Product classification
HS code for Air engine: 8412.80
Engines, pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412.
Classification of air engine under HS 8412.80
Air engines, also known as pneumatic motors, are classified under HS code 841280. This classification is specifically for engines and motors that operate using pneumatic power, meaning they convert the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion. The "n.e.c. in heading no. 8412" (not elsewhere specified or included) clause is crucial here, indicating that this code applies to pneumatic power engines and motors that do not fall under more specific subheadings within Chapter 84, which covers nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances. This broad category ensures that a wide range of pneumatic motors, from those used in industrial automation to specialized applications, are appropriately classified, provided they are not explicitly covered by other, more precise HS codes for specific types of engines or motors, such as internal combustion engines or hydraulic motors.
- Covers
- Vane air motors
- Piston air motors
- Gear air motors
- Turbine air motors (pneumatic)
- Radial piston air motors
- Air-powered actuators (if functioning as an engine/motor)
- Also under 8412.80
- Atlas Copco LBB series air motors
- Gast Manufacturing air motors
- Ingersoll Rand pneumatic motors
- Parker Hannifin rotary actuators
Codes often confused with 8412.80
Common mistake. Air engines under 841280 can be confused with other types of engines or pneumatic devices. For example, internal combustion piston engines are classified under HS codes 8407 or 8408, depending on their ignition type. Hydraulic power engines and motors, which use liquid pressure, are classified under HS code 841221 or 841229. The key distinction for 841280 is the "pneumatic power" source and its function as an "engine or motor" that converts this power into mechanical work, rather than simply a pneumatic tool (which would be 8467) or a compressor (which would be 8414). The "n.e.c." clause means that if a pneumatic engine has a more specific classification elsewhere, that specific code would take precedence.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841280 (the code used for air engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841280 (the code used for air engine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 841280, not only air engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $237M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $171M 16% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $156M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $191M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $118M 10% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $104M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 code for air engine
Brazil classifies air engine under NCM 8412.80.00: HS 8412.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about air engine
What is the HS code for Air engine?
The HS code for Air engine is 841280 (Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412). The HS code for air engines and pneumatic power motors, not elsewhere specified in heading 8412, is 841280.
How do I classify Air engine for customs?
Air engine is classified under HS code 841280 — Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does HS code 841280 include pneumatic tools?
No, HS code 841280 is specifically for pneumatic power engines and motors that convert compressed air into mechanical motion. Pneumatic tools, such as air drills or impact wrenches, are classified under HS code 8467, as they are designed for working in the hand and perform specific tasks rather than providing general motive power.
Which countries are the top exporters of air engine (HS 841280)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841280 (the code used for air engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($237M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($171M) and Thailand ($156M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 engine (HS 841280)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841280 (the code used for air engine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($191M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($118M) and Thailand ($104M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841280 for Air engine 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 engine in Brazil?
In Brazil, air engine (HS 841280) is classified under NCM 8412.80.00.