HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8311.90 – Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying; n.e.c. in item no. 8311
HS code 8311.90 is the 6-digit subheading for wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides, of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding, wires and rods for metal spraying, n.e.c. in item no. 8311. It is used for TIG welding rods (uncoated, specialized alloys), plasma welding electrodes, metal spraying wires (e.g., zinc, aluminum, nickel alloys), specialized brazing foils and welding tubes.
What HS 8311.90 covers
This HS code serves as a residual category for various wires, rods, tubes, plates, and electrodes of base metal or metal carbides used for soldering, brazing, or welding, as well as wires and rods for metal spraying, not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8311. This 'basket' category captures specialized or less common forms of consumables essential for niche applications in manufacturing, repair, and surface engineering. Importers often include specialized welding and thermal spray service providers, aerospace manufacturers, and companies involved in advanced material processing. Exporters are typically manufacturers producing a wide range of welding and surfacing consumables, including those for plasma welding, TIG welding (specific types), and thermal spray processes. The trade in these goods is characterized by high-value, specialized products catering to specific industrial demands, often requiring precise material specifications and certifications for critical applications.
- Covers
- TIG welding rods (uncoated, specialized alloys)
- Plasma welding electrodes
- Metal spraying wires (e.g., zinc, aluminum, nickel alloys)
- Specialized brazing foils
- Welding tubes
- Metal carbide electrodes
- Examples
- Praxair thermal spray wires
- Oerlikon Metco spray wires
- ESAB TIG rods (special alloys)
- Lincoln Electric specialized welding rods
- Polymet Corporation wires
Codes often confused with 8311.90
Common mistake. This code catches all other welding, brazing, soldering, and metal spraying consumables not specifically classified in 831110, 831120, or 831130, making it a 'catch-all' for specialized items.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 831190, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 831190 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 9.7% 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 United States $85M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $29M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Poland $26M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $465M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $54M 9.7% of world imports
- 2 United States $45M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $33M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $555M 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 8311.90
Brazil does not split HS 8311.90: its NCM code is 8311.90.00.
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 8311.90
What is HS code 831190?
HS code 831190 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying; n.e.c. in item no. 8311. This HS code serves as a residual category for various wires, rods, tubes, plates, and electrodes of base metal or metal carbides used for soldering, brazing, or welding, as well as wires and rods for metal spraying, not specifically covered by other subheadings within 8311. This 'basket' category captures specialized or less common forms of consumables essential for niche applications in manufacturing, repair, and surface engineering. Importers often include specialized welding and thermal spray service providers, aerospace manufacturers, and companies involved in advanced material processing. Exporters are typically manufacturers producing a wide range of welding and surfacing consumables, including those for plasma welding, TIG welding (specific types), and thermal spray processes. The trade in these goods is characterized by high-value, specialized products catering to specific industrial demands, often requiring precise material specifications and certifications for critical applications.
What products fall under HS code 831190?
TIG welding rods (uncoated, specialized alloys), plasma welding electrodes, metal spraying wires (e.g., zinc, aluminum, nickel alloys), specialized brazing foils, welding tubes, metal carbide electrodes
What are common misclassifications for HS code 831190?
This code catches all other welding, brazing, soldering, and metal spraying consumables not specifically classified in 831110, 831120, or 831130, making it a 'catch-all' for specialized items.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 831190?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 831190 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($85M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($29M) and Poland ($26M). World exports came to about $465M, 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 831190?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 831190 in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($54M, 9.7% of world imports), the United States ($45M) and the Netherlands ($33M). World imports came to about $555M, 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 831190 structured?
HS code 831190 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 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 831190?
In Brazil, HS code 831190 is NCM 8311.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.