Product classification
HS code for Production platform: 8905.20
Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms.
Classification of production platform under HS 8905.20
Floating or submersible production platforms are classified under HS code 8905.20. This code is part of Chapter 89, which covers ships, boats, and floating structures. Specifically, heading 8905 includes vessels whose navigability is subsidiary to their main function. For production platforms, their primary purpose is the extraction, processing, or storage of subsea oil and gas resources while remaining buoyant or submerged. This distinguishes them from fixed platforms that are permanently attached to the seabed. The classification 8905.20 encompasses a wide range of offshore structures that are designed to be moved from one location to another, even if they remain stationary for long periods during the production phase. Their ability to float is the defining characteristic that places them in Chapter 89 rather than Chapter 73.
- Covers
- Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO) units
- Semi-submersible production platforms
- Jack-up drilling and production rigs
- Floating liquefied natural gas (FLNG) platforms
- Submersible drilling barges
- Also under 8905.20
- Transocean Deepwater Horizon (drillship type)
- Noble Globetrotter II (drillship)
- Shell Prelude FLNG (FPSO type)
- Maersk Invincible (jack-up rig)
- BP Thunder Horse PDQ (semi-submersible)
Codes often confused with 8905.20
Common mistake. Production platforms are often confused with fixed steel structures classified under 7308. Fixed platforms are bolted or permanent fixtures of the seabed and lack the buoyancy characteristics of 8905.20. They may also be confused with standard cargo vessels (8901) if they have significant storage capacity, but their primary function as a production platform takes precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890520 (the code used for production platform), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890520 (the code used for production platform) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 57% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 38% 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 890520, not only production platform.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $7.0B 57% of world exports
- 2 Saudi Arabia $1.4B 11% of world exports
- 3 Singapore $780M 6.4% of world exports
World total: $12.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Brazil $5.2B 38% of world imports
- 2 Congo* ~$2.2B 16% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Australia $1.9B 14% of world imports
World total: $13.5B 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 production platform
Brazil classifies production platform under NCM 8905.20.00: HS 8905.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about production platform
What is the HS code for Production platform?
The HS code for Production platform is 890520 (Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms). The HS code for floating or submersible production platforms is 8905.20.
How do I classify Production platform for customs?
Production platform is classified under HS code 890520 — Floating or submersible drilling or production platforms. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are fixed offshore platforms classified under 8905.20?
No, fixed platforms that are not designed to float are generally classified as structures of iron or steel under HS code 7308.10 or 7308.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of production platform (HS 890520)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890520 (the code used for production platform) in UN Comtrade data were China ($7.0B, 57% of world exports), Saudi Arabia ($1.4B) and Singapore ($780M). World exports came to about $12.2B, 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 production platform (HS 890520)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890520 (the code used for production platform) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($5.2B, 38% of world imports), Congo (about $2.2B) and Australia ($1.9B). World imports came to about $13.5B, 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 Production platform the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890520 for Production platform 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 production platform in Brazil?
In Brazil, production platform (HS 890520) is classified under NCM 8905.20.00.