Product classification

HS code for Hydraulic controllers: 9032.81

Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic.

Classification of hydraulic controllers under HS 9032.81

The classification of hydraulic controllers under HS code 9032.81 is determined by their function as automatic regulating or controlling instruments. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 90, heading 9032 covers instruments designed to bring a quantity, such as pressure, flow, or temperature, to a desired value and maintain it against disturbances. Hydraulic controllers specifically utilize fluid pressure to perform this regulation. These devices are distinct from simple valves because they incorporate a sensing element or a feedback mechanism that compares the actual state of a system to a predetermined set point. If the controller is part of a larger hydraulic power system but its primary function is the automated regulation of variables, it falls under 9032.81. This code is specifically reserved for hydraulic or pneumatic versions of these automatic instruments, distinguishing them from electronic or purely mechanical regulators found elsewhere in the nomenclature. The technical complexity of these items involves a closed-loop system where the hydraulic output is adjusted based on input signals to ensure stability in industrial processes.

Covers
  • Hydraulic pressure regulators designed for automatic maintenance of system pressure.
  • Automatic hydraulic flow controllers used in industrial piping systems.
  • Hydraulic thermostats that regulate temperature by modulating fluid flow.
  • Servo-hydraulic controllers used in precision positioning systems.
  • Hydraulic level controllers for maintaining fluid heights in reservoirs.
Also under 9032.81
  • Bosch Rexroth Proportional Directional Valves
  • SMC ITV Electro-Pneumatic Regulators
  • Parker Hydraulic Control Units
  • Festo CPX-E Automation Platform

Codes often confused with 9032.81

Common mistake. Hydraulic controllers are frequently misclassified under HS code 8481, which covers taps, cocks, and valves. While a controller may include a valve component, 8481 is for mechanical flow control devices that do not possess the automatic sensing and reacting logic required for Chapter 90. Another common error is using HS code 8412, which covers hydraulic power engines and motors. While these motors provide the force, the controller (9032.81) provides the intelligence. Additionally, electronic controllers are classified under 9032.89, so one must ensure the device operates primarily on hydraulic or pneumatic principles to use 9032.81.

84.81Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves84.12Engines and motors; n.e.c. (e.g. reaction engines, hydraulic power engines, pneumatic power engines)9032.89Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, other than hydraulic or pneumatic

Top exporters and importers of HS 903281 (the code used for hydraulic controllers), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903281 (the code used for hydraulic controllers) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 12% 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 903281, not only hydraulic controllers.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Germany $1.4B
  2. 2 France $341M
  3. 3 China $215M

World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Türkiye $200M
  2. 2 Germany $155M
  3. 3 China $145M

World total: $1.7B 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 code for hydraulic controllers

Brazil classifies hydraulic controllers under NCM 9032.81.00: HS 9032.81 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about hydraulic controllers

What is the HS code for Hydraulic controllers?

The HS code for Hydraulic controllers is 903281 (Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic). The HS code for automatic hydraulic controllers is 9032.81. This code specifically covers instruments and apparatus that regulate variables using hydraulic or pneumatic power.

How do I classify Hydraulic controllers for customs?

Hydraulic controllers is classified under HS code 903281 — Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

How do I distinguish a hydraulic controller from a standard hydraulic valve?

A standard valve (HS 8481) is a mechanical device used to open, close, or throttle flow manually or via a simple actuator. A hydraulic controller (HS 9032.81) is an automatic instrument that includes a measuring device and a control mechanism to maintain a specific parameter without constant manual intervention.

Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic controllers (HS 903281)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903281 (the code used for hydraulic controllers) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($1.4B, 48% of world exports), France ($341M) and China ($215M). World exports came to about $2.8B, 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.

Which countries are the top importers of hydraulic controllers (HS 903281)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 903281 (the code used for hydraulic controllers) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($200M, 12% of world imports), Germany ($155M) and China ($145M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 Hydraulic controllers the same in all countries?

The base HS code 903281 for Hydraulic controllers 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 hydraulic controllers in Brazil?

In Brazil, hydraulic controllers (HS 903281) is classified under NCM 9032.81.00.