Product classification

HS code for Launch vehicles: 8802.60

Spacecraft, (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles.

Classification of launch vehicles under HS 8802.60

Launch vehicles are classified under HS code 8802.60, which specifically encompasses spacecraft, including satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. This classification is determined by the primary function of the vehicle, which is to transport payloads from the Earth's surface into outer space or suborbital trajectories. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, the heading text explicitly names launch vehicles. These machines are complex engineering systems designed to overcome Earth's gravity, often utilizing multi-stage propulsion. Because they are designed for flight beyond the atmosphere, they are distinct from traditional aircraft classified in other subheadings of 8802. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the vehicle is intended for commercial satellite deployment, scientific research, or human spaceflight. The technical complexity and the specific environment of operation (extra-atmospheric) necessitate this specific grouping within Chapter 88.

Covers
  • Multi-stage orbital rockets
  • Suborbital sounding rockets
  • Satellite delivery systems
  • Reusable launch vehicle stages
  • Space shuttle boosters
Also under 8802.60
  • SpaceX Falcon 9
  • Ariane 5
  • International Space Station modules
  • Hubble Space Telescope
  • Starlink satellites
  • GPS III satellites

Codes often confused with 8802.60

Common mistake. Launch vehicles are frequently confused with military missiles classified under HS code 9306.90. The distinction lies in the intended use and payload; 9306 is reserved for munitions and weapons of war, whereas 8802.60 covers vehicles intended for spacecraft delivery. Additionally, individual parts of launch vehicles should not be classified here; they belong under HS code 8807.90, which covers parts of goods of heading 8801 or 8802.

9306.90Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 9393.06Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles and similar munitions of war and parts thereof; cartridges and other ammunition, projectiles and parts thereof, including shot and cartridge wads8807.90Aircraft and spacecraft; parts thereof n.e.c. in chapter 8888.01Balloons and dirigibles; gliders, hang gliders and other non-powered aircraft.88.02Aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8801, except unmanned aircraft of heading 8806, (e.g. helicopters, aeroplanes); spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles

Top exporters and importers of HS 880260 (the code used for launch vehicles), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880260 (the code used for launch vehicles) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Luxembourg, with 48% 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 880260, not only launch vehicles.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $1.1B
  2. 2 France $1.0B
  3. 3 Italy $443M

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: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Luxembourg $386M
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$326M
  3. 3 India $24M

World total: $811M 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 launch vehicles

Brazil classifies launch vehicles under NCM 8802.60.00: HS 8802.60 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about launch vehicles

What is the HS code for Launch vehicles?

The HS code for Launch vehicles is 880260 (Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles). The HS code for launch vehicles, including both suborbital and spacecraft variants, is 8802.60.

How do I classify Launch vehicles for customs?

Launch vehicles is classified under HS code 880260 — Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are ballistic missiles classified under this code?

No, ballistic missiles designed as weapons are classified under HS code 9306.90. HS code 8802.60 is intended for civilian, scientific, or commercial spacecraft delivery systems.

Which countries are the top exporters of launch vehicles (HS 880260)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880260 (the code used for launch vehicles) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 31% of world exports), France ($1.0B) and Italy ($443M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 launch vehicles (HS 880260)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 880260 (the code used for launch vehicles) in UN Comtrade data were Luxembourg ($386M, 48% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $326M) and India ($24M). World imports came to about $811M, 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 Launch vehicles the same in all countries?

The base HS code 880260 for Launch vehicles 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 launch vehicles in Brazil?

In Brazil, launch vehicles (HS 880260) is classified under NCM 8802.60.00.