HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8311.20 – Wire; cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding
HS code 8311.20 is the 6-digit subheading for wire, cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. It is used for flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) wire, metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) wire, self-shielded flux-cored wire, gas-shielded flux-cored wire and stainless steel cored wire.
What HS 8311.20 covers
This HS code specifically covers cored wire of base metal used for electric arc-welding, a highly efficient and versatile welding consumable. Unlike solid wire, cored wire contains a flux or metal powder core that provides shielding, deoxidizers, and alloying elements, enhancing weld quality and productivity. This makes it particularly popular in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and structural steel applications, especially for automated or semi-automated welding processes. Importers are typically large industrial manufacturers, welding supply distributors, and construction companies seeking high deposition rates and improved weld characteristics. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of welding consumables. The trade is influenced by technological advancements in welding, industrial output, and the demand for faster, more reliable welding solutions. Proper classification requires understanding the core's composition (flux-cored vs. metal-cored) and the base metal of the wire.
- Covers
- Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) wire
- Metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) wire
- Self-shielded flux-cored wire
- Gas-shielded flux-cored wire
- Stainless steel cored wire
- Mild steel cored wire
- Examples
- Lincoln Electric Innershield
- ESAB Dual Shield
- Hobart FabCO
- Miller Electric cored wire
- Hyundai Welding cored wire
Codes often confused with 8311.20
Common mistake. This code is for cored wire, distinguishing it from solid welding wire (often under Chapter 72 or 74) and coated electrodes (831110), which have a different form factor and application method.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 831120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 831120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 7.1% 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 $261M 22% of world exports
- 2 United States $150M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $139M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $90M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 United States $88M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $71M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 8311.20
Brazil does not split HS 8311.20: its NCM code is 8311.20.00.
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 8311.20
What is HS code 831120?
HS code 831120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wire; cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This HS code specifically covers cored wire of base metal used for electric arc-welding, a highly efficient and versatile welding consumable. Unlike solid wire, cored wire contains a flux or metal powder core that provides shielding, deoxidizers, and alloying elements, enhancing weld quality and productivity. This makes it particularly popular in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, automotive manufacturing, and structural steel applications, especially for automated or semi-automated welding processes. Importers are typically large industrial manufacturers, welding supply distributors, and construction companies seeking high deposition rates and improved weld characteristics. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of welding consumables. The trade is influenced by technological advancements in welding, industrial output, and the demand for faster, more reliable welding solutions. Proper classification requires understanding the core's composition (flux-cored vs. metal-cored) and the base metal of the wire.
What products fall under HS code 831120?
Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) wire, metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) wire, self-shielded flux-cored wire, gas-shielded flux-cored wire, stainless steel cored wire, mild steel cored wire
What are common misclassifications for HS code 831120?
This code is for cored wire, distinguishing it from solid welding wire (often under Chapter 72 or 74) and coated electrodes (831110), which have a different form factor and application method.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 831120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 831120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($261M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($150M) and South Korea ($139M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 831120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 831120 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($90M, 7.1% of world imports), the United States ($88M) and Mexico ($71M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 831120 structured?
HS code 831120 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 831120?
In Brazil, HS code 831120 is NCM 8311.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.