Product classification
HS code for Lifeboat: 8906.90
Vessels, other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships.
Classification of lifeboat under HS 8906.90
Lifeboats are classified under HS code 8906.90, which covers 'Other vessels, including warships and lifeboats other than rowing boats.' This classification is governed by Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System, which encompasses ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8906 is reserved for vessels that do not fit into the more specific categories of 8901 (transport vessels), 8902 (fishing vessels), 8903 (yachts and pleasure craft), 8904 (tugs), or 8905 (light-vessels and floating cranes). Lifeboats are considered specialized safety vessels. The classification 8906.90 specifically applies to motorized or mechanically propelled lifeboats. If a lifeboat is designed solely for rowing, it would be excluded from this heading and moved to 8903. The distinction is based on the primary mode of propulsion and the intended specialized use of the craft for rescue and emergency evacuation rather than commercial transport or recreation.
- Covers
- Motorized enclosed lifeboats for oil rigs and tankers
- Partially enclosed rescue boats
- Free-fall lifeboats for cargo ships
- Rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) specifically outfitted for rescue
- Fast rescue craft (FRC) for offshore standby vessels
- Also under 8906.90
- US Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter (FRC)
- Damen Stan Pilot 2205
- RV Neil Armstrong (research vessel)
- Viking Norsafe lifeboats
- Rolls-Royce UT 755 LC (OSV)
Codes often confused with 8906.90
Common mistake. A common error is classifying lifeboats under HS code 8903.99, which covers yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sports. While some rescue boats share hull designs with pleasure craft, their specialized equipment and certification for emergency use dictate classification in 8906. Another misclassification occurs with HS code 8907.10, which covers inflatable rafts. While some life-saving equipment is inflatable, a 'lifeboat' implies a rigid or semi-rigid structure with propulsion, whereas 8907 is for floating structures that lack the characteristics of a vessel.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890690 (the code used for lifeboat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890690 (the code used for lifeboat) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 890690, not only lifeboat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.9B 26% of world exports
- 2 Norway $824M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $786M 11% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.6B 22% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.6B 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $979M 14% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 lifeboat
Brazil classifies lifeboat under NCM 8906.90.00: HS 8906.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about lifeboat
What is the HS code for Lifeboat?
The HS code for Lifeboat is 890690 (Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships). The HS code for motorized lifeboats is 8906.90.
How do I classify Lifeboat for customs?
Lifeboat is classified under HS code 890690 — Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include inflatable life rafts?
No, inflatable life rafts that are not vessels are generally classified under HS code 8907.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of lifeboat (HS 890690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890690 (the code used for lifeboat) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.9B, 26% of world exports), Norway ($824M) and India ($786M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 lifeboat (HS 890690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890690 (the code used for lifeboat) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.6B, 22% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $1.6B) and India ($979M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Lifeboat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890690 for Lifeboat 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 lifeboat in Brazil?
In Brazil, lifeboat (HS 890690) is classified under NCM 8906.90.00.