Product classification
HS code for Floating crane: 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 floating crane under HS 8905.90
Floating cranes are classified under HS code 890590. This classification is governed by the principle that the vessel's navigability is subsidiary to its main function. While a floating crane is a waterborne structure, its primary purpose is not the transport of goods or people, but rather the performance of heavy lifting operations in a marine environment. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System covers ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8905 specifically includes light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, and floating cranes. The subheading 890590 is a residual category for vessels in this group other than dredgers. These structures are often built on pontoons or specialized hulls that may or may not have their own propulsion systems. The key factor for customs is that the crane is a permanent fixture of the vessel, designed for operations such as harbor construction, shipwreck recovery, or loading exceptionally heavy cargo.
- Covers
- Crane barges
- Floating derricks
- Self-propelled floating cranes
- Heavy-lift pontoons with integrated crane machinery
- Marine salvage vessels equipped with fixed cranes
- 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. Floating cranes are often misclassified under 8426, which covers land-based cranes and lifting machinery. However, if the crane is permanently mounted on a floating vessel, Chapter 89 takes precedence. Another common error is 8901, which covers cargo ships. If a cargo ship has a crane for self-loading, it remains in 8901 because its primary function is transport. Conversely, if the vessel exists primarily to support the crane, it belongs in 890590. Floating docks are also in 8905 but have their own specific subheadings in some jurisdictions.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890590 (the code used for floating crane), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890590 (the code used for floating crane) 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 floating crane.
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 floating crane
Brazil classifies floating crane 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 floating crane
What is the HS code for Floating crane?
The HS code for Floating crane is 890590 (Vessels; light, fire-floats, floating cranes and other vessels, the navigability of which is subsidiary to their main function, floating docks). The international HS code for floating cranes is 890590.
How do I classify Floating crane for customs?
Floating crane 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.
Does the vessel need to be self-propelled to be in 890590?
No, the classification applies whether the vessel is self-propelled or needs to be towed, as long as its primary function is lifting and not transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of floating crane (HS 890590)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890590 (the code used for floating crane) 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 floating crane (HS 890590)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890590 (the code used for floating crane) 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 Floating crane the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890590 for Floating crane 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 floating crane in Brazil?
In Brazil, floating crane (HS 890590) is classified under NCM 8905.90.00.