Product classification
HS code for Ship for demolition: 8908.00
Vessels and other floating structures, for breaking up.
Classification of ship for demolition under HS 8908.00
Ships for demolition are classified under HS code 8908.00. This classification is unique because it depends entirely on the intended use of the vessel at the time of import. Chapter 89 covers ships, boats, and floating structures. While most headings in this chapter classify vessels by their function (e.g., 8901 for cargo ships, 8902 for fishing vessels), heading 8908 is specifically reserved for "Vessels and other floating structures for breaking up." This means the vessel is no longer intended for navigation or commercial operation but is being imported as a source of scrap metal and salvageable parts. The classification applies to the entire structure of the ship, including its machinery and furniture, provided they are part of the vessel being scrapped.
- Covers
- Decommissioned oil tankers for scrap
- Old cargo vessels intended for demolition
- Floating docks for breaking up
- Warships sold for scrapping
- Tugs and workboats for demolition
- Also under 8908.00
- MV Blue Lady (former passenger ship)
- USS Enterprise (aircraft carrier, for recycling)
- Maersk Alabama (container ship, for recycling)
- various bulk carriers at end of service
Codes often confused with 8908.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8901.90 (other vessels for transport). If a ship is still operational and not explicitly declared for breaking up, it must be classified under its functional heading. Another error is classifying the vessel as 7204 (ferrous waste and scrap). While the ship will eventually become scrap, as long as it retains the form of a vessel, it must be classified in Chapter 89. Only after the ship has been cut up does the resulting material fall under Chapter 72.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890800 (the code used for ship for demolition), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890800 (the code used for ship for demolition) in UN Comtrade data was Nigeria, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was India, with 70% 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 890800, not only ship for demolition.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Nigeria $29M 38% of world exports
- 2 Italy $15M 19% of world exports
- 3 Togo* ~$5.6M 7.3% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $76M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 India $662M 70% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $189M 20% of world imports
- 3 Pakistan $59M 6.2% of world imports
World total: $946M 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 ship for demolition
Brazil classifies ship for demolition under NCM 8908.00.00: HS 8908.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ship for demolition
What is the HS code for Ship for demolition?
The HS code for Ship for demolition is 890800 (Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up). The HS code for vessels and other floating structures intended for breaking up is 8908.00.
How do I classify Ship for demolition for customs?
Ship for demolition is classified under HS code 890800 — Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Can a ship be classified as scrap if it still floats?
Yes, if the legal intent and contractual obligations specify the vessel is for breaking up, it is classified under 8908.00 regardless of its buoyancy.
Which countries are the top exporters of ship for demolition (HS 890800)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890800 (the code used for ship for demolition) in UN Comtrade data were Nigeria ($29M, 38% of world exports), Italy ($15M) and Togo (about $5.6M). World exports came to about $76M, 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 ship for demolition (HS 890800)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890800 (the code used for ship for demolition) in UN Comtrade data were India ($662M, 70% of world imports), Türkiye ($189M) and Pakistan ($59M). World imports came to about $946M, 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 Ship for demolition the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890800 for Ship for demolition 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 ship for demolition in Brazil?
In Brazil, ship for demolition (HS 890800) is classified under NCM 8908.00.00.