Product classification
HS code for Life jackets: 6307.20
Life-jackets and life-belts.
Classification of life jackets under HS 6307.20
The classification of life jackets under HS code 6307.20 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, alongside the Section XI notes for textile articles. Heading 6307 is a residual category for made-up textile articles that are not more specifically described in other headings of the Harmonized System. Subheading 6307.20 specifically names life-jackets and life-belts. This classification is appropriate when the primary material of the outer shell is a textile fabric, such as woven nylon or polyester, which is the industry standard for durability and UV resistance. Even if the buoyancy is provided by non-textile materials like closed-cell polyethylene foam or inflatable plastic bladders, the article is classified here because the textile component provides the essential structure and containment for the buoyant material. The Harmonized System prioritizes the 'made-up' nature of the textile assembly over the internal flotation medium in this specific instance.
- Covers
- Inflatable life jackets with textile outer shells
- Foam-filled personal flotation devices (PFDs)
- Life belts and safety harnesses for maritime use
- Buoyancy aids for kayaking and water sports
- SOLAS-compliant life vests for commercial vessels
- Also under 6307.20
- Mustang Survival PFDs
- Spinlock Deckvest
- Stearns Life Jackets
- NRS Chinook PFD
- Baltic Lifejackets
Codes often confused with 6307.20
Common mistake. Life jackets are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which covers other articles of plastics. This error occurs when the importer focuses on the internal foam or the plastic inflation mechanism rather than the textile shell. Additionally, inflatable life jackets made entirely of reinforced rubber or plastic without a textile outer layer may fall under 4016.95 (inflatable articles of vulcanized rubber) or 3926.90. Another common confusion involves HS code 6307.90, the general 'other' category for textiles; however, because 6307.20 is a specific named subheading for life-jackets, it must take precedence according to GRI 6.
Top exporters and importers of HS 630720 (the code used for life jackets), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 630720 (the code used for life jackets) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 37% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% 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 630720, not only life jackets.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $248M 37% of world exports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$53M 8.0% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 United States $43M 6.5% of world exports
World total: $666M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $155M 27% of world imports
- 2 France $32M 5.6% of world imports
- 3 Canada $27M 4.7% of world imports
World total: $571M 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 life jackets
Brazil classifies life jackets under NCM 6307.20.00: HS 6307.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about life jackets
What is the HS code for Life jackets?
The HS code for Life jackets is 630720 (Life-jackets and life-belts). The primary HS code for life jackets made of textile materials is 6307.20.
How do I classify Life jackets for customs?
Life jackets is classified under HS code 630720 — Life-jackets and life-belts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lifebuoys classified under the same HS code?
No, lifebuoys are typically classified under 4504.90 if made of agglomerated cork, or 3926.90 if made of plastic, as they are not 'made-up textile articles' like jackets.
Which countries are the top exporters of life jackets (HS 630720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 630720 (the code used for life jackets) in UN Comtrade data were China ($248M, 37% of world exports), Vietnam (about $53M) and the United States ($43M). World exports came to about $666M, 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 life jackets (HS 630720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 630720 (the code used for life jackets) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($155M, 27% of world imports), France ($32M) and Canada ($27M). World imports came to about $571M, 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 Life jackets the same in all countries?
The base HS code 630720 for Life jackets 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 life jackets in Brazil?
In Brazil, life jackets (HS 630720) is classified under NCM 6307.20.00.