Product classification
HS code for Air cylinder: 8412.31
Engines, pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders).
Classification of air cylinder under HS 8412.31
Air cylinders, also known as pneumatic cylinders, are classified under HS code 8412.31. This code is situated within Chapter 84 and specifically falls under heading 8412, which covers other engines and motors. Subheading 8412.31 is dedicated to pneumatic power engines and motors that are linear acting. The classification is based on the device's function as a power source that converts the energy of compressed air into a reciprocating linear motion. These components are essential in automation, robotics, and manufacturing processes. The "linear acting" designation distinguishes these cylinders from rotary pneumatic motors. Under the Harmonized System, the classification is driven by the mechanical nature of the device and its reliance on pneumatic pressure to perform work, rather than the machinery it is eventually installed into.
- Covers
- Double-acting pneumatic cylinders
- Single-acting spring-return cylinders
- Rodless air cylinders
- Tandem pneumatic cylinders
- Pneumatic actuators with linear motion
- Also under 8412.31
- 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. Air cylinders are often misclassified under HS code 8412.21, which is for hydraulic linear acting engines. The difference lies entirely in the fluid medium; 8412.31 is for air (pneumatic), while 8412.21 is for liquid (hydraulic). Another error is classifying them under 8481.20 as valves for pneumatic transmission. While cylinders and valves work together, the cylinder is the motor/engine (8412) and the valve is the control mechanism (8481).
Top exporters and importers of HS 841231 (the code used for air cylinder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841231 (the code used for air cylinder) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 841231, not only air cylinder.
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 air cylinder
Brazil splits HS 8412.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8412.31.10Pneumatic cylinders
- 8412.31.90Other linear-acting pneumatic motors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about air cylinder
What is the HS code for Air cylinder?
The HS code for Air cylinder is 841231 (Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders)). The HS code for linear acting pneumatic air cylinders is 8412.31.
How do I classify Air cylinder for customs?
Air cylinder is classified under HS code 841231 — Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are the mounting brackets for air cylinders included in this code?
Parts for these engines, including specialized brackets, are typically classified under HS code 8412.90, provided they are suitable for use solely or principally with the engines of heading 8412.
Which countries are the top exporters of air cylinder (HS 841231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841231 (the code used for air cylinder) 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 air cylinder (HS 841231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841231 (the code used for air cylinder) 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.
Is the HS code for Air cylinder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841231 for Air cylinder is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for air cylinder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841231 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for air cylinder depends on the product's details: 8412.31.10 (Pneumatic cylinders), 8412.31.90 (Other linear-acting pneumatic motors).