Product classification
HS code for Freighter: 8901.90
Vessels, n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods.
Classification of freighter under HS 8901.90
Freighters are classified under HS code 8901.90, which serves as a residual category within heading 8901 for vessels designed for the transport of goods or both persons and goods. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System covers ships, boats, and floating structures. While specific subheadings like 8901.10 cover cruise ships and ferry-boats, and 8901.20 covers tankers, 8901.90 encompasses other cargo-carrying vessels. This includes general cargo ships and bulk carriers that do not fit into the more specific definitions of tankers or refrigerated vessels. The classification depends on the vessel's primary design function—transporting commercial cargo across water. It is important to distinguish these from fishing vessels or factory ships, which are classified elsewhere in the chapter based on their specialized industrial functions. The vessel must be seaworthy and intended for commercial transport to fall under this heading. Technical documentation regarding the vessel's displacement, cargo capacity, and intended use is typically required for precise classification.
- Covers
- General cargo ships
- Dry bulk carriers
- Container ships (not elsewhere specified)
- Multi-purpose cargo vessels
- Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) cargo ships
- Also under 8901.90
- Maersk Triple E-class container ship
- Cosco Shipping's bulk carriers
- Grimaldi Lines' Ro-Ro vessels
- Spliethoff's heavy-lift ships
- Wallenius Wilhelmsen's car carriers
Codes often confused with 8901.90
Common mistake. Freighters are often confused with 8901.20 (Tankers) or 8901.30 (Refrigerated vessels). If a freighter is specifically designed to carry liquids or gases in bulk, it must be moved to 8901.20. Similarly, if the vessel is primarily equipped with refrigeration units for perishable cargo, 8901.30 is more appropriate. Another error is using 8906.90 for commercial freighters, which is actually for other vessels including warships and lifeboats.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890190 (the code used for freighter), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890190 (the code used for freighter) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 53% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Marshall Islands, with about 19% 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 890190, not only freighter.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $34.5B 53% of world exports
- 2 South Korea $12.5B 19% of world exports
- 3 Japan $8.1B 12% of world exports
World total: $65.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Marshall Islands* ~$4.3B 19% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $2.8B 12% of world imports
- 3 France $2.5B 11% of world imports
World total: $22.6B 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 freighter
Brazil classifies freighter under NCM 8901.90.00: HS 8901.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about freighter
What is the HS code for Freighter?
The HS code for Freighter is 890190 (Vessels; n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods). The HS code for a general freighter or cargo vessel not specified elsewhere is 8901.90.
How do I classify Freighter for customs?
Freighter is classified under HS code 890190 — Vessels; n.e.c. in heading no. 8901, for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 8901.90 include container ships?
Yes, most standard container ships are classified under 8901.90 unless they have specific features that qualify them for more specialized subheadings.
Which countries are the top exporters of freighter (HS 890190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890190 (the code used for freighter) in UN Comtrade data were China ($34.5B, 53% of world exports), South Korea ($12.5B) and Japan ($8.1B). World exports came to about $65.2B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of freighter (HS 890190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890190 (the code used for freighter) in UN Comtrade data were the Marshall Islands (about $4.3B, 19% of world imports), Denmark ($2.8B) and France ($2.5B). World imports came to about $22.6B, 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 Freighter the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890190 for Freighter 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 freighter in Brazil?
In Brazil, freighter (HS 890190) is classified under NCM 8901.90.00.