Product classification
HS code for Automatic arc welder: 8515.31
Welding machines and apparatus, for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting.
Classification of automatic arc welder under HS 8515.31
An automatic arc welder is classified under HS code 851531. This code specifically covers "Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting." This classification is found in Chapter 85 of the Harmonized System, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment. The key elements for this classification are the welding method (arc welding, including plasma arc), the material being welded (metals), and crucially, the level of automation (fully or partly automatic). The inclusion of the capability to cut further refines this category, distinguishing these advanced machines from manual or semi-automatic arc welders.
- Covers
- Robotic arc welding systems
- Automated MIG/MAG welding machines
- Automated TIG welding machines
- Plasma arc welding machines (automatic)
- Submerged arc welding machines (automatic)
- Automated stud welding equipment
- Also under 8515.31
- Fronius TransPocket (automated versions)
- Lincoln Electric Power Wave series
- Miller Electric PipeWorx
- ESAB Aristo Mig
Codes often confused with 8515.31
Common mistake. Automatic arc welders are often misclassified with other types of welding equipment. The most common misclassification occurs with manual or semi-automatic arc welders, which fall under HS 851539, designated for "Other arc welding machines and apparatus." The distinction here is solely based on the level of automation. Furthermore, welding machines that utilize resistance welding methods, even if automatic, are classified under HS 851521. For welding machines employing methods other than arc or resistance, such as laser or electron beam welding, the appropriate classification would be HS 851580. Accurate classification requires careful consideration of both the welding technology and the degree of automation.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic arc welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 851531, not only automatic arc welder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $448M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $312M 16% of world exports
- 3 Austria $164M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $291M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $79M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $72M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 automatic arc welder
Brazil splits HS 8515.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8515.31.10CNC MIG/MAG arc welding robots
- 8515.31.90Other automatic arc welding machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about automatic arc welder
What is the HS code for Automatic arc welder?
The HS code for Automatic arc welder is 851531 (Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting). The HS code for an automatic arc welder is 851531.
How do I classify Automatic arc welder for customs?
Automatic arc welder is classified under HS code 851531 — Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How are manual arc welders classified?
Manual or semi-automatic arc welders are classified under HS 851539, as they do not meet the 'fully or partly automatic' criterion of 851531.
Which countries are the top exporters of automatic arc welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($448M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($312M) and Austria ($164M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 automatic arc welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($291M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($79M) and Mexico ($72M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Automatic arc welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851531 for Automatic 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 automatic arc welder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for automatic arc welder depends on the product's details: 8515.31.10 (CNC MIG/MAG arc welding robots), 8515.31.90 (Other automatic arc welding machines).