Chapter 89 Ships, boats and floating structures
8 headings · 25 six-digit codes · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 89 ships and boats are grouped by what the vessel does, from cargo carriers and ferries to yachts, tugs and floating platforms. This page explains each group in plain words so you can pick the right code.
11 of Chapter 89’s 25 six-digit codes sit under a single heading, 8903 (Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes). The other 14 are spread across the remaining 7 headings, running from 8901 to 8908. The chapter sits in Section XVII, Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Transport Equipment, alongside 3 other chapters.
Headings in this chapter
What HS Code 89 covers
The chapter 89 HS code covers watercraft of almost every kind. That includes ships that carry people or cargo, fishing boats, pleasure boats and work vessels. It also covers floating structures that are not really ships, such as buoys and landing stages.
Heading 8901 is the transport group. It holds cruise ships, ferries, cargo ships, barges and similar marine vessels. Tankers are 890120. Refrigerated vessels, other than tankers, are 890130.
A goods carrier that is not a tanker or a refrigerated ship goes to 890190. Vessels that carry both people and goods also land there.
HS code for yachts and pleasure boats (8903)
Heading 8903 is where pleasure boats go. The codes under it split on three points: how the boat is built, how it is driven, and how long it is.
Inflatable boats come first. They are split by whether they take a motor and by weight, with 100 kg as the line. A motor-fitted inflatable that weighs no more than 100 kg is 890311.
Motorboats that are not inflatable use the same three length bands.
Work vessels, platforms and floating structures
Fishing vessels and factory ships that process or preserve fish share one code, 890200. Tugs and pusher craft are also a single code, 890400, so the tugboat HS code is easy to find.
Heading 8905 is for floating machines and structures. Dredgers are 890510. Light-vessels, fire-floats, floating cranes and floating docks sit in the rest of the heading.
Heading 8906 holds other vessels, including warships and lifeboats. Warships are 890610. Heading 8907 covers rafts, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons.
Ships and floating structures that are sold to be broken up are 890800. This is the code to use for scrap vessels.
How to choose the right Chapter 89 code
Start with the job of the vessel. If it mainly moves people or goods, look at 8901. If it is built for fun or sport, look at 8903. A fishing boat or a tug has its own heading, so check those before the general ones.
Heading 8905 is for things where floating is only a side feature. A dredger or a floating crane exists to do work. It happens to float. If that fits your item, 8905 is likely the better match than 8901.
Use 8906 for vessels that fit nowhere else, such as warships and lifeboats. Use 8907 for rafts and fixed-position floaters like buoys. Use 8908 only when the vessel is being sold to be broken up, whatever its earlier use.
Still unsure? Tariff classification can turn on small details, so try the [HS code classifier](/hs-classifier) before you file.
Chapter 89 sits beside three other transport chapters. If your item is on rails, look at [Chapter 86 railway locomotives and rolling stock](/hs-codes/86). Road vehicles are in [Chapter 87 vehicles and parts](/hs-codes/87). Aircraft are in [Chapter 88 aircraft and spacecraft](/hs-codes/88).
Chapter 89 import and export data
Knowing the code is the first step. The next is seeing who trades in these goods. EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources.
Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily.
You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo. To get started, open the import data or export data pages, or look for buyers and suppliers of vessels directly.
Related
- HS 8901 cargo ships, tankers and ferries
- HS 8902 fishing vessels and factory ships
- HS 8903 yachts and pleasure boats
- HS 8904 tugs and pusher craft
- HS 8905 dredgers, floating cranes and platforms
- HS 8906 warships and lifeboats
- HS 8907 rafts, buoys and floating structures
- HS 8908 vessels for breaking up
- Chapter 86 railway locomotives and rolling stock
- Chapter 87 vehicles and parts
- Chapter 88 aircraft and spacecraft
- All HS code chapters
- Ship and boat import data
- Ship and boat export data
- Find buyers of vessels
- Find suppliers of vessels
- HS code classifier
- Book a free demo
Other chapters in Section XVII
Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Transport Equipment covers chapters 86–89.
- 86Railway, tramway locomotives, rolling-stock and parts thereof; railway or tramway track fixtures and fittings and parts thereof; mechanical (including electro-mechanical) traffic signalling equipment of all kinds9 headings · 23 codes
- 87Vehicles; other than railway or tramway rolling stock, and parts and accessories thereof16 headings · 98 codes
- 88Aircraft, spacecraft, and parts thereof6 headings · 26 codes
These codes carry real shipments.
EximDataX shows the live import–export records filed under Chapter 89: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
HS Chapter 89: common questions
What does HS code chapter 89 cover?
That ranges from cargo ships, ferries and tankers to yachts, fishing vessels, tugs, dredgers, buoys and vessels for breaking up.
What is the HS code for cargo ships and ferries?
They fall under heading 8901. Ferries and cruise ships are 890110, and cargo vessels not covered by a more specific code are 890190.
What is the HS code for yachts and pleasure boats?
Pleasure boats are in heading 8903. The exact code depends on whether the boat is inflatable, a sailboat or a motorboat, and on its length.
What is the HS code for fishing vessels?
The same code covers vessels that process or preserve fishery products.
What is the HS code for tugboats?
Tugs and pusher craft are classified under 890400.
Which HS code covers dredgers and floating drilling platforms?
Dredgers are 890510.
What HS code is used for ships sold for scrap or breaking up?
Use 890800. It covers vessels and other floating structures that are sold to be broken up.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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