HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8468.80 – Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468
HS code 8468.80 is the 6-digit subheading for machinery and apparatus, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468. It is used for electric soldering irons, resistance spot welders, laser welding machines, ultrasonic welders and induction brazing equipment.
What HS 8468.80 covers
This is the residual 'other' category within HS 8468, covering soldering, brazing, or welding machinery and apparatus not specifically classified as hand-held blowpipes (846810) or other gas-operated machinery (846820). This typically includes electric soldering irons, resistance welding machines, laser welding equipment, ultrasonic welding machines, and other specialized joining technologies. These tools are vital across diverse sectors, from electronics manufacturing and automotive assembly to medical device production and aerospace. Importers range from high-tech manufacturers to general industrial suppliers. Exporters are often innovators in advanced materials processing. Key considerations include precision, energy efficiency, automation integration, and compliance with specific industry standards for quality and safety, reflecting the evolving landscape of manufacturing technologies.
- Covers
- Electric soldering irons
- Resistance spot welders
- Laser welding machines
- Ultrasonic welders
- Induction brazing equipment
- Robotic welding cells (non-gas)
- Hot air soldering stations
- Examples
- Weller WX2 Soldering Station
- Fronius TransSteel 2200 (MIG/MAG/TIG)
- Amada FLW-3000MT Laser Welder
- Branson Ultrasonics GSX Series Welder
Codes often confused with 8468.80
Common mistake. Can be confused with electric welding machines under 8515, especially for arc welding. The distinction here is that 8468 covers soldering, brazing, and other welding methods not specifically covered by 8515.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 846880, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 846880 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% 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 $198M 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $17M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $352M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $82M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$21M 5.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $388M 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 codes for 8468.80 2
Brazil splits HS 8468.80 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 8468.80.10 Friction welding machinesPara soldar por fricção
- 8468.80.90 Other non-gas welding and soldering machineryOutras
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 8468.80
What is HS code 846880?
HS code 846880 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468. This is the residual 'other' category within HS 8468, covering soldering, brazing, or welding machinery and apparatus not specifically classified as hand-held blowpipes (846810) or other gas-operated machinery (846820). This typically includes electric soldering irons, resistance welding machines, laser welding equipment, ultrasonic welding machines, and other specialized joining technologies. These tools are vital across diverse sectors, from electronics manufacturing and automotive assembly to medical device production and aerospace. Importers range from high-tech manufacturers to general industrial suppliers. Exporters are often innovators in advanced materials processing. Key considerations include precision, energy efficiency, automation integration, and compliance with specific industry standards for quality and safety, reflecting the evolving landscape of manufacturing technologies.
What products fall under HS code 846880?
Electric soldering irons, resistance spot welders, laser welding machines, ultrasonic welders, induction brazing equipment, robotic welding cells (non-gas), hot air soldering stations
What are common misclassifications for HS code 846880?
Can be confused with electric welding machines under 8515, especially for arc welding. The distinction here is that 8468 covers soldering, brazing, and other welding methods not specifically covered by 8515.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 846880?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 846880 in UN Comtrade data were China ($198M, 56% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and the United Kingdom ($17M). World exports came to about $352M, 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 846880?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 846880 in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($82M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Vietnam (about $21M). World imports came to about $388M, 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 846880 structured?
HS code 846880 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 (80) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 846880?
Brazil splits HS code 846880 into 2 NCM codes: 8468.80.10 (Friction welding machines), 8468.80.90 (Other non-gas welding and soldering machinery). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.