HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 8515.39 – Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting
HS code 8515.39 is the 6-digit subheading for welding machines and apparatus, for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. It is used for stick welders, TIG welders, MIG welders, manual plasma cutters and multi-process welders.
What HS 8515.39 covers
This HS code encompasses welding machines and apparatus specifically designed for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, excluding fully or partly automatic systems. These are typically manual or semi-automatic machines used across various industries, from small workshops and fabrication shops to construction sites and DIY enthusiasts. Key players in international trade include manufacturers in industrialized nations exporting advanced, energy-efficient models, while developing countries often import more general-purpose or cost-effective units to support their growing manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Important aspects for trade include the type of welding process supported (MIG, TIG, Stick, Plasma), power source technology (inverter vs. transformer), portability, duty cycle, and safety features. The global demand is driven by ongoing construction, repair, and manufacturing activities, making these essential tools in metalworking.
- Covers
- Stick welders
- TIG welders
- MIG welders
- Manual plasma cutters
- Multi-process welders
- Engine-driven welders
- Flux-cored welders
- Examples
- Lincoln Electric AC/DC 225/125
- Miller Multimatic 215
- ESAB Rebel EMP 215ic
- Hobart Handler 140
- Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP
Codes often confused with 8515.39
Common mistake. This code can be confused with 851521 (resistance welding machines) or 851580 (other welding machines like laser welders). The key distinction is arc/plasma welding and the manual or semi-automatic operation.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 851539, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 851539 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 $766M 55% of world exports
- 2 United States $157M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $68M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $128M 10% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$81M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $81M 6.4% 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 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 8515.39
Brazil does not split HS 8515.39: its NCM code is 8515.39.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 85.15 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 8515.39
What is HS code 851539?
HS code 851539 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. This HS code encompasses welding machines and apparatus specifically designed for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, excluding fully or partly automatic systems. These are typically manual or semi-automatic machines used across various industries, from small workshops and fabrication shops to construction sites and DIY enthusiasts. Key players in international trade include manufacturers in industrialized nations exporting advanced, energy-efficient models, while developing countries often import more general-purpose or cost-effective units to support their growing manufacturing and infrastructure sectors. Important aspects for trade include the type of welding process supported (MIG, TIG, Stick, Plasma), power source technology (inverter vs. transformer), portability, duty cycle, and safety features. The global demand is driven by ongoing construction, repair, and manufacturing activities, making these essential tools in metalworking.
What products fall under HS code 851539?
Stick welders, TIG welders, MIG welders, Manual plasma cutters, Multi-process welders, Engine-driven welders, Flux-cored welders
What are common misclassifications for HS code 851539?
This code can be confused with 851521 (resistance welding machines) or 851580 (other welding machines like laser welders). The key distinction is arc/plasma welding and the manual or semi-automatic operation.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 851539?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 851539 in UN Comtrade data were China ($766M, 55% of world exports), the United States ($157M) and Poland ($68M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 851539?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 851539 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($128M, 10% of world imports), Russia (about $81M) and India ($81M). 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 851539 structured?
HS code 851539 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (85) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (15) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (39) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 851539?
In Brazil, HS code 851539 is NCM 8515.39.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.