Product classification
HS code for Pneumatic engine: 8412.80
Engines, pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412.
Classification of pneumatic engine under HS 8412.80
Pneumatic engines, also known as compressed air engines, are classified under HS code 8412.80. This heading encompasses engines and motors that are not specified elsewhere in Chapter 84. While 8412.21 and 8412.31 cover linear acting hydraulic and pneumatic power engines (cylinders), 8412.80 is the residual category for other types of engines, including rotary pneumatic motors and engines that convert the energy of compressed air into mechanical motion. These are distinct from internal combustion engines because they do not rely on the combustion of fuel but rather the expansion of pressurized gas. The classification 8412.80 is used for non-linear pneumatic motors, such as those used in industrial machinery, starter motors for large turbines, or specialized vehicles. These engines are valued for their high power-to-weight ratio and their ability to operate in hazardous environments without the risk of electrical sparks. The classification remains here regardless of whether the engine is used for stationary industrial applications or as a primary mover in a specialized transport context, provided it is not a hand tool. These engines are often used in mining, oil and gas, and other industries where safety and reliability are paramount.
- Covers
- Rotary pneumatic motors
- Compressed air engines
- Pneumatic turbine motors
- Vane-type air motors
- Piston-type pneumatic engines (non-linear)
- Also under 8412.80
- Atlas Copco LBB series air motors
- Gast Manufacturing air motors
- Ingersoll Rand pneumatic motors
- Parker Hannifin rotary actuators
Codes often confused with 8412.80
Common mistake. Pneumatic engines are often misclassified under 8412.31 or 8412.39, which are reserved for pneumatic power engines that are linear acting (cylinders). If the engine produces rotary motion, it must be classified under 8412.80. Additionally, they should not be confused with internal combustion engines of 8407 or 8408, as pneumatic engines do not involve combustion. Hand-held pneumatic tools with integrated motors are classified under 8467.
Top exporters and importers of HS 841280 (the code used for pneumatic engine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 841280 (the code used for pneumatic engine) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 16% 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 841280, not only pneumatic engine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $237M 22% of world exports
- 2 Germany $171M 16% of world exports
- 3 Thailand $156M 14% of world exports
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $191M 16% of world imports
- 2 United States $118M 10% of world imports
- 3 Thailand $104M 9.0% of world imports
World total: $1.2B 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 pneumatic engine
Brazil classifies pneumatic engine under NCM 8412.80.00: HS 8412.80 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pneumatic engine
What is the HS code for Pneumatic engine?
The HS code for Pneumatic engine is 841280 (Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412). The HS code for a pneumatic engine (other than linear acting) is 8412.80.
How do I classify Pneumatic engine for customs?
Pneumatic engine is classified under HS code 841280 — Engines; pneumatic power engines and motors, n.e.c. in heading no. 8412. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are pneumatic cylinders in this code?
No, linear acting pneumatic power engines, commonly known as cylinders, are classified under HS code 8412.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of pneumatic engine (HS 841280)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 841280 (the code used for pneumatic engine) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($237M, 22% of world exports), Germany ($171M) and Thailand ($156M). World exports came to about $1.1B, 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 engine (HS 841280)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 841280 (the code used for pneumatic engine) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($191M, 16% of world imports), the United States ($118M) and Thailand ($104M). World imports came to about $1.2B, 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 Pneumatic engine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 841280 for Pneumatic engine 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 engine in Brazil?
In Brazil, pneumatic engine (HS 841280) is classified under NCM 8412.80.00.