Product classification
HS code for Reefer ship: 8901.30
Vessels, refrigerated, other than tankers.
Classification of reefer ship under HS 8901.30
HS code 8901.30 is applied to refrigerated vessels, commonly known as reefer ships, which are designed for the transport of perishable goods requiring temperature-controlled environments. These vessels are equipped with specialized cooling systems and insulated holds to maintain specific temperatures for cargo such as fruit, meat, fish, and dairy products. The classification is part of Chapter 89, which covers ships, boats, and floating structures. Within heading 8901, which deals with cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods, subheading 8901.30 specifically isolates refrigerated vessels from general cargo ships or tankers. The primary classification factor is the permanent installation of refrigeration equipment throughout the cargo spaces, distinguishing them from vessels that merely carry refrigerated containers (reefers) on deck.
- Covers
- Dedicated refrigerated cargo ships
- Refrigerated fruit carriers
- Meat transport vessels
- Insulated vessels with built-in cooling plants
- Refrigerated juice tankers (if specialized)
- Also under 8901.30
- Seatrade's Green Andes
- Star Reefers' Star Best
- Cool Carriers' Cool Express
- Dole's refrigerated container ships
- Lauritzen Cool's reefer fleet
Codes often confused with 8901.30
Common mistake. HS code 8901.90 (other vessels for the transport of goods) is a general category that should only be used if the vessel does not have specialized refrigeration. 8901.20 (tankers) is also distinct; while some tankers may have temperature control (e.g., for liquid chemicals), they are classified by their hull type (tanker) rather than the refrigeration aspect. 8609.00 (containers) is used for refrigerated containers (reefers) themselves, not the ships that carry them. Additionally, fishing vessels with freezers are classified under 8902.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890130 (the code used for reefer ship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890130 (the code used for reefer ship) in UN Comtrade data was Japan, with 87% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Spain, with 49% 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 890130, not only reefer ship.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Japan $254M 87% of world exports
- 2 China $27M 9.1% of world exports
- 3 Lithuania $7.1M 2.4% of world exports
World total: $294M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Spain $14M 49% of world imports
- 2 Japan $7.4M 25% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $4.5M 15% of world imports
World total: $29M 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 reefer ship
Brazil classifies reefer ship under NCM 8901.30.00: HS 8901.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about reefer ship
What is the HS code for Reefer ship?
The HS code for Reefer ship is 890130 (Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers). Refrigerated vessels (reefer ships) are classified under HS code 8901.30.
How do I classify Reefer ship for customs?
Reefer ship is classified under HS code 890130 — Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this include fishing vessels with freezers?
No, fishing vessels equipped for freezing their catch are generally classified under 8902.00. HS code 8901.30 is specifically for transport vessels designed for cargo.
Which countries are the top exporters of reefer ship (HS 890130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890130 (the code used for reefer ship) in UN Comtrade data were Japan ($254M, 87% of world exports), China ($27M) and Lithuania ($7.1M). World exports came to about $294M, 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 reefer ship (HS 890130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890130 (the code used for reefer ship) in UN Comtrade data were Spain ($14M, 49% of world imports), Japan ($7.4M) and Türkiye ($4.5M). World imports came to about $29M, 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 Reefer ship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890130 for Reefer ship 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 reefer ship in Brazil?
In Brazil, reefer ship (HS 890130) is classified under NCM 8901.30.00.