Product classification
HS code for Refrigerated cargo ship: 8901.30
Vessels, refrigerated, other than tankers.
Classification of refrigerated cargo ship under HS 8901.30
Refrigerated cargo ships, often referred to as 'reefers,' are classified under HS code 8901.30. This classification is found within Chapter 89, which governs ships, boats, and floating structures. Specifically, heading 8901 covers vessels designed for the transport of persons or goods. The subheading 8901.30 is uniquely reserved for refrigerated vessels, excluding tankers. The classification is based on the vessel's permanent technical design, which includes integrated refrigeration systems, insulated cargo holds, and specialized ventilation equipment necessary for the maritime transport of perishable goods. According to the World Customs Organization's Explanatory Notes, the primary characteristic that places a ship in this category is its specialized infrastructure for temperature control. Even if the vessel is capable of carrying non-refrigerated containers on deck, its internal configuration for cold storage dictates its classification under 8901.30. This ensures that the vessel is distinguished from general dry-bulk carriers or multi-purpose vessels that do not have built-in cooling capabilities.
- Covers
- Dedicated fruit carriers with multi-deck refrigerated holds.
- Meat transport vessels equipped with deep-freeze compartments.
- Dairy product transport ships with precision temperature logging.
- Refrigerated fish carriers used for transporting catches from fishing fleets.
- Specialized pharmaceutical transport vessels with climate-controlled zones.
- 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. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8901.20, which is reserved for tankers. While some tankers may have temperature control (for liquid chemicals or gas), 8901.30 is specifically for cargo ships carrying discrete goods. Another common error is using 8901.90, the 'other' category for cargo vessels. This happens when the refrigerated nature of the ship is overlooked. Furthermore, fishing vessels that process and freeze fish on board are classified under 8902.00, not 8901.30, as their primary function is harvesting rather than just transport.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890130 (the code used for refrigerated cargo ship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890130 (the code used for refrigerated cargo 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 refrigerated cargo 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 refrigerated cargo ship
Brazil classifies refrigerated cargo 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 refrigerated cargo ship
What is the HS code for Refrigerated cargo ship?
The HS code for Refrigerated cargo ship is 890130 (Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers). The correct HS code for a refrigerated cargo ship is 8901.30. This code applies to vessels specifically designed and equipped for the transport of perishable goods under controlled temperatures.
How do I classify Refrigerated cargo ship for customs?
Refrigerated cargo ship is classified under HS code 890130 — Vessels, refrigerated; other than tankers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include container ships carrying reefer units?
No, a standard container ship that happens to carry refrigerated containers (reefers) is typically classified under 8901.90. HS code 8901.30 is for vessels where the ship's holds themselves are refrigerated.
Which countries are the top exporters of refrigerated cargo ship (HS 890130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890130 (the code used for refrigerated cargo 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 refrigerated cargo ship (HS 890130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890130 (the code used for refrigerated cargo 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 Refrigerated cargo ship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890130 for Refrigerated cargo 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 refrigerated cargo ship in Brazil?
In Brazil, refrigerated cargo ship (HS 890130) is classified under NCM 8901.30.00.