Product classification
HS code for Pusher boat: 8904.00
Tugs and pusher craft.
Classification of pusher boat under HS 8904.00
Pusher boats are classified under HS code 8904.00, which specifically covers tugs and pusher craft. This classification is situated within Chapter 89, which pertains to ships, boats, and floating structures. The primary criterion for classification under 8904.00 is the functional design of the vessel; these craft are engineered specifically to provide motive power to other vessels or floating structures, such as barges, by pushing them from behind. Unlike cargo vessels or tankers, pusher boats are not designed to carry goods or passengers themselves. They are characterized by a reinforced bow or a flat \"push knee\" structure that allows them to interface securely with the stern of a barge. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1, as the heading text explicitly names pusher craft. It is important to note that even if a vessel has secondary capabilities, its primary design as a pusher dictates its placement here. These vessels are common in inland waterway transport where they move large flotillas of barges. The HS code 8904.00 is a single-level heading in many tariffs, meaning it does not break down further into sub-categories based on tonnage or engine power, unlike other maritime headings. This simplifies the classification process but requires clear documentation that the vessel is indeed a pusher craft and not a general-purpose workboat or a cargo-carrying vessel.
- Covers
- River pushers
- Barge pusher craft
- Articulated Tug-Barge (ATB) pusher units
- Inland waterway push boats
- Towboats designed for pushing
- Also under 8904.00
Damen ASD Tug 2810, Robert Allan Ltd. RAmparts 3200, Sanmar Bogacay Class, Crowley Resolution, Svitzer Hermod
Codes often confused with 8904.00
Common mistake. Pusher boats are often confused with HS code 8901.90, which covers other vessels for the transport of goods. However, because pusher boats do not have their own cargo space, they must be classified under 8904.00. Another common error is using 8905.90 for floating structures, but 8904.00 is more specific for vessels providing propulsion to others.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890400 (the code used for pusher boat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890400 (the code used for pusher boat) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Arab Emirates, with about 28% 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 890400, not only pusher boat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $755M 21% of world exports
- 2 China $538M 15% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $448M 13% of world exports
World total: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Arab Emirates* ~$829M 28% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Thailand $299M 10% of world imports
- 3 India $252M 8.6% of world imports
World total: $2.9B 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 pusher boat
Brazil classifies pusher boat under NCM 8904.00.00: HS 8904.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pusher boat
What is the HS code for Pusher boat?
The HS code for Pusher boat is 890400 (Tugs and pusher craft). The HS code for a pusher boat is 8904.00, which covers both tugs and pusher craft.
How do I classify Pusher boat for customs?
Pusher boat is classified under HS code 890400 — Tugs and pusher craft. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a pusher boat be classified as a cargo ship?
No, because pusher boats lack the internal hold or deck space required to be classified as cargo-carrying vessels under heading 8901.
Which countries are the top exporters of pusher boat (HS 890400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890400 (the code used for pusher boat) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($755M, 21% of world exports), China ($538M) and Türkiye ($448M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 pusher boat (HS 890400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890400 (the code used for pusher boat) in UN Comtrade data were the United Arab Emirates (about $829M, 28% of world imports), Thailand ($299M) and India ($252M). World imports came to about $2.9B, 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 Pusher boat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890400 for Pusher boat 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 pusher boat in Brazil?
In Brazil, pusher boat (HS 890400) is classified under NCM 8904.00.00.