Product classification

HS code for Hydraulic cylinder: 8412.21

Engines, hydraulic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders).

Classification of hydraulic cylinder under HS 8412.21

Hydraulic cylinders are classified under HS code 8412.21 because they are defined as linear acting hydraulic power engines. Heading 8412 encompasses other engines and motors, and the sub-heading 8412.21 specifically addresses those that operate using hydraulic fluid to produce motion in a straight line. These components are essential in fluid power systems, where they convert the hydrostatic energy of a pressurized fluid into mechanical work. The classification remains consistent whether the cylinder is single-acting, where fluid pressure acts on one side, or double-acting, where fluid acts on both sides to extend and retract. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, it must be a complete power unit capable of performing work, rather than just a housing or a part. The linear action is the defining characteristic that separates these from rotary hydraulic motors. These cylinders are found in a vast array of machinery, from construction equipment like excavators to industrial presses and aerospace landing gear.

Covers
  • Single-acting hydraulic cylinders.
  • Double-acting hydraulic cylinders.
  • Telescopic hydraulic cylinders for long-stroke applications.
  • Differential cylinders used in industrial machinery.
  • Plunger cylinders for high-pressure lifting.
Also under 8412.21
  • Parker Hannifin hydraulic cylinders
  • Bosch Rexroth hydraulic cylinders
  • Eaton hydraulic cylinders
  • Caterpillar hydraulic cylinders
  • Enerpac hydraulic cylinders

Codes often confused with 8412.21

Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8413, which covers hydraulic pumps. While both are part of a hydraulic system, pumps move fluid, whereas cylinders (8412.21) use that fluid to create motion. Another common error is 8425.42, which is for hydraulic jacks. If a cylinder is imported as a standalone component, it is 8412.21; if it is integrated into a complete lifting jack, it takes the jack's code. Finally, parts of cylinders, such as pistons or rods, should be classified under 8412.90 rather than the code for the complete cylinder.

84.13Pumps; for liquids, whether or not fitted with measuring device, liquid elevators8425.42Jacks and hoists; hydraulic, of a kind used for raising vehicles8412.90Engines; parts, for engines and motors of heading no. 8412

Top exporters and importers of HS 841221 (the code used for hydraulic cylinder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841221 (the code used for hydraulic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 841221, not only hydraulic cylinder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $1.6B
  2. 2 Germany $1.3B
  3. 3 China $1.3B

World total: $9.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $1.6B
  2. 2 Germany $789M
  3. 3 China $521M

World total: $8.8B 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 hydraulic cylinder

Brazil splits HS 8412.21 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about hydraulic cylinder

What is the HS code for Hydraulic cylinder?

The HS code for Hydraulic cylinder is 841221 (Engines; hydraulic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders)). The HS code for a linear acting hydraulic cylinder is 8412.21. This applies to both single and double-acting types used in various industrial applications.

How do I classify Hydraulic cylinder for customs?

Hydraulic cylinder is classified under HS code 841221 — Engines; hydraulic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is a hydraulic motor classified under the same code as a cylinder?

No, while both are in heading 8412, hydraulic motors that produce rotary motion are classified under HS code 8412.29, whereas cylinders (linear motion) are 8412.21.

Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic cylinder (HS 841221)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841221 (the code used for hydraulic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 17% of world exports), Germany ($1.3B) and China ($1.3B). World exports came to about $9.4B, 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 hydraulic cylinder (HS 841221)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 841221 (the code used for hydraulic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($1.6B, 18% of world imports), Germany ($789M) and China ($521M). World imports came to about $8.8B, 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 Hydraulic cylinder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 841221 for Hydraulic 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 hydraulic cylinder in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 841221 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for hydraulic cylinder depends on the product's details: 8412.21.10 (Hydraulic cylinders), 8412.21.90 (Other linear-acting hydraulic motors).