HS Code 8908
Vessels for Breaking Up
HS code 8908 is applied to ships and other vessels that are destined for breaking up, decommissioning, or scrapping for metal recovery.
HS Code 8908 — Vessels for Breaking Up
This HS code is used when a ship or floating structure is being imported or exported specifically to be decommissioned and scrapped. It signifies that the vessel is at the end of its life and is valued for its scrap metal and salvageable parts rather than its navigability.
What's included
- Decommissioned cargo ships for scrap
- Condemned vessels
- Hulks for disassembly
What's excluded
- Usable secondhand ships → use
8901(If the ship is still for transport use, it remains in 8901-8906.)
Common examples
- Old tanker for demolition
- Scrap steel vessel
- End-of-life ferry for shipbreaking
Frequently asked questions
How is the value determined for these ships?
Value is typically based on the Light Displacement Tonnage (LDT) and current scrap metal market rates.
Trade & shipping notes
- Typical duty range: 0% - 20%
- Documentation: Requires an Inventory of Hazardous Materials (IHM) to comply with international environmental laws.
- Typical shipping mode: Bulk
- Top exporters: Greece, Singapore, Japan
- Top importers: Bangladesh, India, Pakistan, Turkey
Related HS codes
Key takeaway
A critical code for the global shipbreaking and circular economy industry, subject to heavy environmental scrutiny.
Related HS codes
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