HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8412.31 – Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders)
HS code 8412.31 is the 6-digit subheading for engines, pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders). It is used for single-acting pneumatic cylinders, double-acting pneumatic cylinders, rodless pneumatic cylinders, compact pneumatic cylinders and rotary pneumatic actuators (linear acting).
What HS 8412.31 covers
This HS code covers pneumatic cylinders, which are linear actuators that convert compressed air energy into linear mechanical force and motion. These are extensively used in automation, manufacturing, packaging, and assembly lines due to their cleanliness, speed, and ease of control. International trade is driven by the global industrial automation sector's continuous need for reliable and cost-effective linear motion solutions. Importers include machinery builders, factory automation integrators, and MRO suppliers for industrial equipment. Exporters are specialized pneumatic component manufacturers. The market is characterized by a broad range of standard and miniature cylinders, with trade reflecting global manufacturing output, the increasing adoption of automation technologies, and the demand for efficient and precise production processes across various industries.
- Covers
- Single-acting pneumatic cylinders
- Double-acting pneumatic cylinders
- Rodless pneumatic cylinders
- Compact pneumatic cylinders
- Rotary pneumatic actuators (linear acting)
- Guided pneumatic cylinders
- ISO standard pneumatic cylinders
- Examples
- SMC pneumatic cylinders
- Festo pneumatic cylinders
- Parker Hannifin pneumatic cylinders
- Bosch Rexroth pneumatic cylinders
- Norgren pneumatic cylinders
Codes often confused with 8412.31
Common mistake. This code might be confused with 841239 (other pneumatic power engines/motors) if the linear acting characteristic is overlooked, or with 8479 (machines having individual functions) if the cylinder is part of a larger, more complex machine.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 841231, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 841231 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $688M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $390M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $252M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $385M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $329M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $195M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $2.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 8412.31 2
Brazil splits HS 8412.31 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8412.31.10 Pneumatic cylindersCilindros pneumáticos
- 8412.31.90 Other linear-acting pneumatic motorsOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.12 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8412.31
What is HS code 841231?
HS code 841231 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders). This HS code covers pneumatic cylinders, which are linear actuators that convert compressed air energy into linear mechanical force and motion. These are extensively used in automation, manufacturing, packaging, and assembly lines due to their cleanliness, speed, and ease of control. International trade is driven by the global industrial automation sector's continuous need for reliable and cost-effective linear motion solutions. Importers include machinery builders, factory automation integrators, and MRO suppliers for industrial equipment. Exporters are specialized pneumatic component manufacturers. The market is characterized by a broad range of standard and miniature cylinders, with trade reflecting global manufacturing output, the increasing adoption of automation technologies, and the demand for efficient and precise production processes across various industries.
What products fall under HS code 841231?
Single-acting pneumatic cylinders, Double-acting pneumatic cylinders, Rodless pneumatic cylinders, Compact pneumatic cylinders, Rotary pneumatic actuators (linear acting), Guided pneumatic cylinders, ISO standard pneumatic cylinders
What are common misclassifications for HS code 841231?
This code might be confused with 841239 (other pneumatic power engines/motors) if the linear acting characteristic is overlooked, or with 8479 (machines having individual functions) if the cylinder is part of a larger, more complex machine.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 841231?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 841231 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($688M, 28% of world exports), China ($390M) and the United States ($252M). World exports came to about $2.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 841231?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 841231 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($385M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($329M) and China ($195M). World imports came to about $2.7B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 841231 structured?
HS code 841231 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (12) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (31) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 841231?
Brazil splits HS code 841231 into 2 NCM codes: 8412.31.10 (Pneumatic cylinders), 8412.31.90 (Other linear-acting pneumatic motors). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.