Product classification
HS code for Hydraulic valve: 8481.20
Valves, for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions.
Classification of hydraulic valve under HS 8481.20
Hydraulic valves are classified under HS code 848120, which specifically covers valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. Heading 8481 is the general category for taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, and vats. However, the 848120 subheading is a functional classification that takes precedence over the general 'other' categories (like 848180) when the valve is designed for fluid power systems. 'Oleohydraulic' refers to the use of liquid (usually oil) under pressure to transmit energy. These valves are engineered to handle high pressures and provide precise control over fluid direction, pressure levels, and flow rates. Because they are integral to the 'transmission' of power rather than just the simple transport of fluid, they are grouped with pneumatic valves in this specialized category. This classification applies regardless of whether the valve is manually, mechanically, or solenoid-operated.
- Covers
- Directional control valves (spool valves)
- Hydraulic pressure relief valves
- Hydraulic flow control valves
- Check valves for hydraulic circuits
- Solenoid-operated hydraulic valves
- Sequence and counterbalance 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. The most common error is using the general valve code 848180. If the valve is part of a hydraulic power circuit, 848120 is more specific and legally required. Another error involves classifying valves with actuators as 'parts of machines' under 841290; however, Note 2 to Section XVI specifies that valves of heading 8481 must be classified there even if designed for a specific machine.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848120 (the code used for hydraulic valve), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848120 (the code used for hydraulic 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 hydraulic 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 hydraulic 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 hydraulic valve
What is the HS code for Hydraulic valve?
The HS code for Hydraulic valve is 848120 (Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions). The HS code for valves used in oleohydraulic transmissions is 848120.
How do I classify Hydraulic valve for customs?
Hydraulic valve is classified under HS code 848120 — Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 848120 include valves for air systems?
Yes, this code covers valves for both oleohydraulic (liquid) and pneumatic (gas/air) power transmissions.
Which countries are the top exporters of hydraulic valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848120 (the code used for hydraulic 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 hydraulic valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848120 (the code used for hydraulic 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 Hydraulic valve the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848120 for Hydraulic 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 hydraulic valve in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for hydraulic 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).