HS Code 8902Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products

What HS code 8902 covers

Heading 8902 is for ships that catch fish or work on fish at sea. It also includes other vessels that process or preserve fishery products, such as boats that freeze, can or salt the catch on board.

The heading sits in Chapter 89, which deals with ships, boats and floating structures. Chapter 89 belongs to Section XVII, the part of the tariff for vehicles, aircraft, vessels and transport equipment. Some importers search for the same heading as HSN code 8902 or HTS code 8902. The first four digits point to the same group of goods.

HS code 890200 for fishing vessels and factory ships

Under the World Customs Organization nomenclature, this heading has one code only: 890200. Every vessel that fits the heading text is placed there. There is no WCO split between, for example, a small boat and a large factory ship.

Your own country may ask for more detail in its local tariff. If you need a finer split for your market, start with the HS code classifier and then confirm the line with your customs broker.

When you search shipment data, 8902 and 890200 lead to the same group of goods. Use whichever one your filings use.

HS 8902 vs nearby headings in Chapter 89

Many vessel classification mistakes come from mixing 8902 with its neighbours. The main test is what the vessel is built to do. Here is how the close headings differ:

• 8901: cruise ships, ferries, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels that carry people or goods. A boat that only carries a catch to port is not the same as one built to fish or process.
• 8903: yachts and other vessels for pleasure or sport, plus rowing boats and canoes.
• 8904: tugs and pusher craft.
• 8905: light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes and floating docks, where moving on water is not the main job. Drilling and production platforms also go here.

How to choose the right code for a fishing vessel

Work through these steps before you file or search.

First, decide the main function. If the vessel is built to fish, or to process or preserve fishery products, 8902 is the likely heading. If it mainly carries goods or passengers, look at 8901 instead.

Second, check the purpose of the sale. A fishing vessel that is sold to be broken up is covered by 8908, not 8902.

Third, if the vessel does not fit cleanly, describe it in the HS code classifier. Keep the vessel's design papers and the sale contract on hand, because customs may ask for them.

Fishing vessel import and export data for HS 8902

Who imports fishing vessels, and who builds or sells them? Customs records can answer that for this heading. 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.

Buyers and suppliers are the starting point for sales, sourcing and market research in this trade. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.