Product classification
HS code for Heavy-lift helicopters: 8802.12
Helicopters, except unmanned, of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg.
Classification of heavy-lift helicopters under HS 8802.12
Heavy-lift helicopters are classified under HS code 8802.12 based on their unladen weight and functional design. The Harmonized System distinguishes helicopters primarily by their weight capacity, with 2,000 kilograms serving as the critical threshold for this specific subheading. To qualify for 8802.12, the aircraft must be a powered, rotary-wing vehicle capable of flight through the lift provided by one or more rotors. The 'unladen weight' refers to the weight of the machine in normal flying order, excluding the weight of the crew, fuel, and payload, but including fixed equipment. This classification is vital for customs valuation and regulatory compliance, as heavier aircraft often face different import duties and safety certifications compared to light utility helicopters. This code specifically excludes unmanned aircraft (drones), which are classified under heading 8806, focusing instead on manned heavy-lift utility, transport, and multi-mission helicopters.
- Covers
- Civilian transport helicopters with unladen weight >2000kg
- Heavy-lift military transport helicopters (manned)
- Emergency medical service (EMS) helicopters exceeding 2000kg
- Multi-mission rotary-wing aircraft for offshore logistics
- Also under 8802.12
- Sikorsky S-76
- Bell 412
- Airbus H145
- Leonardo AW139
- Boeing CH-47 Chinook
Codes often confused with 8802.12
Common mistake. The most common confusion occurs with HS code 8802.11, which is for helicopters with an unladen weight of 2,000kg or less. Importers must verify the manufacturer's technical specifications for 'unladen weight' to avoid this. Additionally, with the 2022 HS updates, unmanned helicopters (drones) are now classified under heading 8806. If a heavy-lift helicopter is remotely piloted and not designed to carry a human, it must be moved from 8802.12 to the appropriate subheading in 8806 regardless of its weight.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880212 (the code used for heavy-lift helicopters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880212 (the code used for heavy-lift helicopters) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Australia, with 11% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880212, not only heavy-lift helicopters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 30% of world exports
- 2 France $700M 15% of world exports
- 3 United States $692M 15% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Australia $590M 11% of world imports
- 2 Spain $508M 9.3% of world imports
- 3 United States $469M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $5.5B 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 codes for heavy-lift helicopters
Brazil splits HS 8802.12 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8802.12.10Helicopters over 2,000 kg up to 3,500 kg unladen
- 8802.12.90Helicopters over 3,500 kg unladen weight
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about heavy-lift helicopters
What is the HS code for Heavy-lift helicopters?
The HS code for Heavy-lift helicopters is 880212 (Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg). The HS code for manned helicopters with an unladen weight exceeding 2,000kg is 8802.12.
How do I classify Heavy-lift helicopters for customs?
Heavy-lift helicopters is classified under HS code 880212 — Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight exceeding 2000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are heavy-lift drones classified under this code?
No, unmanned aircraft, including heavy-lift drones, are classified under heading 8806 according to the 2022 HS nomenclature updates.
Which countries are the top exporters of heavy-lift helicopters (HS 880212)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880212 (the code used for heavy-lift helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 30% of world exports), France ($700M) and the United States ($692M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of heavy-lift helicopters (HS 880212)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880212 (the code used for heavy-lift helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were Australia ($590M, 11% of world imports), Spain ($508M) and the United States ($469M). World imports came to about $5.5B, 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.
Is the HS code for Heavy-lift helicopters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880212 for Heavy-lift helicopters 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 heavy-lift helicopters in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 880212 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for heavy-lift helicopters depends on the product's details: 8802.12.10 (Helicopters over 2,000 kg up to 3,500 kg unladen), 8802.12.90 (Helicopters over 3,500 kg unladen weight).