HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8468.20 – Machinery and apparatus; gas operated machinery and apparatus n.e.c. in item no. 8468.10, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting
HS code 8468.20 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery and apparatus, gas operated machinery and apparatus n.e.c. in item no. 8468.10, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting. It is used for gas welding stations, oxy-fuel cutting machines (gantry type), plasma cutting tables (gas-assisted), automated brazing systems and gas manifold systems for welding.
What HS 8468.20 covers
This code encompasses gas-operated machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, or welding, which are not hand-held blowpipes (846810). This includes larger, often semi-automatic or automated gas welding/cutting systems. These machines are critical in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, pipeline construction, and large-scale manufacturing where precision and efficiency are paramount. Importers are typically large industrial enterprises, specialized fabrication shops, and construction companies. Exporters are often global leaders in welding technology, providing integrated systems. Key considerations include gas consumption efficiency, automation capabilities, safety interlocks, and compliance with industry-specific welding standards (e.g., ASME, AWS). The trade reflects the global demand for advanced metal joining and cutting solutions, emphasizing reliability and high throughput.
- Covers
- Gas welding stations
- Oxy-fuel cutting machines (gantry type)
- Plasma cutting tables (gas-assisted)
- Automated brazing systems
- Gas manifold systems for welding
- Flame hardening machines
- Examples
- ESAB G400 Gas Cutting Machine
- Lincoln Electric Torchmate 4800 Plasma Cutting Table (with gas options)
- Messer MetalMaster Xcel
- Hypertherm Powermax (with gas cutting accessories)
Codes often confused with 8468.20
Common mistake. Often confused with 846810 if the distinction between hand-held and larger apparatus is blurred, or with electric welding machines (8515). The key is 'gas operated' and 'not hand-held blowpipes'.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 846820, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 846820 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 27% 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 $35M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $21M 14% of world exports
- 3 Italy $15M 10% of world exports
World total: $154M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $55M 27% of world imports
- 2 India $18M 8.8% of world imports
- 3 United States $11M 5.6% of world imports
World total: $205M 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 8468.20
Brazil does not split HS 8468.20: its NCM code is 8468.20.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 84.68 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8468.20
What is HS code 846820?
HS code 846820 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery and apparatus; gas operated machinery and apparatus n.e.c. in item no. 8468.10, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting. This code encompasses gas-operated machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, or welding, which are not hand-held blowpipes (846810). This includes larger, often semi-automatic or automated gas welding/cutting systems. These machines are critical in heavy fabrication, shipbuilding, pipeline construction, and large-scale manufacturing where precision and efficiency are paramount. Importers are typically large industrial enterprises, specialized fabrication shops, and construction companies. Exporters are often global leaders in welding technology, providing integrated systems. Key considerations include gas consumption efficiency, automation capabilities, safety interlocks, and compliance with industry-specific welding standards (e.g., ASME, AWS). The trade reflects the global demand for advanced metal joining and cutting solutions, emphasizing reliability and high throughput.
What products fall under HS code 846820?
Gas welding stations, oxy-fuel cutting machines (gantry type), plasma cutting tables (gas-assisted), automated brazing systems, gas manifold systems for welding, flame hardening machines
What are common misclassifications for HS code 846820?
Often confused with 846810 if the distinction between hand-held and larger apparatus is blurred, or with electric welding machines (8515). The key is 'gas operated' and 'not hand-held blowpipes'.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 846820?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 846820 in UN Comtrade data were China ($35M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($21M) and Italy ($15M). World exports came to about $154M, 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 846820?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 846820 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($55M, 27% of world imports), India ($18M) and the United States ($11M). World imports came to about $205M, 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 846820 structured?
HS code 846820 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (84) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (68) 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 846820?
In Brazil, HS code 846820 is NCM 8468.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.