Product classification
HS code for Trawler: 8902.00
Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels, for processing or preserving fishery products.
Classification of trawler under HS 8902.00
A trawler is classified under HS code 8902.00. This heading is dedicated to fishing vessels, factory ships, and other vessels used for processing or preserving fishery products. Chapter 89 of the Harmonized System covers ships, boats, and floating structures. The classification 8902.00 is unique because it does not have further subheadings in the international nomenclature, covering all sizes and types of commercial fishing craft regardless of their size or tonnage. A trawler is defined by its functional design, which involves towing a trawl net through the water to capture fish or crustaceans. The classification includes not only the vessel itself but also any integrated equipment used for the immediate processing or freezing of the catch while at sea. This distinguishes them from general cargo vessels (8901) or recreational boats (8903). The primary function of the vessel—commercial fishing or fish processing—is the determining factor for its placement here. Even if a vessel has characteristics of a cargo ship, if its primary design and equipment are for fishing, it remains under 8902.00.
- Covers
- Stern trawlers
- Side trawlers
- Factory fishing vessels
- Shrimp trawlers
- Commercial vessels for preserving fish
- Also under 8902.00
- FV Cornelia Marie (crab boat)
- Atlantic Dawn (factory trawler)
- Eemshaven (trawler)
- Icelandic fishing vessels
- Russian factory ships
Codes often confused with 8902.00
Common mistake. Trawlers are often misclassified under HS code 8901.90, which covers vessels for the transport of goods or persons. While a trawler carries a "cargo" of fish, its primary purpose is extraction, not transport. Another common confusion is with HS code 8903.92, which covers motorboats for pleasure or sports. If a vessel is used for recreational fishing rather than commercial harvesting, it must be classified under 8903.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890200 (the code used for trawler), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890200 (the code used for trawler) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Vanuatu, with about 14% 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 890200, not only trawler.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $403M 27% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $378M 26% of world exports
- 3 Denmark $221M 15% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Vanuatu* ~$183M 14% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 2 Denmark $154M 12% of world imports
- 3 Kiribati* ~$108M 8.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $1.3B 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 codes for trawler
Brazil splits HS 8902.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8902.00.10Fishing and fish-processing vessels, 35 m or more
- 8902.00.90Fishing and fish-processing vessels under 35 m
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about trawler
What is the HS code for Trawler?
The HS code for Trawler is 890200 (Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products). The HS code for commercial fishing trawlers and factory ships is 8902.00.
How do I classify Trawler for customs?
Trawler is classified under HS code 890200 — Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include small fishing boats?
Yes, as long as the boat is designed for commercial fishing purposes; however, very small rowing boats or inflatable boats used for fishing might be classified under 8903.
Which countries are the top exporters of trawler (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890200 (the code used for trawler) in UN Comtrade data were China ($403M, 27% of world exports), Türkiye ($378M) and Denmark ($221M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 trawler (HS 890200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890200 (the code used for trawler) in UN Comtrade data were Vanuatu (about $183M, 14% of world imports), Denmark ($154M) and Kiribati (about $108M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Trawler the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890200 for Trawler 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 trawler in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 890200 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for trawler depends on the product's details: 8902.00.10 (Fishing and fish-processing vessels, 35 m or more), 8902.00.90 (Fishing and fish-processing vessels under 35 m).