Product classification
HS code for Light helicopters: 8802.11
Helicopters, except unmanned, of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg.
Classification of light helicopters under HS 8802.11
Light helicopters are classified under HS code 8802.11. This code is part of Chapter 88, which covers aircraft and spacecraft. Heading 8802 specifically addresses powered aircraft, and the subheadings for helicopters are divided strictly by weight. Subheading 8802.11 is for helicopters with an unladen weight not exceeding 2,000 kg. The 'unladen weight' is defined as the weight of the aircraft in normal flying order, excluding the weight of the crew, fuel, and non-fixed equipment. This category captures the majority of light utility, training, and private helicopters. The classification is determined by the physical characteristics and weight of the machine at the time of import, regardless of its intended use (e.g., agricultural spraying, police surveillance, or private transport).
- Covers
- Small piston-engine helicopters (e.g., Robinson R22, R44, R66)
- Light turbine helicopters (e.g., Bell 206 JetRanger, Eurocopter EC120)
- Lightweight aerial observation helicopters
- Private four-seat helicopters under 2,000 kg
- Light emergency medical service (EMS) helicopters
- Also under 8802.11
- Robinson R22
- Robinson R44
- Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
- Airbus H125
- Guimbal Cabri G2
Codes often confused with 8802.11
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 8802.12, which is for helicopters with an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg. Many medium-sized helicopters sit near this weight threshold, so accurate weighing is essential. Another area of confusion is HS code 8806, which covers unmanned aircraft (drones). Even if a light helicopter is outfitted for remote or autonomous flight, if it is a 'manned-type' aircraft capable of carrying a pilot, it remains in 8802.11. Additionally, parts for these helicopters should not be classified here; they belong in heading 8807.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880211 (the code used for light helicopters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880211 (the code used for light helicopters) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 880211, not only light helicopters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $470M 31% of world exports
- 2 Canada $390M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $120M 8.0% 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: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $464M 22% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $251M 12% of world imports
- 3 Canada $158M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 code for light helicopters
Brazil classifies light helicopters under NCM 8802.11.00: HS 8802.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about light helicopters
What is the HS code for Light helicopters?
The HS code for Light helicopters is 880211 (Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg). The HS code for helicopters with an unladen weight of 2,000 kg or less is 8802.11.
How do I classify Light helicopters for customs?
Light helicopters is classified under HS code 880211 — Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How is the weight determined for this HS code?
It is based on the 'unladen weight,' which is the empty weight of the aircraft including all permanent equipment but excluding fuel and crew.
Which countries are the top exporters of light helicopters (HS 880211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880211 (the code used for light helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were France ($470M, 31% of world exports), Canada ($390M) and Germany ($120M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 helicopters (HS 880211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880211 (the code used for light helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($464M, 22% of world imports), Brazil ($251M) and Canada ($158M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 helicopters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880211 for Light helicopters 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 helicopters in Brazil?
In Brazil, light helicopters (HS 880211) is classified under NCM 8802.11.00.