Product classification
HS code for Warship: 8906.10
Vessels, warships.
Classification of warship under HS 8906.10
Warships are classified under HS code 8906.10 because they are vessels specifically designed for warfare, regardless of their size, displacement, or propulsion method. This classification falls under Chapter 89, which governs ships, boats, and floating structures. Heading 8906 is reserved for "other vessels," distinguishing them from commercial cargo ships, tankers, or passenger vessels found in heading 8901. The primary criterion for classification under 8906.10 is the vessel's design for combat or naval defense. This is often characterized by reinforced hulls, specialized weapon mounts, armored plating, and advanced electronic warfare or communication arrays. Even if a vessel is currently unarmed or in a state of decommissioning, if its original design and construction were for naval combat roles, it remains under this code. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) dictate that the specific function of the vessel as a military asset takes precedence over its general nature as a floating craft.
- Covers
- Aircraft carriers and helicopter carriers
- Battleships, cruisers, and destroyers
- Frigates and corvettes
- Submarines and submersible combat craft
- Mine-layers and mine-sweepers
- Amphibious assault ships
- Patrol boats designed for naval combat
- Also under 8906.10
- USS Gerald R. Ford (aircraft carrier)
- Type 45 Destroyer (UK)
- FREMM Frigate (France/Italy)
- Kilo-class Submarine (Russia)
- Arleigh Burke-class Destroyer (USA)
Codes often confused with 8906.10
Common mistake. Warships are frequently confused with commercial vessels under heading 8901 or yachts under 8903. Specifically, auxiliary naval vessels like tankers or transport ships may be misclassified under 8901.10 or 8901.20 if they lack combat-specific design features. Furthermore, demilitarized vessels sold for scrap might be incorrectly classified under 8908.00, though they should remain in 8906.10 until they are actually broken up.
Top exporters and importers of HS 890610 (the code used for warship), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 890610 (the code used for warship) in UN Comtrade data was South Korea, with 83% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the Philippines, with 79% 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 890610, not only warship.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 South Korea $493M 83% of world exports
- 2 United States $59M 9.9% of world exports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$24M 4.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
World total: $591M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Philippines $535M 79% of world imports
- 2 Romania $51M 7.6% of world imports
- 3 Poland $40M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $675M 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 warship
Brazil classifies warship under NCM 8906.10.00: HS 8906.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about warship
What is the HS code for Warship?
The HS code for Warship is 890610 (Vessels; warships). The primary HS code for warships of all types is 8906.10.
How do I classify Warship for customs?
Warship is classified under HS code 890610 — Vessels; warships. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are coast guard vessels classified as warships?
It depends on the design; if they are equipped with combat systems and built to naval specifications, they fall under 8906.10. If they are purely for life-saving or administrative duties, they may fall under 8906.90.
Which countries are the top exporters of warship (HS 890610)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 890610 (the code used for warship) in UN Comtrade data were South Korea ($493M, 83% of world exports), the United States ($59M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $24M). World exports came to about $591M, 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 warship (HS 890610)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 890610 (the code used for warship) in UN Comtrade data were the Philippines ($535M, 79% of world imports), Romania ($51M) and Poland ($40M). World imports came to about $675M, 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 Warship the same in all countries?
The base HS code 890610 for Warship 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 warship in Brazil?
In Brazil, warship (HS 890610) is classified under NCM 8906.10.00.