HS Code for Brazing filler metal

Brazing filler metal is classified under HS code 8311.90, which encompasses wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes, and similar products of base metal or of metal carbides, coated or cored with flux material, for soldering, brazing, or welding. This specific subheading (8311.90) is a residual category for items not elsewhere specified (n.e.c.) within the 8311 heading. The classification is driven by the intended use of the material as a filler in joining processes. Chapter 83 covers miscellaneous articles of base metal, and heading 8311 specifically addresses materials used for bonding metals. The distinction for 8311.90 often involves filler metals that are not coated electrodes for electric arc-welding (8311.10) or cored wire for electric arc-welding (8311.20). It includes rods and wires used for gas brazing or soldering where the material is composed of base metals like copper, aluminum, or nickel alloys, often containing a flux core or coating to facilitate the brazing process. The General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6 are applied here, ensuring the product meets the description of the heading and the specific subheading. It is important to note that for a product to be classified here, the base metal must predominate by weight. If the filler metal contains precious metals like silver in a proportion that exceeds the limits defined in Chapter 71, it may be classified as a precious metal alloy instead. However, most industrial brazing rods with a flux component are correctly placed in 8311.90. The presence of the flux is a key indicator for 8311, as plain wire without flux is usually classified by its constituent metal in Section XV.

Products Included

• Copper-phosphorus brazing rods
• Flux-coated silver brazing wire (base metal dominant)
• Aluminum brazing strips with flux core
• Nickel-based brazing rods for high-temperature applications

Common Misclassification

Brazing filler metals are often misclassified under the specific metal chapters, such as 7217 for iron/steel wire or 7408 for copper wire. These codes apply only if the wire is not coated or cored with flux. Another common error is using 8311.10, which is reserved specifically for coated electrodes used in electric arc-welding. If the filler metal is primarily silver (over 2% by weight) and lacks flux, it may be misclassified under 7106, though industrial brazing alloys are generally kept in 8311 if they are prepared for that specific use.

FAQ

What is the HS code for Brazing filler metal?

The standard HS code for brazing filler metal (wires, rods, etc., of base metal) is 8311.90.

Does 8311.90 include silver solder?

It includes silver-bearing brazing alloys provided they are base-metal alloys (where base metal predominates) and are prepared as rods or wires with flux for brazing. High-purity silver solders may fall under Chapter 71.