HS code · 6-digit subheading

HS Code 8311.10 – Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding

HS code 8311.10 is the 6-digit subheading for electrodes, coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. It is used for SMAW electrodes, stick welding electrodes, E6010 electrodes, E7018 electrodes and stainless steel electrodes.

What HS 8311.10 covers

This HS code covers coated electrodes of base metal, specifically designed for electric arc-welding. These consumables are fundamental to a vast array of heavy industries, including construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, pipeline construction, and general fabrication. The coating on these electrodes plays a critical role in stabilizing the arc, protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, and introducing alloying elements to achieve desired weld properties. Importers are typically welding supply distributors, large industrial manufacturers, and construction firms. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of welding consumables, often with significant research and development capabilities. The trade is driven by global industrial activity, infrastructure projects, and the demand for high-quality, reliable welding solutions. Understanding the specific type of coating (e.g., rutile, basic, cellulosic) and the base metal composition is crucial for proper application and trade classification.

Covers
  • SMAW electrodes
  • Stick welding electrodes
  • E6010 electrodes
  • E7018 electrodes
  • Stainless steel electrodes
  • Cast iron electrodes
  • Hardfacing electrodes
Examples
  • Lincoln Electric Excalibur
  • ESAB Atom Arc
  • Hobart 7018
  • Miller Electric electrodes
  • Hyundai Welding electrodes

Codes often confused with 8311.10

Common mistake. These are distinct from cored welding wire (831120) or uncoated welding wire (often classified under Chapter 72 or 74 depending on the base metal), as the 'coated' aspect is key.

Top exporters and importers of HS code 831110, 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 831110 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 7.5% 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. 1 China $511M
  2. 2 Sweden $121M
  3. 3 Czechia $77M

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $108M
  2. 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$70M
  3. 3 Indonesia $66M

World total: $1.4B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 8311.10

Brazil does not split HS 8311.10: its NCM code is 8311.10.00.

  1. 8311.10.00 Coated electrodes for electric arc-weldingEletrodos revestidos exteriormente para soldar a arco, de metais comuns

All Brazil NCM codes in heading 83.11 →

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.

Questions about HS 8311.10

What is HS code 831110?

HS code 831110 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This HS code covers coated electrodes of base metal, specifically designed for electric arc-welding. These consumables are fundamental to a vast array of heavy industries, including construction, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, pipeline construction, and general fabrication. The coating on these electrodes plays a critical role in stabilizing the arc, protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, and introducing alloying elements to achieve desired weld properties. Importers are typically welding supply distributors, large industrial manufacturers, and construction firms. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of welding consumables, often with significant research and development capabilities. The trade is driven by global industrial activity, infrastructure projects, and the demand for high-quality, reliable welding solutions. Understanding the specific type of coating (e.g., rutile, basic, cellulosic) and the base metal composition is crucial for proper application and trade classification.

What products fall under HS code 831110?

SMAW electrodes, stick welding electrodes, E6010 electrodes, E7018 electrodes, stainless steel electrodes, cast iron electrodes, hardfacing electrodes

What are common misclassifications for HS code 831110?

These are distinct from cored welding wire (831120) or uncoated welding wire (often classified under Chapter 72 or 74 depending on the base metal), as the 'coated' aspect is key.

Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 831110?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 831110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($511M, 34% of world exports), Sweden ($121M) and Czechia ($77M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 831110?

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 831110 in UN Comtrade data were China ($108M, 7.5% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $70M) and Indonesia ($66M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 831110 structured?

HS code 831110 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (83) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.

What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 831110?

In Brazil, HS code 831110 is NCM 8311.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.