Product classification
HS code for Rescue boat: 8906.90
Vessels, other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships.
Classification of rescue boat under HS 8906.90
Rescue boats and lifeboats that are not powered by oars are classified under HS code 8906.90. Chapter 89 deals with ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8906 covers "Other vessels," which includes warships and lifeboats other than rowing boats. Since rescue boats are specialized vessels designed for emergency response, search and rescue (SAR), and life-saving operations rather than commercial transport, fishing, or pleasure, they fall under this residual category. Subheading 8906.90 is the specific classification for vessels that do not meet the criteria for warships (8906.10). This classification applies to motorized rescue craft, including rigid-hulled inflatable boats (RHIBs) specifically outfitted for emergency missions, provided they are not primarily designed for sport or recreation. The technical specifications, such as self-righting capabilities and specialized medical or towing equipment, often distinguish these from standard motorboats.
- Covers
- Motorized lifeboats for ships
- Rigid-hulled inflatable rescue boats (RHIBs)
- Search and rescue (SAR) vessels
- Coast guard patrol rescue craft
- Emergency response boats
- Also under 8906.90
- US Coast Guard Fast Response Cutter (FRC)
- Damen Stan Pilot 2205
- RV Neil Armstrong (research vessel)
- Viking Norsafe lifeboats
- Rolls-Royce UT 755 LC (OSV)
Codes often confused with 8906.90
Common mistake. Rescue boats are frequently misclassified under HS code 8903.92, which covers motorboats for pleasure or sports. The distinction lies in the intended use and equipment; rescue boats are built to professional safety standards. They are also confused with HS code 8907.10, which covers inflatable rafts. While some rescue boats are inflatable, 8907.10 is for passive rafts, whereas 8906.90 is for motorized vessels. Warships, even those used for rescue, are excluded and placed in 8906.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890690 (the code used for rescue boat), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890690 (the code used for rescue boat) in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 26% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Saudi Arabia, with 22% 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 890690, not only rescue boat.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.9B 26% of world exports
- 2 Norway $824M 11% of world exports
- 3 India $786M 11% of world exports
World total: $7.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Saudi Arabia $1.6B 22% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.6B 22% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $979M 14% of world imports
World total: $7.2B 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 rescue boat
Brazil classifies rescue boat under NCM 8906.90.00: HS 8906.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about rescue boat
What is the HS code for Rescue boat?
The HS code for Rescue boat is 890690 (Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships). The HS code for rescue boats and lifeboats (other than rowing boats) is 8906.90.
How do I classify Rescue boat for customs?
Rescue boat is classified under HS code 890690 — Vessels; other, including lifeboats other than rowing boats, other than warships. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are inflatable life rafts classified here?
No, inflatable life rafts are generally classified under HS code 8907.10, as they are floating structures rather than motorized vessels.
Which countries are the top exporters of rescue boat (HS 890690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890690 (the code used for rescue boat) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.9B, 26% of world exports), Norway ($824M) and India ($786M). World exports came to about $7.2B, 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 rescue boat (HS 890690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890690 (the code used for rescue boat) in UN Comtrade data were Saudi Arabia ($1.6B, 22% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $1.6B) and India ($979M). World imports came to about $7.2B, 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.
Is the HS code for Rescue boat the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890690 for Rescue 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 rescue boat in Brazil?
In Brazil, rescue boat (HS 890690) is classified under NCM 8906.90.00.