flight simulators are classified under HS code 8805.29.
How do I classify Flight simulators for customs?
Flight simulators is classified under HS code 880529 — Ground flying trainers and parts thereof; other than air combat simulators and parts thereof. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are home flight sim joysticks under 8805.29?
No, consumer-grade joysticks and peripherals for home use are typically classified under 9504 or 8471 as computer accessories.
Which countries are the top exporters of flight simulators (HS 880529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880529 (the code used for flight simulators) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($1.2B, 74% of world exports), the Netherlands ($77M) and Spain ($51M). World exports came to about $1.6B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of flight simulators (HS 880529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880529 (the code used for flight simulators) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($451M, 20% of world imports), China ($203M) and Canada ($184M). World imports came to about $2.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Flight simulators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880529 for Flight simulators 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 flight simulators in Brazil?
In Brazil, flight simulators (HS 880529) is classified under NCM 8805.29.00.