HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8101.96 – Tungsten (wolfram); wire
HS code 8101.96 is the 6-digit subheading for tungsten (wolfram), wire. It is used for tungsten filament wire, tungsten heating wire, tungsten electrode wire, tungsten welding wire and fine tungsten wire.
What HS 8101.96 covers
This HS code is dedicated to tungsten wire, a highly specialized product valued for its extreme strength, high melting point, and electrical conductivity. Tungsten wire is indispensable in various high-tech applications, most notably as filaments in incandescent and halogen lamps, heating elements in high-temperature furnaces, and electrodes in welding and medical devices. The production of tungsten wire involves intricate drawing processes to achieve precise diameters and properties. Major importers are typically countries with strong electronics, lighting, and medical device manufacturing industries, requiring high-performance materials. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with advanced metallurgical capabilities. The trade in tungsten wire is characterized by stringent quality control and technical specifications, reflecting its critical role in demanding applications.
- Covers
- Tungsten filament wire
- Tungsten heating wire
- Tungsten electrode wire
- Tungsten welding wire
- Fine tungsten wire
- Tungsten resistance wire
- Tungsten medical wire
- Tungsten spring wire
- Examples
- Philips tungsten filaments
- GE Lighting tungsten wire
- Plansee tungsten wire for medical devices
- Osram tungsten wire
- Heraeus tungsten wire
Codes often confused with 8101.96
Common mistake. Could be confused with other forms of tungsten (e.g., rods 810194) if the diameter is large, or with articles of tungsten (810199) if the wire is part of a more complex assembly.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 810196, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 810196 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $48M 34% of world exports
- 2 Japan $17M 12% of world exports
- 3 Malaysia $17M 12% of world exports
World total: $140M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $30M 18% of world imports
- 2 Philippines $23M 14% of world imports
- 3 India $17M 10% of world imports
World total: $164M 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 8101.96
Brazil does not split HS 8101.96: its NCM code is 8101.96.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 81.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8101.96
What is HS code 810196?
HS code 810196 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Tungsten (wolfram); wire. This HS code is dedicated to tungsten wire, a highly specialized product valued for its extreme strength, high melting point, and electrical conductivity. Tungsten wire is indispensable in various high-tech applications, most notably as filaments in incandescent and halogen lamps, heating elements in high-temperature furnaces, and electrodes in welding and medical devices. The production of tungsten wire involves intricate drawing processes to achieve precise diameters and properties. Major importers are typically countries with strong electronics, lighting, and medical device manufacturing industries, requiring high-performance materials. Exporters are often specialized manufacturers with advanced metallurgical capabilities. The trade in tungsten wire is characterized by stringent quality control and technical specifications, reflecting its critical role in demanding applications.
What products fall under HS code 810196?
Tungsten filament wire, Tungsten heating wire, Tungsten electrode wire, Tungsten welding wire, Fine tungsten wire, Tungsten resistance wire, Tungsten medical wire, Tungsten spring wire
What are common misclassifications for HS code 810196?
Could be confused with other forms of tungsten (e.g., rods 810194) if the diameter is large, or with articles of tungsten (810199) if the wire is part of a more complex assembly.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 810196?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 810196 in UN Comtrade data were China ($48M, 34% of world exports), Japan ($17M) and Malaysia ($17M). World exports came to about $140M, 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 goods under HS code 810196?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 810196 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($30M, 18% of world imports), the Philippines ($23M) and India ($17M). World imports came to about $164M, 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.
How is HS code 810196 structured?
HS code 810196 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (81) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (96) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 810196?
In Brazil, HS code 810196 is NCM 8101.96.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.