Product classification
HS code for Directional control valve: 8481.20
Valves, for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions.
Classification of directional control valve under HS 8481.20
Directional control valves are essential components in fluid power systems, and their classification is governed by Chapter 84. Heading 8481 covers taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves. Subheading 8481.20 is specifically designated for valves used in oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. These valves are used to start, stop, or change the direction of flow of a fluid (liquid or gas) within a power circuit. The classification depends on the valve's application in a fluid power system rather than its material composition. This subheading takes precedence over more general subheadings like 8481.80 when the valve is clearly designed for hydraulic or pneumatic power transmission. The General Interpretative Rules (GRI) require that products be classified according to their function; since these valves control the flow path in a power system, 8481.20 is the most accurate designation.
- Covers
- Hydraulic solenoid directional valves
- Pneumatic spool valves
- Manual lever-operated hydraulic valves
- Monoblock directional control valves
- Sectional hydraulic valves
- Pilot-operated directional valves
- Also under 8481.20
- 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. Directional control valves are frequently misclassified under 8481.80, which is the "other" category for valves like gate, globe, or butterfly valves. The distinction is that 8481.20 is specifically for fluid power (oleohydraulic or pneumatic) systems. They are also sometimes confused with 8412.21 or 8412.31, which are the actual hydraulic or pneumatic cylinders (actuators) that the valves control.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848120 (the code used for directional control valve), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848120 (the code used for directional control valve) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 848120, not only directional control valve.
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 directional control valve
Brazil splits HS 8481.20 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8481.20.11Rotary power steering valves with pinion
- 8481.20.19Other rotary power steering valves
- 8481.20.90Other hydraulic or pneumatic transmission valves
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about directional control valve
What is the HS code for Directional control valve?
The HS code for Directional control valve is 848120 (Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions). The HS code for a directional control valve used in hydraulic or pneumatic systems is 8481.20.
How do I classify Directional control valve for customs?
Directional control valve is classified under HS code 848120 — Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include check valves?
No, check (non-return) valves are specifically classified under HS code 8481.30, even if used in hydraulic systems.
Which countries are the top exporters of directional control valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848120 (the code used for directional control valve) 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 directional control valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848120 (the code used for directional control valve) 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.
Is the HS code for Directional control valve the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848120 for Directional control valve 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 directional control valve in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for directional control valve depends on the product's details: 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).