HS Code 8908Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up
1 six-digit code · Heading 8 of 8 in Chapter 89 · World Customs Organization Harmonized System
HS code 8908 is the customs heading for ships and floating structures sold to be taken apart, also called ship scrapping.
Heading 8908does not subdivide further in the WCO nomenclature: goods answering to “Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up” classify at the single six-digit code 890800. The heading is number 8 of 8 in Chapter 89, Ships, boats and floating structures, which runs to 25 six-digit codes in all.
Six-digit codes under heading 8908
| HS Code | Import–export description |
|---|---|
| 890800 | Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up |
What HS code 8908 covers
Heading 8908 is for vessels bought so they can be cut up. The buyer reuses the metal and parts. Traders call this ship breaking, ship scrapping or dismantling vessels. You may also see the wording vessels for scrapping.
The key idea is purpose. A ship that still works as a ship goes under another heading, chosen by its type. Once it is sold for demolition, its purpose changes the code. Floating structures follow the same rule as ships.
The Harmonized System is the shared coding method behind this heading. The WCO nomenclature sets the first six digits, so customs offices in many countries read them the same way.
HS 890800 and national extensions
HS 890800 is the code you will see on most forms for this trade. It is the full international code for the goods, so there is nothing finer to choose between at the shared level.
Many countries add extra digits for their own use. If you searched for HSN code 8908, the first part is the same one used worldwide. Only the added digits change from country to country.
Duty rates are set at the national level too. Check the tariff of the country you ship to before you quote a price.
8908 vs other Chapter 89 headings
A vessel goes to 8908 when it is imported for breaking up. If it is not, pick a heading by what the vessel is and does. This short guide helps you tell them apart:
- 8901: passenger and cargo carriers such as cruise ships, ferry-boats and barges.
- 8904: tugs and pusher craft.
- 8905: dredgers, floating cranes, fire-floats, floating docks and drilling platforms.
- 8906: warships, lifeboats and other vessels not named elsewhere.
- 8907: rafts, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons.
Who imports vessels for scrapping?
Customs shipment records show which importers and exporters move goods under a code. For this heading, that means the firms that buy and sell old ships for demolition. The records also help you see which markets trade in them.
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.
Related
- Chapter 89 ships, boats and floating structures
- HS 8901 cargo ships and ferry-boats
- HS 8902 fishing vessels
- HS 8903 yachts and pleasure boats
- HS 8904 tugs and pusher craft
- HS 8905 dredgers and floating docks
- HS 8906 warships and lifeboats
- HS 8907 rafts, buoys and beacons
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Nearby headings in Chapter 89
- 8901Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar…4 codes
- 8902Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or…1 code
- 8903Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes11 codes
- 8904Tugs and pusher craft1 code
- 8905Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the…3 codes
- 8906Vessels; other, including warships and lifeboats, other than rowing boats2 codes
- 8907Boats, floating structures, other (for e.g. rafts, tanks, coffer-dams…2 codes
Who ships under 8908?
EximDataX tracks the live import–export records filed under this heading and the code beneath it: named buyers, suppliers, quantities and values from official customs feeds.
Section XVII: Vehicles, Aircraft, Vessels and Transport Equipment, chapters 86–89.
HS Code 8908: common questions
What does heading 8908 cover?
It covers vessels and other floating structures that are sold to be dismantled. The purpose of the sale decides the code, not the type of ship.
What is the HS code for vessels for breaking up or scrapping?
Use heading 8908. Ship breaking and ship scrapping both fall under it.
Does heading 8908 have subheadings?
No. Any longer code you see is a national extension.
How is 8908 different from 8901 cargo ships or 8904 tugs?
Headings 8901 and 8904 describe working vessels by type. Heading 8908 is used when a vessel is imported for demolition instead.
Is HS code 8908 the same across countries?
The first six digits are shared through the WCO system. Digits added after 890800 are national, so they can differ between countries.
How to confirm the correct HS code for a vessel for scrapping?
Check the purpose of the sale first. If the vessel will be demolished, 8908 applies. The HS code classifier can help, and your customs broker should confirm the final national code.
See what your buyers are buying.Then decide.
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