HS Code for Arc welding wire

Arc welding wire that is cored with flux or other materials is classified under HS code 8311.20. This classification falls under Chapter 83, which covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. Heading 8311 specifically includes wire and rods of base metal that are coated or cored with flux material. Subheading 8311.20 is dedicated to "Cored wire of base metal, for electric arc-welding." This type of wire is commonly used in Flux-Cored Arc Welding (FCAW) and consists of a continuous tubular metal sheath filled with a flux powder. The presence of the flux core is the critical factor for classification in this heading. If the wire were solid and lacked a flux core or coating, it would be classified according to its constituent metal in Chapters 72 through 81 (for example, solid steel wire is classified in 7217). The Harmonized System distinguishes between the physical form (wire vs. rod) and the presence of flux to ensure precise categorization for industrial consumables.

Products Included

• Flux-cored arc welding (FCAW) wire
• Metal-cored arc welding (MCAW) wire
• Tubular welding wire
• Self-shielding flux-cored wire
• Gas-shielded flux-cored wire

Common Misclassification

The most common misclassification for arc welding wire is 7217.10 (for iron or steel), which applies only to solid wire without a flux core. Another common error is using 8311.10, which is strictly for coated electrodes (stick rods). Additionally, 8311.30 is sometimes used incorrectly; that code is for coated rods or cored wire used for soldering or brazing, rather than arc welding.

FAQ

What is the HS code for arc welding wire?

The HS code for cored wire of base metal for electric arc welding is 8311.20.

Is solid MIG wire classified under 8311.20?

No, solid MIG (GMAW) wire is usually classified by its material, such as 7217 for steel or 7605 for aluminum, because it lacks a flux core.