Product classification
HS code for Non-return valve: 8481.30
Valves, check (nonreturn) valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like.
Classification of non-return valve under HS 8481.30
Non-return valves, also known as check valves, are classified under HS code 8481.30. Heading 8481 covers a wide range of taps, cocks, valves, and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats, or the like. The specific sub-heading 8481.30 is dedicated to check (non-return) valves, which are mechanical devices that allow fluids (liquids or gases) to flow through them in only one direction. This classification is based on the functional design of the valve rather than the material it is constructed from, although most industrial check valves are made of iron, steel, or brass. The essential characteristic of products in this category is their automatic operation, triggered by the pressure of the fluid itself to prevent backflow. This distinguishes them from manually operated valves or those controlled by external actuators, which are classified elsewhere within heading 8481. These valves are critical components in plumbing, heating, and industrial processing systems to prevent contamination and protect equipment from pressure surges. The classification applies to various designs, including swing, lift, and ball types, provided they function as one-way valves within a piping system.
- Covers
- Swing check valves
- Lift check valves
- Ball check valves
- Diaphragm non-return valves
- Spring-loaded inline check valves
- Wafer check valves
- Also under 8481.30
- Crane check valves
- Apollo Valves check valves
- Val-Matic check valves
- Kitz check valves
- Nibco check valves
Codes often confused with 8481.30
Common mistake. Non-return valves are frequently misclassified under 8481.80, which is a residual category for other valves like gate or globe valves. They are also sometimes confused with pressure-reducing valves (8481.10) or valves for oleohydraulic transmissions (8481.20). The key to correct classification is identifying the automatic backflow prevention mechanism, which is unique to 8481.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848130 (the code used for non-return valve), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848130 (the code used for non-return valve) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 19% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 848130, not only non-return valve.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $736M 19% of world exports
- 2 United States $629M 16% of world exports
- 3 Germany $538M 14% of world exports
World total: $3.9B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $567M 14% of world imports
- 2 China $511M 12% of world imports
- 3 Germany $205M 4.9% of world imports
World total: $4.2B 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 non-return valve
Brazil classifies non-return valve under NCM 8481.30.00: HS 8481.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about non-return valve
What is the HS code for Non-return valve?
The HS code for Non-return valve is 848130 (Valves; check (nonreturn) valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like). The specific HS code for check (non-return) valves used in pipes, tanks, or similar containers is 8481.30.
How do I classify Non-return valve for customs?
Non-return valve is classified under HS code 848130 — Valves; check (nonreturn) valves, for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the material of the valve change the HS code?
No, for heading 8481, the function of the valve (check valve) takes precedence over the material (plastic, brass, or steel) in determining the sub-heading 8481.30.
Which countries are the top exporters of non-return valve (HS 848130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848130 (the code used for non-return valve) in UN Comtrade data were China ($736M, 19% of world exports), the United States ($629M) and Germany ($538M). World exports came to about $3.9B, 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 non-return valve (HS 848130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848130 (the code used for non-return valve) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($567M, 14% of world imports), China ($511M) and Germany ($205M). World imports came to about $4.2B, 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 Non-return valve the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848130 for Non-return 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 non-return valve in Brazil?
In Brazil, non-return valve (HS 848130) is classified under NCM 8481.30.00.