Product classification
HS code for Pneumatic valve: 8481.20
Valves, for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions.
Classification of pneumatic valve under HS 8481.20
Pneumatic valves are classified under HS code 8481.20 because they are specifically designed for the control of fluid power in pneumatic transmissions. Heading 8481 encompasses a wide range of taps, cocks, and valves used for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, and vats. Within this heading, the 8481.20 subheading is reserved for valves used in oleohydraulic or pneumatic power transmissions. These components are essential in automated systems where compressed air is used to actuate cylinders or other mechanical devices. The classification is determined by the valve's function as a control element within a fluid power circuit rather than its material composition or general utility. According to the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, these valves are used to regulate the flow, pressure, or direction of the air. They are distinct from general-purpose valves because they are engineered to handle the specific pressures and response times required in pneumatic logic and power systems. The precision and specialized nature of these valves justify their separation from standard plumbing or industrial valves found in other subheadings of 8481.
- Covers
- Directional control valves for pneumatic systems
- Pneumatic pressure relief valves
- Solenoid valves designed for compressed air control
- Flow control valves for pneumatic actuators
- Check valves used in pneumatic circuits
- 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. Pneumatic valves are frequently misclassified under HS code 8481.80, which is a residual category for other types of valves. While 8481.80 covers many industrial valves, 8481.20 is the more specific and correct code for valves used in fluid power transmissions. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8412.90, which covers parts of pneumatic engines and motors. However, because valves are specifically named in heading 8481, General Interpretative Rule 1 dictates they must be classified there rather than as general parts of a motor.
Top exporters and importers of HS 848120 (the code used for pneumatic valve), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 848120 (the code used for pneumatic 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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic 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 pneumatic valve
What is the HS code for Pneumatic valve?
The HS code for Pneumatic valve is 848120 (Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions).
How do I classify Pneumatic valve for customs?
Pneumatic valve is classified under HS code 848120 — Valves; for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for pneumatic valves?
The correct HS code for pneumatic valves used in fluid power transmissions is 8481.20.
Are manual air valves included in this code?
Yes, as long as the manual valve is designed for use in a pneumatic power transmission system to control the flow or pressure of air, it falls under 8481.20.
Which countries are the top exporters of pneumatic valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 848120 (the code used for pneumatic 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 pneumatic valve (HS 848120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 848120 (the code used for pneumatic 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 Pneumatic valve the same in all countries?
The base HS code 848120 for Pneumatic 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 pneumatic valve in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 848120 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for pneumatic 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).