Product classification
HS code for Automatic plasma 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 plasma welder under HS 8515.31
The automatic plasma welder is classified under HS code 8515.31. This classification is governed by Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8515 specifically addresses electric, laser, or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse, or plasma arc soldering, brazing, or welding machines. The subheading 8515.31 is reserved for machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals that are fully or partly automatic. The classification is determined by the use of plasma arc technology and the automated nature of the equipment, which distinguishes it from manual welding tools.
- Covers
- Robotic plasma arc welding cells
- Automated plasma welding lathes
- CNC plasma welding systems
- Partially automatic plasma arc welders
- Integrated plasma welding power sources for automation
- 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. This product is often misclassified under HS code 8456.40, which covers machine tools for removing material by plasma arc processes (plasma cutters). While many plasma machines can both cut and weld, if the primary design and function are for welding, 8515.31 is the correct code. Another error is using 8515.39, which is reserved for manual arc welding equipment. The distinction lies in whether the machine controls the welding path or feed automatically.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic plasma welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic plasma 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 plasma 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 plasma 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 plasma welder
What is the HS code for Automatic plasma welder?
The HS code for Automatic plasma 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 fully or partly automatic plasma arc welding machines is 8515.31.
How do I classify Automatic plasma welder for customs?
Automatic plasma 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.
Can this code be used for plasma cutters?
No, if the machine is primarily used for cutting (removing material), it should be classified under HS code 8456.40. HS code 8515.31 is specifically for welding (joining material).
Which countries are the top exporters of automatic plasma welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic plasma 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 plasma welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851531 (the code used for automatic plasma 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 plasma welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851531 for Automatic plasma 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 plasma welder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for automatic plasma welder depends on the product's details: 8515.31.10 (CNC MIG/MAG arc welding robots), 8515.31.90 (Other automatic arc welding machines).