HS Code for Valve: Guide for Fluid Mechanical Components

A fluid mechanical system is a sequence of mechanical processes to ensure the smooth flow of liquid, such as water, oils, or gases. One of the mechanical components is a valve, which is an important component of plumbing systems. The valve device is essential to control and manipulate the flow of the internal fluid mechanical system’s liquid from one place to another. No surprise that the demand for valves in the international market is growing in line with the expansion of the manufacturing and mining industries. Therefore, the parties involved in international business must declare the HS code. This article will discuss the accurate HS code for valves, major trading partners, and a step-by-step guide to finding the HS code for valves.  

What is a valve, and what types of valves are there? 

Before explaining the HS code for valves, you might be wondering what a valve is and why they are critical for the industrial sector. Valves are a part of fluid mechanical components to manipulate, manage, and stop or halt the flow of fluids in an internal system. Valves have many types, depending on the distinctive design that is specifically made for the function. 

Valves are extremely crucial for controlling the fluids from one place to another. Without the existence of the valve, it would be hard for the manufacturing industries to manage and ensure the safety of the fluid flow. Then, we will explain the common types of valves and what they are used for below. 

1. Globe Valves

Globe valves are uniquely designed to ensure the accuracy of flow regulation, and they have a disc on the bottom part. This valve is a common valve for starting, stopping, and regulating the flow of fluids. 

2. Butterfly Valves

Butterfly valves have a specific design equipped with a rotary disc control mechanism similar to butterfly wings. The function of butterfly valves is similar to that of globe valves, which ensure the proportionality of fluid flow regulations. 

3. Check Valves

Check valves can be categorized as the simplest valve. This type of valve, also known as a non-return valve, works only for one-way fluid flow direction. Check valves will close automatically if there is a backflow of fluids to avoid contamination. 

4. Safety Valves

Safety valves have a main function to avoid the potential danger due to the overpressure within the system. The safety valves will be used particularly when there is an emergency and closed during normal operation. 

5. Solenoid Valves

Solenoid valves are valves used an electromagnetic coil to open and close the valve in the system. The motion of solenoid valves can be categorized into two types: linear, which move linearly, and rotary, which move rotationally. 

List of HS codes classification for valves

After comprehending the definition of valves, it’s time to explain the classification of the HS code for valves. However, first, let us explain that the Harmonized System (HS) code is an identification number made by the World Customs Organization (WCO), and it is a fundamental part of the export and import process. It means that without the declaration of the HS code for valves, we cannot send the valve or other similar products across the national border. 

The classification of HS code for valves is under Chapter 81, which includes machinery and mechanical apparatus. All of the types of valves fall under HS Heading 8481 (taps, cocks, valves, and other similar products). The following table will depict the detailed description of the list of HS codes for valves. 

HS code	Description
8481.10	Valves for reducing the pressure within the system
8481.20	Valves for pneumatic transmissions within the system, including solenoid valves
8481.30	Check valves or non-return valves
8481.40	Safety valves to avoid catastrophic events
8481.80	Other types of valves and similar products, including butterfly valves, ball valves, globe valves, and gate valves
8481.90	Parts or assembly of valves

Top 5 valve exporters and importers

In this section, we will discuss the largest importers and exporters of valves worldwide. However, the types of valves are quite broad, and we can narrow them only to the valves under the HS code 8481.80 because it covers many types of valves. The following tables show the list of the biggest valve exporters under HS 8481.80 in the world in 2024. 

Country	Total Export Value (USD)
China	16,158,013,360
Germany	7,600,333,449
United States	7,573,621,867
Italy	5,787,053,923
Mexico	2,001,942,089

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed June 8, 2026

As depicted in the table above, China is the biggest other type of valve exporting country in 2024, with a value of more than 16.1 billion USD. The second largest valve exporter is Germany, with an amount of 7.6 billion USD in 2024. They are followed by the United States, Italy, and Mexico. Then, we can see the largest buyers of valves under HS code 8481.80 in 2024 below. 

Country	Total Export Value (USD)
United States	10,619,296,309
China	5,166,572,695
Germany	3,737,629,581
United Kingdom	2,494,171,420
Canada	2,459,463,966

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed June 8, 2026

As shown in the table, the United States comes first as the biggest valve buyer with an amount of 10.6 billion USD. The second biggest importer of valves is China, with an import value slightly more than 5.1 billion USD. The remaining biggest importers are Germany, the United Kingdom, and Canada. 

Step-by-step to find an accurate HS code for the valve

Once we get the list of the biggest importers and importers, then we can find the accurate HS code for the valve. Classifying the HS code for valves or other products basically follows the national variation of the HS code from the destination country. Then, you can use manual work to find the HS code by using the document published on the government website. 

Instead of classifying manually, you can use an app specifically made for classifying HS codes, HSCodeMatch. Not only for finding and matching HS codes, but this app also provides the latest applicable regulations and tariff rates to minimize the potential rate to boost your business. Check the step-by-step instructions for categorizing HS code for valves below. 

