Product classification
HS code for Arc welding rods: 8311.10
Electrodes, coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding.
Classification of arc welding rods under HS 8311.10
Arc welding rods, specifically those consisting of a base metal core coated with flux material, are classified under HS code 8311.10. This classification is located in Section XV (Base Metals and Articles of Base Metal) and Chapter 83 (Miscellaneous Articles of Base Metal). Heading 8311 is the primary heading for wire, rods, tubes, plates, and electrodes of base metal or of metal carbides, provided they are coated or cored with flux material for soldering, brazing, welding, or deposition of metal. Subheading 8311.10 is specifically designated for "Coated electrodes of base metal, for electric arc-welding." These products are essential for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW), where the coating (flux) melts to create a protective gas shield and slag over the weld pool. The classification is determined by the fact that the rod is a finished article of base metal designed for a specific industrial application. The core must be a base metal, such as iron, steel, aluminum, or copper, to fall under this chapter.
- Covers
- Flux-coated stick electrodes
- Stainless steel welding rods (coated)
- Mild steel arc welding electrodes
- Aluminum arc welding rods (coated)
- Cast iron welding electrodes
- Hard-facing electrodes
- Also under 8311.10
- Lincoln Electric Excalibur
- ESAB Atom Arc
- Hobart 7018
- Miller Electric electrodes
- Hyundai Welding electrodes
Codes often confused with 8311.10
Common mistake. Arc welding rods are frequently confused with HS code 8311.20, which is reserved for cored wire (flux-cored wire) rather than solid rods. They may also be misclassified under 8311.30, which covers coated rods and cored wire for soldering, brazing, or welding by flame (gas welding), rather than electric arc welding. Furthermore, the welding machines themselves are classified under 8515, not 8311.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831110 (the code used for arc welding rods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831110 (the code used for arc welding rods) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 7.5% 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 831110, not only arc welding rods.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $511M 34% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $121M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $77M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $108M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$70M 4.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $66M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 welding rods
Brazil classifies arc welding rods under NCM 8311.10.00: HS 8311.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about arc welding rods
What is the HS code for Arc welding rods?
The HS code for Arc welding rods is 831110 (Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding). The HS code for coated electrodes of base metal for electric arc welding is 8311.10.
How do I classify Arc welding rods for customs?
Arc welding rods is classified under HS code 831110 — Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are tungsten electrodes classified here?
No, non-consumable tungsten electrodes are typically classified under 8101.99 or 8515.90, as they are not coated or cored with flux in the same manner as consumable arc welding rods.
Which countries are the top exporters of arc welding rods (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831110 (the code used for arc welding rods) in UN Comtrade data were China ($511M, 34% of world exports), Sweden ($121M) and Czechia ($77M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 welding rods (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831110 (the code used for arc welding rods) in UN Comtrade data were China ($108M, 7.5% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $70M) and Indonesia ($66M). World imports 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.
Is the HS code for Arc welding rods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831110 for Arc welding rods 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 welding rods in Brazil?
In Brazil, arc welding rods (HS 831110) is classified under NCM 8311.10.00.