Product classification
HS code for Tanker ship: 8901.20
Tankers.
Classification of tanker ship under HS 8901.20
The classification of tanker ships under HS code 8901.20 is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System. Heading 8901 covers vessels designed for the transport of persons or goods. Within this heading, subheading 8901.20 is specifically reserved for tankers. These are defined as vessels used primarily for the transport of liquids or gases in bulk. The design characteristics, such as the presence of specialized tanks, pumping systems, and safety features for volatile or hazardous liquids, distinguish these vessels from general cargo ships. This classification applies regardless of the specific liquid being transported, provided the vessel is constructed for bulk liquid or gas carriage. The classification is further supported by the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 89, which clarify that tankers include vessels of all sizes used for the transport of liquids like water, wine, or oil. The structural design, featuring longitudinal and transverse bulkheads that divide the hull into various tanks, is a key identifying feature. Even if the vessel is equipped with auxiliary equipment for other purposes, its primary design for bulk liquid transport dictates its placement in 8901.20.
- Covers
- Crude oil tankers
- Chemical tankers
- Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) carriers
- Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) carriers
- Bitumen and asphalt tankers
- Wine or juice tankers
- Also under 8901.20
- VLCC (Very Large Crude Carrier)
- Suezmax tanker
- Aframax tanker
- Q-Max LNG carrier
- Stolt Tankers' chemical carriers
Codes often confused with 8901.20
Common mistake. HS code 8901.90 (other vessels for transport of goods) is often used incorrectly for tankers. While 8901.90 covers general cargo ships and bulk carriers for solids, 8901.20 is the specific provision for liquid or gas carriers. Additionally, 8905.90, which covers floating structures like docks or platforms, is sometimes confused with tankers that have been converted for stationary storage (FSO/FPSO). However, if the vessel retains its propulsion and primary transport function, 8901.20 remains the correct code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890120 (the code used for tanker ship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890120 (the code used for tanker ship) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 34% 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 890120, not only tanker ship.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $13.5B 42% of world exports
- 2 China $12.6B 39% of world exports
- 3 Japan $2.1B 6.5% of world exports
World total: $32.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $6.4B 34% of world imports
- 2 Marshall Islands* ~$6.0B 32% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $1.4B 7.4% of world imports
World total: $18.9B 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 tanker ship
Brazil classifies tanker ship under NCM 8901.20.00: HS 8901.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tanker ship
What is the HS code for Tanker ship?
The HS code for Tanker ship is 890120 (Tankers). The HS code for a tanker ship is 8901.20, which specifically covers vessels designed for the transport of liquids or gases in bulk.
How do I classify Tanker ship for customs?
Tanker ship is classified under HS code 890120 — Tankers. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include vessels for transporting dry bulk?
No, dry bulk carriers are classified under HS code 8901.90, as they are designed for solid goods rather than liquids or gases.
Which countries are the top exporters of tanker ship (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890120 (the code used for tanker ship) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($13.5B, 42% of world exports), China ($12.6B) and Japan ($2.1B). World exports came to about $32.4B, 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 tanker ship (HS 890120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890120 (the code used for tanker ship) in UN Comtrade data were France ($6.4B, 34% of world imports), the Marshall Islands (about $6.0B) and South Korea ($1.4B). World imports came to about $18.9B, 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 Tanker ship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890120 for Tanker 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 tanker ship in Brazil?
In Brazil, tanker ship (HS 890120) is classified under NCM 8901.20.00.