Product classification
HS code for Spacecraft: 8802.60
Spacecraft, (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles.
Classification of spacecraft under HS 8802.60
Spacecraft are classified under HS code 8802.60, which falls within Chapter 88 of the Harmonized System. This chapter covers aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof. The specific subheading 8802.60 is designated for spacecraft, including satellites, and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. Classification is determined by the primary function of the vehicle, which is to operate outside the Earth's atmosphere or to transport payloads into space. This includes both the vehicles intended for orbital flight and those designed for suborbital trajectories. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 guide this classification, as the terms of the heading and subheadings specifically name these high-technology transport and exploration units. Unlike terrestrial vehicles or standard aircraft, spacecraft must withstand vacuum conditions and extreme thermal variations, which distinguishes them technically from items in heading 8801 or 8802.11 through 8802.40. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the spacecraft is intended for scientific, commercial, or telecommunications purposes, provided it meets the criteria of being a vehicle designed for space travel or deployment.
- Covers
- Communication satellites
- Weather and Earth observation satellites
- Space shuttles and reusable orbital vehicles
- Spacecraft launch vehicles (rockets)
- Suborbital research vehicles
- Orbital space stations and modules
- Lunar and planetary landers
- Also under 8802.60
- SpaceX Falcon 9
- Ariane 5
- International Space Station modules
- Hubble Space Telescope
- Starlink satellites
- GPS III satellites
Codes often confused with 8802.60
Common mistake. Spacecraft are frequently confused with parts of spacecraft, which are classified under HS code 8803.90. It is essential to distinguish between a complete vehicle and its components. Additionally, military missiles are often misclassified here; however, guided missiles are specifically classified under HS code 9306.90. The distinction lies in the intended use and the presence of an explosive warhead versus a scientific or commercial payload. Furthermore, ground-based control equipment is classified under Chapter 85 or 90, not 8802.
Top exporters and importers of HS 880260 (the code used for spacecraft), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 880260 (the code used for spacecraft) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 31% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Luxembourg, with 48% 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 880260, not only spacecraft.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.1B 31% of world exports
- 2 France $1.0B 28% of world exports
- 3 Italy $443M 12% 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: $3.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Luxembourg $386M 48% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$326M 40% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $24M 2.9% of world imports
World total: $811M 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 spacecraft
Brazil classifies spacecraft under NCM 8802.60.00: HS 8802.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spacecraft
What is the HS code for Spacecraft?
The HS code for Spacecraft is 880260 (Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles). The primary HS code for spacecraft, including satellites and launch vehicles, is 8802.60.
How do I classify Spacecraft for customs?
Spacecraft is classified under HS code 880260 — Spacecraft; (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are satellite parts classified under the same code?
No, parts of spacecraft and satellites are generally classified under HS code 8803.90, provided they are not specifically included in other headings of the Harmonized System.
Which countries are the top exporters of spacecraft (HS 880260)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 880260 (the code used for spacecraft) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.1B, 31% of world exports), France ($1.0B) and Italy ($443M). World exports came to about $3.6B, 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 spacecraft (HS 880260)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 880260 (the code used for spacecraft) in UN Comtrade data were Luxembourg ($386M, 48% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $326M) and India ($24M). World imports came to about $811M, 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 Spacecraft the same in all countries?
The base HS code 880260 for Spacecraft 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 spacecraft in Brazil?
In Brazil, spacecraft (HS 880260) is classified under NCM 8802.60.00.