Product classification
HS code for Oil tanker: 8901.20
Tankers.
Classification of oil tanker under HS 8901.20
The classification of oil tankers under HS code 8901.20 is governed by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Chapter 89 covers ships, boats, and floating structures, while heading 8901 specifically addresses vessels designed for the transport of persons or goods. The subheading 8901.20 is explicitly reserved for tankers. A tanker is defined as a ship designed to carry liquids or gases in bulk. This includes vessels equipped with specialized tanks that are either integrated into the hull or permanently attached. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the vessel is transporting crude oil, refined petroleum products, or chemicals, provided the vessel's primary design is that of a tanker. The determination is based on the vessel's structural characteristics, such as the presence of pumping systems, manifold arrangements, and safety systems required for liquid cargo handling. Furthermore, the vessel must be self-propelled to fall under 8901; non-propelled tankers (tank-barges) are also included here but are distinguished from floating storage units. This code is vital for international trade statistics and the application of maritime regulations and tariffs.
- Covers
- Crude oil tankers (VLCC and ULCC)
- Product tankers for refined petroleum
- Chemical tankers designed for bulk liquid transport
- Liquefied gas tankers (if classified as tankers)
- Self-propelled tank-vessels
- Also under 8901.20
- VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)
- Suezmax tanker
- Aframax tanker
- Q-Max LNG carrier
- Stolt Tankers' chemical carriers
Codes often confused with 8901.20
Common mistake. Oil tankers are frequently confused with other maritime vessels under heading 8901. Specifically, 8901.90 is often used incorrectly for tankers; however, 8901.90 is a residual category for other vessels for the transport of goods. Another common error involves HS code 8905.90, which covers floating docks and platforms. If a tanker is converted into a Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) unit, it may move from 8901.20 to 8905.90 because its primary function shifts from transport to production or storage. Additionally, non-propelled tank barges might be confused with 8901.20 but are generally classified based on their propulsion status and specific design under 8901.90 if they do not meet the strict tanker definition.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890120 (the code used for oil tanker), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890120 (the code used for oil tanker) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 34% 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 890120, not only oil tanker.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $13.5B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $12.6B 39% of world exports
- 3 Japan $2.1B 6.5% of world exports
World total: $32.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $6.4B 34% of world imports
- 2 Marshall Islands* ~$6.0B 32% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $1.4B 7.4% of world imports
World total: $18.9B 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 oil tanker
Brazil classifies oil tanker under NCM 8901.20.00: HS 8901.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about oil tanker
What is the HS code for Oil tanker?
The HS code for Oil tanker is 890120 (Tankers). The primary HS code for an oil tanker is 8901.20, which specifically covers tankers designed for the transport of liquids or gases in bulk.
How do I classify Oil tanker for customs?
Oil tanker is classified under HS code 890120 — Tankers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include LNG carriers?
Yes, LNG (Liquefied Natural Gas) carriers are generally classified under 8901.20 as they are specialized tankers designed for the bulk transport of liquefied gases.
Which countries are the top exporters of oil tanker (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890120 (the code used for oil tanker) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($13.5B, 42% of world exports), China ($12.6B) and Japan ($2.1B). World exports came to about $32.4B, 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 oil tanker (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890120 (the code used for oil tanker) in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.4B, 34% of world imports), the Marshall Islands (about $6.0B) and South Korea ($1.4B). World imports came to about $18.9B, 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 Oil tanker the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890120 for Oil tanker 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 oil tanker in Brazil?
In Brazil, oil tanker (HS 890120) is classified under NCM 8901.20.00.