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Hydraulics International ships globally through three channels: direct sales from their California headquarters for commercial products, a regional office in Singapore covering Asia-Pacific with after-sales support, and authorized distributors across Europe and other regions. The shipping method depends on whether you’re purchasing defense-related aviation ground support equipment or commercial hydraulic pumps and components.
The company has demonstrated significant international reach, securing export sales agreements in Singapore, Indonesia, and South Korea worth over $2.3 million in recent years. Their participation in international trade shows and establishment of regional infrastructure indicates active global operations beyond domestic US markets.
Hydraulics International operates through a multi-tiered distribution system rather than a single direct shipping approach. This structure reflects the complexity of serving over 100 industries worldwide while managing defense export regulations and providing technical support across time zones.
The company manufactures 85% of its components in-house at facilities in Chatsworth, California and Forsyth, Georgia, totaling over 825,000 square feet of manufacturing space. This vertical integration gives them control over production but means most products physically originate from US-based facilities.
Getting HII products internationally follows one of three distinct pathways:
Direct Commercial Sales handle high-pressure pumps, gas boosters, and flow meters for non-defense industries. These products serve oil and gas, pharmaceutical, fuel cell, diving, and industrial sectors. Since they lack military applications, export restrictions are minimal, and HII can ship directly to commercial buyers worldwide.
Regional Office Network provides localized sales and support in key markets. HII established their Asia Regional Office in Singapore in 2012, led by their Worldwide Representative KC Tan. This office handles sales for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand, offering crucial after-sales support including operator training, maintenance training, on-site acceptance testing, and commissioning services.
Authorized Distributor Partners extend HII’s reach into markets where they don’t maintain direct presence. In Europe, companies like Interfluid optimize logistics to distribute HII components “quickly across Europe,” maintaining stock of liquid pumps, gas boosters, and air amplifiers. Norman Equipment serves as a US-based distributor, describing HII as “the leading worldwide manufacturer” in their product categories.
HII’s military and commercial aviation ground support equipment faces a fundamentally different international landscape than their commercial hydraulic components. These products—including ammunition loading systems, hydraulic test stands, pneumatic test equipment, and aircraft servicing units—serve military forces, defense contractors, and aviation companies globally, but export approval processes add complexity.
The company holds AS9100/ISO 9001 certification and maintains preferred supplier status with Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, BAE Aerospace, NASA, and the Department of Defense. This positioning indicates they regularly navigate international defense sales, though the specifics of each transaction depend on destination country, end-user, and product classification.
HII’s successful export track record provides evidence of their capability. At the 2020 and 2022 Singapore Airshows, they secured multiple international defense contracts. In 2020 alone, they established sales agreements worth $1.688 million across Singapore and Indonesia. The 2022 show yielded an additional $658,000 agreement plus anticipated future sales of $2 million. They’ve participated in Singapore Airshow since 2014, demonstrating sustained international defense market engagement.
The company received the 2020 President’s “E” Award for demonstrating sustained increases in export sales over a four-year period. This presidential recognition specifically honors US companies excelling in exporting goods and services, confirming HII’s established international sales capabilities.
HII’s commercial product lines—air-driven liquid pumps, gas boosters, air pressure amplifiers, and high-pressure components—reach international customers with fewer restrictions. These products serve diverse non-defense applications including automotive, cannabis processing, compressed natural gas, fire safety, hydrogen fuel cells, laboratories, mining, oil and gas testing, plastics, power generation, and recreational diving.
One distributor explicitly states they offer “free shipping on all orders over $200” for HII products, though this applies to domestic US orders. International shipping costs vary based on destination, product weight, shipping method, and customs duties. Multiple distributors maintain HII product inventory, which can reduce lead times compared to ordering directly from California.
European buyers benefit from regional distribution networks. Interfluid reports optimized logistics processes enabling quick distribution “all over Europe” for HII’s high-pressure components. They maintain stock levels of pumps, gas boosters, and air amplifiers, allowing faster fulfillment than transatlantic shipping from HII’s US facilities.
The pricing for HII commercial products ranges significantly based on product complexity. Standard air-driven liquid pumps start around $820 for basic models, while advanced systems like double-acting, double air drive pumps reaching 45,000 psi can exceed $4,900. Gas boosters range from approximately $3,800 to over $7,000 depending on pressure ratings and configuration. These prices reflect US distributor pricing and don’t include international shipping or import duties.
HII’s Singapore regional office represents their most developed international infrastructure. Established in 2012, this facility serves as the hub for Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. The office doesn’t just process orders—it provides comprehensive technical support that’s essential for complex aviation ground support equipment.
The after-sales support includes operator training programs, maintenance training for technical staff, on-site acceptance testing to verify equipment meets specifications before handover, and commissioning services to ensure proper installation and initial operation. The Singapore team successfully conducted training on MACHTU-DED systems for AH-64 Apache helicopter support and MFAGPU systems for the Korean Surion helicopter program.
