84812000
NUCLEAR REACTORS, BOILERS, MACHINERY AND MECHANICAL APPLIANCES; PARTS THEREOF›Taps, cocks, valves and similar appliances for pipes, boiler shells, tanks, vats or the like, including pressure-reducing valves and thermostatically controlled valves
Valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions
Subcodes (2)
Classification scope of subheading 8481 20
Subheading 8481 20 of the Combined Nomenclature covers valves for oleohydraulic or pneumatic transmissions. These valves control the flow, pressure and direction of hydraulic oil or compressed air in machine drive systems. This subheading includes directional control valves, throttle valves, proportional valves, servo valves, hydraulic and pneumatic solenoid valves and electrically operated valves. They are key components of hydraulic and pneumatic systems in construction machines, presses, machine tools and industrial robots. They must be distinguished from pressure-reducing valves (8481 10), check valves (8481 30), safety valves (8481 40) and other valves (8481 80). The General Rules for Interpretation (GRI), Rules 1 and 6, form the basis for classification.
Import requirements for oleohydraulic valves (8481 20)
Importing oleohydraulic valves under subheading 8481 20 into the European Union requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). The importer must hold an EORI number and submit an electronic customs declaration. Hydraulic and pneumatic valves may be subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU depending on working pressure. Valves with electrical components are subject to the EMC Directive 2014/30/EU and the LVD 2014/35/EU. Documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document, technical specification and CE declaration of conformity. VAT applies on import. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Duty rates and trade measures for subheading 8481 20
MFN duty rates for oleohydraulic valves under subheading 8481 20 should be verified in the current TARIC database. Preferential rates may be available under EU FTAs. Compliance with rules of origin and valid proof of origin (EUR.1, invoice declaration or REX) are required. Imports from Russia and Belarus are subject to EU sanctions. VAT applies on import. The importer should check TARIC for any trade measures on valves from the specific country of origin. All duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
PED certification and valve imports under 8481 20
Valves under CN 8481 20 are subject to the Pressure Equipment Directive (PED) 2014/68/EU if intended for pressure installations above 0.5 bar. MFN duty: 1.7%. Gas installation valves additionally require compliance with Gas Appliances Regulation (EU) 2016/426. CE certification must include conformity assessment appropriate to the valve pressure category.
Frequently asked questions
What does subheading 8481 20 cover?
Subheading 8481 20 covers valves for oleohydraulic and pneumatic transmissions. This includes directional control valves, throttle valves, proportional valves, servo valves and hydraulic solenoid valves. They are used in construction machines, presses and machine tools. Pressure-reducing valves are classified under 8481 10, and safety valves under 8481 40. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do hydraulic valves (8481 20) require CE marking?
Oleohydraulic valves under subheading 8481 20 may require CE marking under the PED 2014/68/EU if they operate at pressures above the thresholds specified in the directive. Valves with electrical components are additionally subject to the EMC and LVD directives. The manufacturer must carry out a conformity assessment and issue an EU declaration of conformity. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
What documents are needed to import hydraulic valves?
Importing valves under subheading 8481 20 requires a commercial invoice, transport document (CMR, B/L or AWB), the importer's EORI number, a technical specification and CE declaration of conformity. For preferential rates, a certificate of origin is needed. Valves subject to PED require a pressure certificate. Duty rates should be verified in TARIC.
Do valves under 8481 20 require PED certification?
Valves under CN 8481 20 for pressure installations above 0.5 bar require PED 2014/68/EU certification. Low-pressure valves may be exempt from full conformity assessment.
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