Product classification
HS code for Arc welder: 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.
Classification of arc welder under HS 8515.39
The classification of arc welders falls under HS code 8515.39. Heading 8515 covers electric, laser, or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse or plasma arc soldering, brazing or welding machines and apparatus. The subheadings under 8515 differentiate between the type of welding (brazing, resistance, arc) and the level of automation. Code 8515.39 specifically refers to other arc welding machines that are not fully or partly automatic. This typically includes manual welding sets used in construction, repair shops, and DIY environments. The classification depends on the electrical nature of the welding process (arc) and the manual nature of the operation. According to the Section XVI notes, machines that perform multiple functions are classified according to the principal function. For an arc welder, the principal function is the joining of metals through the heat generated by an electric arc. The 8515.39 code is essential for customs authorities to distinguish between industrial-scale automated machinery and manual tools used by individual tradespeople. This distinction affects duty rates and trade statistics significantly. The equipment must include the power source and the welding head or electrode holder to be classified here as a complete unit.
- Covers
- Manual metal arc (MMA) welding machines
- Stick welders
- Manual TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welders
- Manual MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welders
- Plasma arc welding apparatus (manual)
- Also under 8515.39
- 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. Arc welders are often confused with HS code 8515.31, which is reserved for fully or partly automatic arc welding machines. The distinction lies in whether the machine controls the feed of the electrode or the movement of the welding head. Additionally, non-electric welding equipment, such as gas-operated torches, should be classified under heading 8468. Misclassifying a manual welder as automatic (8515.31) can lead to incorrect duty assessments and compliance issues during audits.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851539 (the code used for arc welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851539 (the code used for arc welder) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 851539, not only arc welder.
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 arc welder
Brazil classifies arc welder under NCM 8515.39.00: HS 8515.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about arc welder
What is the HS code for Arc welder?
The HS code for Arc welder is 851539 (Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting).
How do I classify Arc welder for customs?
Arc welder is classified under HS code 851539 — 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 is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for arc welders?
Manual arc welders are classified under HS code 8515.39, while automatic versions are under 8515.31.
Does this code include robotic welding arms?
No, robotic welding arms that are fully integrated and automated are classified under 8515.31, as they are considered fully automatic machines.
Which countries are the top exporters of arc welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851539 (the code used for arc welder) 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 arc welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851539 (the code used for arc welder) 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.
Is the HS code for Arc welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851539 for Arc welder is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for arc welder in Brazil?
In Brazil, arc welder (HS 851539) is classified under NCM 8515.39.00.