Product classification
HS code for Pneumatic cylinder: 8412.31
Engines, pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders).
Classification of pneumatic cylinder under HS 8412.31
Pneumatic cylinders are classified under HS code 8412.31. This code is found within Chapter 84, which covers mechanical appliances and machinery. Heading 8412 is for "Other engines and motors," which includes non-electric power sources like hydraulic and pneumatic engines. Subheading 8412.31 is specifically for pneumatic power engines and motors that are linear acting. These devices, commonly referred to as pneumatic cylinders, convert the potential energy of compressed air into a straight-line mechanical force and motion. The classification is determined by the fluid medium (air) and the type of output (linear). These components are essential in automation and manufacturing for tasks such as pushing, pulling, or lifting. The HS code applies to the cylinder as a power unit; if the cylinder is integrated into a specific machine and imported as part of that machine, the classification of the entire machine would take precedence over the individual component.
- Covers
- Single-acting pneumatic cylinders
- Double-acting pneumatic cylinders
- Telescopic pneumatic cylinders
- Rodless pneumatic cylinders
- Pneumatic rams (linear acting)
- Also under 8412.31
- SMC pneumatic cylinders
- Festo pneumatic cylinders
- Parker Hannifin pneumatic cylinders
- Bosch Rexroth pneumatic cylinders
- Norgren pneumatic cylinders
Codes often confused with 8412.31
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification is with HS code 8412.21, which is for hydraulic linear acting engines (hydraulic cylinders). While they look similar, the distinction lies in the operating fluid (oil vs. air). Another error is using 8412.39, which is for pneumatic motors that are not linear acting, such as rotary pneumatic motors. Additionally, if a cylinder includes a built-in valve or other complex control mechanisms, some may mistakenly look toward heading 8481 (valves), though 8412.31 remains the primary code for the actuator itself.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841231 (the code used for pneumatic cylinder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841231 (the code used for pneumatic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 28% 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 841231, not only pneumatic cylinder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $688M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $390M 16% of world exports
- 3 United States $252M 10% of world exports
World total: $2.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $385M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $329M 12% of world imports
- 3 China $195M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $2.7B 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 codes for pneumatic cylinder
Brazil splits HS 8412.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8412.31.10Pneumatic cylinders
- 8412.31.90Other linear-acting pneumatic motors
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pneumatic cylinder
What is the HS code for Pneumatic cylinder?
The HS code for Pneumatic cylinder is 841231 (Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders)). The HS code for linear acting pneumatic power engines (cylinders) is 8412.31.
How do I classify Pneumatic cylinder for customs?
Pneumatic cylinder is classified under HS code 841231 — Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, linear acting (cylinders). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a hydraulic cylinder classified under the same code?
No, hydraulic linear acting cylinders are classified under HS code 8412.21.
Which countries are the top exporters of pneumatic cylinder (HS 841231)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841231 (the code used for pneumatic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($688M, 28% of world exports), China ($390M) and the United States ($252M). World exports came to about $2.4B, 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 pneumatic cylinder (HS 841231)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841231 (the code used for pneumatic cylinder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($385M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($329M) and China ($195M). World imports came to about $2.7B, 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 cylinder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841231 for Pneumatic 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 pneumatic cylinder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 841231 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pneumatic cylinder depends on the product's details: 8412.31.10 (Pneumatic cylinders), 8412.31.90 (Other linear-acting pneumatic motors).