This regional presence addresses a critical challenge in international hydraulic equipment sales: time zones and technical support. When a piece of aviation ground support equipment experiences issues during operation, having regionally-based experts who can provide real-time troubleshooting and arrive on-site within the same hemisphere dramatically reduces downtime.
While HII doesn’t maintain a European regional office equivalent to their Singapore operation, they’ve established distributor partnerships that provide local inventory and fulfillment. This approach makes sense given Europe’s well-developed logistics infrastructure and the prevalence of their commercial products (versus defense equipment requiring direct HII oversight) in industrial applications.
European distributors typically handle products from HII’s Hydraulic Pumps Division rather than military aviation ground support equipment. The distributor model allows European buyers to avoid transatlantic shipping delays, reduce shipping costs, and sometimes access products faster than ordering from California.
However, the distributor model has limitations. For highly customized systems or newer products not yet in European distributor stock, lead times extend as the distributor sources from HII’s US facilities. Technical support depth may also vary—distributors can handle standard product questions but complex engineering support often requires escalation to HII’s California engineering team.
For countries outside Asia-Pacific, Europe, and North America, accessing HII products typically requires direct contact with the company. This applies particularly to regions like Latin America, Africa, and the Middle East where HII doesn’t advertise established distributor networks.
The company’s sales team can assess feasibility for specific destinations. Factors include whether the destination country has import restrictions on high-pressure equipment, availability of suitable shipping carriers, customs clearance requirements, and whether the product classification (commercial vs. defense) permits export to that region.
International shipping of hydraulic equipment involves complexities beyond standard package delivery. Understanding these practical aspects helps set realistic expectations.
Most HII commercial products ship via standard freight carriers—FedEx International Priority, UPS Worldwide, or DHL for smaller components and standard pumps. Products under 150 pounds typically move through express carriers, while heavier systems require freight forwarding.
Aviation ground support equipment presents different challenges. Complete test stands, fluid servicing carts, or ammunition loading systems can weigh thousands of pounds and require specialized handling. These typically move via ocean freight for international destinations, necessitating crating, proper documentation, and coordination with freight forwarders experienced in heavy industrial equipment.
Lead times vary significantly. In-stock commercial products shipping from a European distributor might arrive in 5-10 business days within Europe. Ordering the same product directly from California to Europe extends this to 3-4 weeks accounting for production, international transit, and customs clearance. Custom-engineered systems can require 8-16 weeks before shipping even begins.
Every country maintains its own import regulations for hydraulic equipment and high-pressure components. The harmonized system codes for hydraulic pumps (841360) and linear actuators (841221) determine duty rates and documentation requirements.
High-pressure gas equipment often faces additional scrutiny. Equipment capable of compressing gases to 15,000+ psi may require import permits in some countries due to potential dual-use concerns. Even for commercial applications, customs authorities want assurance the equipment serves stated purposes rather than unauthorized uses.
Import duties and value-added taxes add cost. European Union imports face VAT rates of 19-27% depending on the destination country, plus customs duties of 0-8% for most hydraulic equipment. Asian countries vary widely—Singapore charges minimal duties to encourage trade, while India’s import duties on hydraulic components can reach 15-30%.
Declaration values matter significantly. For shipments to the US, parcels declared under $750 enter without duties, taxes, or clearance fees. This threshold incentivizes accurate but conservative valuations for repair parts or lower-value components. However, insurance typically covers only declared value, creating a risk calculation for shippers.
International shipments require several core documents:
Commercial invoice detailing product description, harmonized code, value, and terms of sale. This document determines duty calculations and customs classification.
Certificate of origin stating where products were manufactured. HII products originate in the USA, which affects trade agreement eligibility with countries having US trade partnerships.
Packing list specifying box contents, dimensions, weights, and how items are packaged. Customs authorities use this to verify invoice accuracy.
For defense-related products, additional documentation includes export licenses, end-user certificates, and sometimes delivery verification. These requirements explain why HII’s defense products follow a different sales process than commercial items.
Start by identifying whether you need standard catalog products or custom configurations. Standard products have better availability through distributors and faster delivery timelines.
Check if authorized HII distributors operate in your region. Interfluid serves Europe, Norman Equipment covers North America, and there may be others not prominently advertising online. Contact potential distributors to verify they stock or can source your specific products.
If no local distributor exists:
Request a quote that includes shipping costs, estimated delivery time, and clarification on whether pricing includes or excludes import duties. Some suppliers quote DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) while others quote EXW (Ex Works) leaving import costs to the buyer.
Verify your country’s import requirements for high-pressure equipment. Your customs broker or freight forwarder can typically provide this information. Some countries require prior registration or permits for importing pressurized gas equipment even for commercial purposes.
Contact HII’s sales team at the earliest stage of your procurement process. Defense export approval timelines can extend weeks or months depending on destination country and product classification.
