Product classification
HS code for Life vests: 6307.20
Life-jackets and life-belts.
Classification of life vests under HS 6307.20
Life vests, also known as life jackets or personal flotation devices (PFDs), are classified under HS code 6307.20. This code is part of Chapter 63, which covers made-up textile articles. Heading 6307 is the classification for textile products that do not fit into more specific categories like apparel (Chapters 61 and 62). Subheading 6307.20 specifically identifies life-jackets and life-belts. The classification is based on the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, which prioritize the specific naming of "life-jackets" in the subheading. Even though life vests often contain significant amounts of non-textile materials like closed-cell foam or plastic inflation mechanisms, the outer shell is typically made of woven synthetic fibers (like nylon), which classifies the entire assembly as a textile article. These items are designed to provide buoyancy and keep a person's head above water, and they are regulated as safety equipment rather than standard clothing.
- Covers
- Standard foam-filled life jackets
- Inflatable life vests for offshore use
- Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs) for kayaking or sailing
- Children's swim vests (safety rated)
- 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. A common misclassification for life vests is HS code 9506.29, which covers water-sports equipment. While life vests are used during water sports, they are safety devices rather than sports equipment. Another error is using 3926.90 for vests made entirely of plastic or vinyl without a textile outer layer. If the vest is integrated into a specialized suit, such as a diving suit, it might be classified under 6113.00 or 6210.40 (garments made of rubberized or coated textiles), but standard wearable life vests remain in 6307.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 630720 (the code used for life vests), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 630720 (the code used for life vests) 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 vests.
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 vests
Brazil classifies life vests 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 vests
What is the HS code for Life vests?
The HS code for Life vests is 630720 (Life-jackets and life-belts). The HS code for life vests (life-jackets) is 6307.20.
How do I classify Life vests for customs?
Life vests is classified under HS code 630720 — Life-jackets and life-belts. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are inflatable life vests under a different code?
No, both foam-filled and inflatable life vests are classified under 6307.20, provided their primary outer material is textile.
Which countries are the top exporters of life vests (HS 630720)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 630720 (the code used for life vests) 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 vests (HS 630720)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 630720 (the code used for life vests) 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 vests the same in all countries?
The base HS code 630720 for Life vests 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 vests in Brazil?
In Brazil, life vests (HS 630720) is classified under NCM 6307.20.00.