Cargo ships and barges from India
India exported $293 million of cargo ships and barges (HS 8901.90) in FY2025-26, up 93% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% US import duty, against 37.5% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 37.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $293MUp 92.6% on last year
- HS code
- 8901.90Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
The US tariff line
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8901.90.00.00 | Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods: Other vessels for the transport of goods and other vessels for the transport of both persons and goods | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of cargo ships and barges
India's exports to all countries under HS 8901.90, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 8901.90 is 0.8%, ranging from 0% to 1.7% across tariff lines, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 0.9% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on cargo ships and barges from India?
10% on the US tariff line for this code, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 37.5%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for cargo ships and barges?
8901.90, under heading 8901 (Cruise ships, excursion boats, ferry boats, cargo ships, barges and similar vessels for the transport of persons or goods). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export cargo ships and barges?
Yes. India exported $293 million under HS 8901.90 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.