Provide detailed information about:
For Asia-Pacific buyers, reaching out to the Singapore regional office provides advantages. The team there understands regional regulatory environments and can provide guidance specific to Asian military and commercial aviation markets.
Be prepared for extensive documentation. Defense exports require end-user certificates, proof of legitimate end-use, and sometimes government-to-government agreements. The process protects both HII and buyers by ensuring compliance with international arms regulations.
If your project timeline is urgent, communicate this immediately. HII may be able to expedite certain steps, but regulatory approval processes have fixed timelines that can’t be rushed. Building extra time into defense equipment procurement schedules is standard practice.
Beyond product prices, several cost layers affect total delivered price for international buyers.
Base shipping costs for smaller items might add $100-300 to orders. Larger systems requiring freight forwarding can add $1,000-5,000+ depending on weight, dimensions, and destination. Getting accurate freight quotes requires specific product dimensions and weights.
Import duties follow your country’s harmonized tariff schedule. Most countries publish these online, though interpretation sometimes requires customs broker expertise. Duties typically range from 0-15% for hydraulic equipment in developed markets, but can reach 30% in countries with high import protection.
VAT or sales taxes apply in most countries, typically 15-27%. This applies to the combined value of products plus shipping costs. Some countries also charge customs processing fees of $50-200 per shipment regardless of value.
Currency exchange considerations matter on large orders. If HII quotes in USD but you operate in euros, pounds, or other currencies, exchange rate fluctuations between quote and payment can affect actual cost. Some buyers hedge this risk through forward currency contracts on large purchases.
Total cost of ownership extends beyond acquisition. For complex systems, factor in installation costs, training, spare parts inventory, and ongoing maintenance. HII’s Asia regional office provides training and support services, but these come at additional cost. European and other region buyers may face higher support costs if flying technicians from Singapore or California becomes necessary.
Some situations make direct HII acquisition challenging—perhaps import restrictions, prohibitive shipping costs, or urgent timelines that exceed normal lead times.
Some buyers successfully source HII equipment through intermediaries. Freight forwarders with US warehouses can receive shipments from HII, repackage if beneficial, consolidate with other equipment, and handle export documentation. This adds intermediary markup but can simplify logistics for buyers unfamiliar with US export procedures.
Engineering procurement companies specialize in sourcing hard-to-acquire industrial equipment. They maintain relationships with manufacturers like HII and can navigate export complexities. Their services cost 10-25% markup but provide value when internal procurement resources are limited.
When HII products prove inaccessible, alternatives exist depending on product category. For air-driven liquid pumps and gas boosters, companies like Haskel (now part of Ingersoll Rand) and SC Hydraulic Engineering manufacture comparable high-pressure equipment with different global distribution networks.
For aviation ground support equipment, the field narrows considerably. Companies like Sun Test Systems, Hobart Aerospace, and Tronair compete in specific niches, though each has different international availability. Some buyers find European GSE manufacturers offer easier access for European operations.
These alternatives rarely match HII specifications exactly. If your application is based on HII-specific designs or you’re maintaining existing HII equipment, alternative manufacturers don’t solve the parts compatibility need. But for new installations without HII dependencies, exploring alternatives makes sense when accessibility issues arise.
HII products occasionally appear on industrial equipment marketplaces and some distributor websites, but direct availability is limited. The company sells primarily through B2B channels rather than consumer marketplaces. For reliable sourcing and warranty coverage, purchasing through authorized distributors or directly from HII ensures authenticity and support.
For commercial products in stock at regional distributors, expect 1-3 weeks within the same continent. Ordering directly from HII’s California facilities to international destinations typically requires 4-8 weeks for standard products, accounting for production, shipping, and customs clearance. Custom-engineered systems require additional time for design and manufacturing before shipping begins.
Shipping costs typically are quoted separately from product prices. The exact amount depends on destination, product weight and dimensions, shipping method selected, and whether you arrange your own freight forwarding or use HII’s standard carriers. Request a complete delivered price quote that specifies what’s included to avoid surprises.
No, as a US company, HII must comply with US export regulations including sanctions on countries like Iran, North Korea, Syria, Cuba, and others designated by the Office of Foreign Assets Control. Even commercial products cannot be shipped to sanctioned destinations. Regional distributors in non-US countries may have different restrictions, but HII-origin products face US export control regardless of distribution path.
Hydraulics International’s global shipping capabilities reflect their dual nature as both a defense contractor and commercial industrial supplier. Defense aviation products reach international customers through established channels requiring export approvals, while commercial hydraulic products ship more freely through distributors and direct sales. The company’s track record of international exports, regional office infrastructure, and distributor partnerships demonstrates functional global reach, though the specific process for any buyer depends on product type, destination, and intended use.
For most commercial applications, authorized distributors provide the fastest, most cost-effective access. For defense applications or specialized systems, direct engagement with HII’s sales team becomes necessary. Understanding which channel applies to your needs determines the most efficient path to acquiring HII equipment regardless of global location.
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