Step 1: Setting the product’s name and countries on HSCodeMatch

You can start by opening app.hscodematch.com and logging in to your account or signing up if you do not have an account. Click HS Code Search to find the HS code for valves or other types of products in the menu. For this example, we can set the HS code: 8481.80 and choose one of the largest exporters, the United States, and the importer, its neighbour Canada. 

Step 2: Choose the most appropriate HS code for valves

Once, we searched the HS code for valves (HS:8481.80), HSCodeMatch will give you lists of national variations of HS codes in Canada. For example, we can choose the HS code 8481.80.00.33 for exporting a globe valve. 

Step 3: Check the description of HS code for globe valves (8481.80.00.33)

In the HS Code Details, you may check the definition of the HS code for globe valves. Duty rate for export is also available. Including the ones you intend to ship from the United States to Canada (0%). 

Step 4: Ask the AI Assistant to find regulations for valves in Canada

If there is any confusion or hesitation regarding tariff rates or regulations, just ask the AI Chatbot Assistant. Ask anything about the exportation of globe valves from the United States to  Canada, and you can get the answer right away within a minute. 

We have provided three questions and answers from the AI Chatbot Assistant regarding exporting globe valves from the United States to Canada. 

What is the tariff or duty rate for exporting globe valves under HS code 8481800033 from the United States to Canada?

Tariff rate for exporting a globe valve under HS code 8481800033 from the United States to Canada is eligible for a duty-free or 0% tariff rate under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). However, the products must be able to provide the origin certification as a main requirement. If there is no duty to apply, the importer needs to pay a 5% Goods and Services Tax (GST), and it is payable upon the importation of a globe valve into Canada. Still, the final assessment of tariff rates is determined by the Canada Border Service Agency upon the entry of products. 

What are the restriction to export valve under HS code 8481800033 from the US to Canada?

In order to export valves under the HS code 8481800033 from the US to Canada is subject to a restriction based on local regulations. The restriction includes export permits, energy efficiency standards, and specific certifications. Meanwhile, the Canadian Export Control List (ECL) that applies to sensitive goods. Applicable regulation that is specifically for the valve may be under the regulation for energy efficiency. 

In order to meet Canada’s Energy Efficiency Regulations, all of the valves must follow the energy efficiency requirements. This includes the valves that are used for energy-consuming systems, such as HVAC and other manufacturing processes. The importers must ensure that the valves fall under a specific category, including automatic valves for gas or liquid flow control. Non-compliance with this regulation might result in fines, shipping delays, and other penalties. 

What document to be eligible for getting a preferential tariff rate in Canada under USMCA?

In order to get a preferential tariff for exporting a globe valve under the USMCA, the importers must accompany the products with a certification of origin. The documents and the products or globe valves are subject to CBSA scrutiny and must comply with a general import requirement. In addition, there is no additional documentation, such as energy efficiency or nuclear licensing, for exporting valves in Canada. Therefore, importers should focus on maintaining proof that the products and their materials and manufacturing processes originate from the US or other countries under USMCA. 

Conclusion 

HS code for valve is mentioned under Chapter 84, exactly the same as other mechanical or machinery. All of the valves and similar products fall under the HS Heading 8481. Then, it can be subcategorized into Subheadings depending on the type and the function of valves, including check valves, safety valves, pneumatic valves, and others. However, the 6-digit classification of HS code from the WCO is only the initial code. You need to check the national variation of the HS code in certain countries before exporting the valve products. 

FAQs about the HS code for the valve

1. What is the national HS tariff code for exporting globe valves into Canada? 

The national variation of the HS code for globe valves in Canada is 8481800033. This is based on the Canadian Customs Tariff classification, which is based on the standard HS code for other valves under 8481.80 from the WCO. 

2. What is the tariff rate for exporting a globe valve from the United States to Canada? 

The tariff rate for exporting a globe valve from the United States to Canada is eligible for duty-free or 0%. This is because the US and Canada, along with Mexico, have a trade agreement under USMCA to eliminate tariff rates on some products. 

3. What are the determining factors to classify HS code for valves according to the WCO standard? 

The determining factor to classify HS code for valves is based on the types of valves and their functions. In addition, all of the HS codes for valves are included in the HS Heading 8481, but there is further categorization based on the local regulations in the recipient countries. 

4. What are the types of valves classified under the HS code 8481.80? 

Valves under the HS code 8481.80 are other valves that are not mentioned in the list of the heading. The common valves under subheading 8481.80 include ball valves, globe valves, gate valves, butterfly valves, and others. 

5. What is the HS tariff classification code for solenoid valves? 

HS code for solenoid valves is also included under HS Chapter 84 and HS Heading 8481. Then, it can be classified under the HS Subheading 8481.20. Then, it can be further categorized under the local tariff classification in the destination country.