Product classification
HS code for Light aircraft: 8802.20
Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned, of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg.
Classification of light aircraft under HS 8802.20
Light aircraft are classified under HS code 8802.20, which covers 'Aeroplanes and other aircraft, of an unladen weight not exceeding 2,000 kg.' Classification in Chapter 88 is determined by the type of aircraft and its weight. The term 'unladen weight' is critical here; it refers to the weight of the machine in normal flying order, excluding the weight of the crew, fuel, and equipment other than permanently fixed equipment. Heading 8802 covers powered aircraft, such as airplanes and helicopters. Subheading 8802.20 is specifically designated for smaller, lighter planes. This includes most general aviation aircraft used for private transport, flight training, and light utility work. The classification remains the same regardless of whether the aircraft is powered by a piston engine or a small turboprop, provided the unladen weight remains at or below the 2,000 kg threshold.
- Covers
- Single-engine piston aircraft (e.g., Cessna 172, Piper Archer)
- Light Sport Aircraft (LSA)
- Two-seat flight training airplanes
- Small utility aircraft under 2,000 kg unladen weight
- Motorized gliders that meet the weight criteria
- Also under 8802.20
- Cessna 172 Skyhawk
- Piper PA-28 Cherokee
- Cirrus SR22
- Diamond DA40
- Tecnam P2002 Sierra
Codes often confused with 8802.20
Common mistake. Light aircraft are often confused with HS code 8802.30, which applies to aircraft with an unladen weight between 2,000 kg and 15,000 kg. Importers must verify the manufacturer's empty weight to ensure they do not exceed the 2,000 kg limit. Another common misclassification is 8806, which is the newer code for unmanned aircraft (drones). Even if a light aircraft has autonomous capabilities, if it is designed to carry a pilot or passengers, it must stay in 8802. Finally, non-powered gliders are classified under 8801.00, not 8802.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880220 (the code used for light aircraft), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880220 (the code used for light aircraft) in UN Comtrade data was Austria, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 19% 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 880220, not only light aircraft.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Austria $172M 23% of world exports
- 2 Canada $117M 15% of world exports
- 3 Italy $92M 12% of world exports
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: $764M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $203M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $199M 19% of world imports
- 3 Canada $119M 11% of world imports
World total: $1.1B 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 light aircraft
Brazil splits HS 8802.20 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8802.20.10Propeller aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg unladen
- 8802.20.21Single-engine turboprops, unladen up to 2,000 kg
- 8802.20.22Multi-engine turboprops, unladen up to 2,000 kg
- 8802.20.90Other aircraft up to 2,000 kg unladen
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about light aircraft
What is the HS code for Light aircraft?
The HS code for Light aircraft is 880220 (Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg). The HS code for light aircraft with an unladen weight of 2,000 kg or less is 8802.20.
How do I classify Light aircraft for customs?
Light aircraft is classified under HS code 880220 — Aeroplanes and other aircraft, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the weight limit include the pilot and fuel?
No, the HS code is based on 'unladen weight,' which excludes fuel, oil, crew, and payload.
Which countries are the top exporters of light aircraft (HS 880220)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880220 (the code used for light aircraft) in UN Comtrade data were Austria ($172M, 23% of world exports), Canada ($117M) and Italy ($92M). World exports came to about $764M, 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 light aircraft (HS 880220)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880220 (the code used for light aircraft) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($203M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($199M) and Canada ($119M). World imports came to about $1.1B, 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 Light aircraft the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880220 for Light aircraft 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 light aircraft in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 880220 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for light aircraft depends on the product's details: 8802.20.10 (Propeller aeroplanes up to 2,000 kg unladen), 8802.20.21 (Single-engine turboprops, unladen up to 2,000 kg), 8802.20.22 (Multi-engine turboprops, unladen up to 2,000 kg), 8802.20.90 (Other aircraft up to 2,000 kg unladen).