Product classification
HS code for Pneumatic controllers: 9032.81
Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus, automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic.
Classification of pneumatic controllers under HS 9032.81
Pneumatic controllers are classified under HS code 9032.81 because they are automatic regulating or controlling instruments that operate using compressed air or gas. Heading 9032 specifically covers instruments designed to bring a variable to a desired value and maintain it, regardless of disturbances, by measuring the actual value and acting on it. Since these controllers use pneumatic power to perform the regulation—often found in industrial process control systems—they fall under the subheading for hydraulic or pneumatic instruments. This classification is determined by the functional nature of the device as a regulator rather than a simple valve or a measuring instrument. These devices are essential in environments where electronic controllers might pose a spark risk or where high-force pneumatic actuation is required. They typically consist of a measuring device, a control mechanism, and a pneumatic output signal that adjusts a final control element, such as a valve. The inclusion under 9032.81 is strictly for those devices that perform the complete cycle of measurement and control automatically. This means the device must be capable of sensing a change in a process variable and initiating a corrective action without manual intervention.
- Covers
- Pneumatic temperature controllers
- Pneumatic pressure regulators with automatic control
- Pneumatic liquid level controllers
- Pneumatic flow rate controllers
- Automatic pneumatic process controllers
- 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. Pneumatic controllers are frequently confused with pneumatic valves classified under HS code 8481. While a controller may be attached to a valve, the controller itself is a regulating instrument of Chapter 90. Another common error is classifying them under 9026, which covers instruments for measuring or checking the flow or level of liquids or gases. However, if the instrument also automatically controls those variables, 9032 is the more specific and correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 903281 (the code used for pneumatic controllers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 903281 (the code used for pneumatic 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 pneumatic controllers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $1.4B 48% of world exports
- 2 France $341M 12% of world exports
- 3 China $215M 7.6% of world exports
World total: $2.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $200M 12% of world imports
- 2 Germany $155M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 China $145M 8.4% of world imports
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 pneumatic controllers
Brazil classifies pneumatic 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 pneumatic controllers
What is the HS code for Pneumatic controllers?
The HS code for Pneumatic controllers is 903281 (Regulating or controlling instruments and apparatus; automatic, hydraulic or pneumatic). The HS code for pneumatic controllers is 9032.81, which covers automatic regulating or controlling instruments that are hydraulic or pneumatic.
How do I classify Pneumatic controllers for customs?
Pneumatic 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.
Does this include pneumatic valves?
No, standard pneumatic valves are generally classified under heading 8481. HS code 9032.81 is reserved for the instruments that provide the automatic control logic and signal.
Which countries are the top exporters of pneumatic controllers (HS 903281)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 903281 (the code used for pneumatic 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 pneumatic controllers (HS 903281)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 903281 (the code used for pneumatic 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 Pneumatic controllers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 903281 for Pneumatic 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 pneumatic controllers in Brazil?
In Brazil, pneumatic controllers (HS 903281) is classified under NCM 9032.81.00.