Product classification
HS code for Small helicopters: 8802.11
Helicopters, except unmanned, of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg.
Classification of small helicopters under HS 8802.11
The classification of small helicopters is found in Chapter 88, which covers aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. Heading 8802 is used for other aircraft, such as helicopters and airplanes, excluding unmanned aircraft which have their own specific heading. The primary criteria for sub-classification within heading 8802 for helicopters are the unladen weight and the nature of the aircraft (manned vs. unmanned). Subheading 8802.11 is specifically designated for helicopters with an unladen weight not exceeding 2,000 kg. Unladen weight refers to the weight of the machine in normal flying order, excluding the weight of the crew, fuel, and equipment other than fixed equipment. This category typically includes light utility helicopters, small private aircraft, and training vessels. The classification is strictly based on the weight threshold, which distinguishes these smaller units from larger commercial or military helicopters that exceed the 2,000 kg limit. For international trade, this distinction is critical as different weight classes may be subject to different safety regulations, import duties, and licensing requirements. The aircraft must be designed for the transport of persons or goods to fall under this heading. If the helicopter is imported in a \"knocked down\" or unassembled state, it is still classified under 8802.11 provided it has the essential character of a complete aircraft. This ensures that the classification remains consistent regardless of the logistics of shipping. The heading excludes aircraft specifically designed for use as toys, which are classified in Chapter 95.
- Covers
- Light utility helicopters (manned)
- Private two-seater or four-seater helicopters
- Training helicopters under 2,000 kg
- Small emergency medical service (EMS) helicopters
- Light observation helicopters
- Also under 8802.11
- Robinson R22
- Robinson R44
- Bell 505 Jet Ranger X
- Airbus H125
- Guimbal Cabri G2
Codes often confused with 8802.11
Common mistake. Small helicopters are often confused with HS code 8806, which is the new heading for unmanned aircraft (drones). If the helicopter is remote-controlled and has no cockpit for a pilot, it must go to 8806. Another common error is 8802.12, which is only for helicopters with an unladen weight exceeding 2,000 kg. Finally, very small model helicopters intended for play are classified under 9503.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880211 (the code used for small helicopters), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880211 (the code used for small helicopters) in UN Comtrade data was France, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world imports. The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 880211, not only small helicopters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 France $470M 31% of world exports
- 2 Canada $390M 26% of world exports
- 3 Germany $120M 8.0% of world exports
The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $464M 22% of world imports
- 2 Brazil $251M 12% of world imports
- 3 Canada $158M 7.7% of world imports
World total: $2.1B 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 small helicopters
Brazil classifies small helicopters under NCM 8802.11.00: HS 8802.11 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about small helicopters
What is the HS code for Small helicopters?
The HS code for Small helicopters is 880211 (Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg). The HS code for manned helicopters with an unladen weight of 2,000 kg or less is 8802.11.
How do I classify Small helicopters for customs?
Small helicopters is classified under HS code 880211 — Helicopters, except unmanned; of an unladen weight not exceeding 2000kg. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the engine?
Yes, a complete helicopter classified under 8802.11 includes its engine and all standard flight instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of small helicopters (HS 880211)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880211 (the code used for small helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were France ($470M, 31% of world exports), Canada ($390M) and Germany ($120M). World exports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United States reports $152.8B of its chapter 88 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of small helicopters (HS 880211)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880211 (the code used for small helicopters) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($464M, 22% of world imports), Brazil ($251M) and Canada ($158M). World imports came to about $2.1B, 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 Small helicopters the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880211 for Small helicopters 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 small helicopters in Brazil?
In Brazil, small helicopters (HS 880211) is classified under NCM 8802.11.00.