Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up

HS v2022 Code: 8908

Chapter	Heading	Sub-heading
89	08	n/a

Code	8908
Version	HS v2022
Hierarchy Level	4
Datasource	WCO
Chapter	89

Ancestor Codes: Ships, boats and floating structures

This Code: Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up

Child Codes: Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up

Sibling Codes (Nearest 5): Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods; Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products; Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes; Tugs and pusher craft; Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the navigability of which is subsidiary to main function; floating docks, floating, submersible drilling, production platforms

About vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up

HS code 8908 covers the industry of ship breaking, which is a crucial part of the global maritime economy. This industry is responsible for the safe and sustainable dismantling of vessels that have reached the end of their useful life, recovering valuable materials and components for reuse or recycling. The ship breaking industry plays a vital role in managing the lifecycle of ships and contributing to the circular economy.

Production process

The ship breaking process typically involves several key steps. First, the vessel is carefully towed to a designated ship breaking yard, often located in coastal regions with access to necessary infrastructure. The ship is then secured and prepared for dismantling, which involves the removal of hazardous materials, such as asbestos and oil residues, in a controlled and environmentally responsible manner. The actual dismantling process utilizes a range of specialized tools and techniques, including cutting torches, cranes, and other heavy machinery, to systematically dismantle the vessel and recover its components and materials.

Production inputs

The ship breaking industry relies on a range of inputs, including the vessels themselves, which are the primary raw material. Additionally, the industry requires specialized equipment and machinery, such as cutting torches, cranes, and other heavy-duty tools, as well as personal protective equipment (PPE) for workers. The industry also depends on access to suitable facilities, such as ship breaking yards with the necessary infrastructure and environmental controls, as well as a skilled workforce trained in the safe and efficient dismantling of vessels.

Production outputs

The primary outputs of the ship breaking industry are the recovered materials, including steel, non-ferrous metals, and other components, which can be sold and reused or recycled. These materials may be used in the production of 7208 Flat-rolled products of iron or non-alloy steel, 7225 Flat-rolled products of other alloy steel, or 7404 Copper waste and scrap, among other products. The industry also generates waste, which must be disposed of or repurposed in an environmentally responsible manner.

Family tree for vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up

    graph LR
    A["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/89'>89: Ships, boats and floating structures</a>"]
A --> B["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8908'>8908: Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up</a>"]

    A --> C["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8901'>8901: Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry-boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods</a>"]
A --> D["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8902'>8902: Fishing vessels, factory ships and other vessels; for processing or preserving fishery products</a>"]
A --> E["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8903'>8903: Yachts and other vessels; for pleasure or sports, rowing boats and canoes</a>"]
A --> F["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8904'>8904: Tugs and pusher craft</a>"]
A --> G["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8905'>8905: Light-vessels, fire-floats, dredgers, floating cranes, other vessels; the navigability of which is subsidiary to main function; floating docks, floating, submersible drilling, production platforms</a>"]
A --> H["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8906'>8906: Vessels; other, including warships and lifeboats, other than rowing boats</a>"]
A --> I["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/8907'>8907: Boats, floating structures, other (for e.g. rafts, tanks, coffer-dams, landing stages, buoys and beacons)</a>"]

    B --> J["<a href='/classifications/hs/v2022/890800'>890800: Vessels and other floating structures; for breaking up</a>"]


    %% Color coordination by level

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    classDef level2 color:#000,fill:#e0a458,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level3 color:#000,fill:#419d78,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level4 color:#000,fill:#c04abc,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level5 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef level6 color:#000,fill:#f1c40f,stroke:#333,stroke-width:1px
    classDef highlight color:#000,fill:#fff,stroke:#000,stroke-width:5px



  %% Apply classes
  class A level2
class B level4
class C level4
class D level4
class E level4
class F level4
class G level4
class H level4
class I level4
class J level6

  class B highlight

  %% class A level1
  %% class B,C level2
  %% class D,E,F,G,H,I level2
  %% class J,K,L,M,N,O,P level3
  %% class B highlight