HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8481.20 – Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions
HS code 8481.20 is the 6-digit subheading for valves, for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. It is used for directional control valves, proportional valves, servo valves, flow control valves and pressure control valves.
What HS 8481.20 covers
Valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions are critical control elements in machinery and automation systems that rely on fluid power (oil or air) to transmit force and motion. These valves direct, regulate, or stop the flow of hydraulic fluid or compressed air, enabling precise control over actuators like cylinders and motors. Industries heavily involved in importing these valves include automotive manufacturing (for assembly lines), heavy machinery (construction, agriculture), robotics, and industrial automation. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers with expertise in fluid power technology, often located in countries known for advanced industrial engineering. Key considerations in trade include the valve's operating pressure, flow capacity, actuation method (manual, solenoid, pilot-operated), and port configuration. The global demand for these valves is closely linked to the growth of industrial automation and the manufacturing sector's need for efficient and reliable motion control systems.
- Covers
- Directional control valves
- Proportional valves
- Servo valves
- Flow control valves
- Pressure control valves
- Cartridge valves
- Solenoid valves for hydraulics/pneumatics
- Examples
- Bosch Rexroth directional valves
- Parker Hannifin hydraulic valves
- SMC pneumatic solenoid valves
- Festo proportional valves
- Eaton Vickers hydraulic valves
Codes often confused with 8481.20
Common mistake. This code is specifically for valves used in hydraulic or pneumatic transmission systems, distinguishing it from general-purpose valves in 848180. It might be confused with 848130 (check valves) if the primary function isn't clearly identified as part of a transmission system.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 848120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 848120 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 15% 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 $4.0B 27% of world exports
- 2 United States $2.0B 13% of world exports
- 3 Italy $1.2B 7.9% of world exports
World total: $14.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $2.1B 15% of world imports
- 2 Germany $1.7B 12% of world imports
- 3 China $1.7B 12% of world imports
World total: $13.8B 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 8481.20 3
Brazil splits HS 8481.20 into 3 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8481.20.1 Rotary, for hydraulic steering gear boxesRotativas, de caixas de direção hidráulica Group
- 8481.20.11 Rotary power steering valves with pinionCom pinhão
- 8481.20.19 Other rotary power steering valvesOutras
- 8481.20.90 Other hydraulic or pneumatic transmission valvesOutras
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.81 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8481.20
What is HS code 848120?
HS code 848120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. Valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions are critical control elements in machinery and automation systems that rely on fluid power (oil or air) to transmit force and motion. These valves direct, regulate, or stop the flow of hydraulic fluid or compressed air, enabling precise control over actuators like cylinders and motors. Industries heavily involved in importing these valves include automotive manufacturing (for assembly lines), heavy machinery (construction, agriculture), robotics, and industrial automation. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers with expertise in fluid power technology, often located in countries known for advanced industrial engineering. Key considerations in trade include the valve's operating pressure, flow capacity, actuation method (manual, solenoid, pilot-operated), and port configuration. The global demand for these valves is closely linked to the growth of industrial automation and the manufacturing sector's need for efficient and reliable motion control systems.
What products fall under HS code 848120?
Directional control valves, Proportional valves, Servo valves, Flow control valves, Pressure control valves, Cartridge valves, Solenoid valves for hydraulics/pneumatics
What are common misclassifications for HS code 848120?
This code is specifically for valves used in hydraulic or pneumatic transmission systems, distinguishing it from general-purpose valves in 848180. It might be confused with 848130 (check valves) if the primary function isn't clearly identified as part of a transmission system.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 848120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 848120 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($4.0B, 27% of world exports), the United States ($2.0B) and Italy ($1.2B). World exports came to about $14.9B, 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 848120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 848120 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($2.1B, 15% of world imports), Germany ($1.7B) and China ($1.7B). World imports came to about $13.8B, 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 848120 structured?
HS code 848120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (81) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 848120?
Brazil splits HS code 848120 into 3 NCM codes: 8481.20.11 (Rotary power steering valves with pinion), 8481.20.19 (Other rotary power steering valves), 8481.20.90 (Other hydraulic or pneumatic transmission valves). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.