Product classification
HS code for Coated electrodes: 8311.10
Electrodes, coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding.
Classification of coated electrodes under HS 8311.10
The classification of coated electrodes under HS code 8311.10 is determined by their specific composition and functional application in industrial welding. These articles consist of a base metal core, typically iron or steel, which is coated with a specialized flux material. This coating is essential for the electric arc-welding process; as the electrode melts, the coating vaporizes to create a protective gaseous shield and a layer of slag. This chemical reaction prevents the molten weld pool from being contaminated by atmospheric oxygen and nitrogen, ensuring a high-quality, structurally sound joint. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), these products are classified in Chapter 83 as miscellaneous articles of base metal because they are finished tools prepared for a specific metallurgical process. The classification remains 8311.10 regardless of the specific type of base metal used for the core, provided the primary purpose is electric arc-welding and the electrode is coated. This code is distinct from bare welding wires, which are classified based on their metal composition in Chapters 72 or 74.
- Covers
- Rutile-coated mild steel electrodes
- Cellulosic electrodes for pipeline welding
- Basic-coated low-hydrogen electrodes
- Stainless steel welding electrodes with flux coating
- Cast iron welding rods with mineral coating
- Iron powder electrodes for high-deposition welding
- 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. Coated electrodes are frequently confused with HS code 8515, which covers the actual welding machines and electrical apparatus. While 8515 includes the equipment, the consumable electrodes belong in 8311.10. Another common error is using HS code 7217, which applies to wire of iron or non-alloy steel. However, 7217 is reserved for bare wire that has not been coated with flux for welding purposes. If the wire is cored with flux rather than coated, it should be classified under 8311.20.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831110 (the code used for coated electrodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831110 (the code used for coated electrodes) 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 coated electrodes.
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 coated electrodes
Brazil classifies coated electrodes 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 coated electrodes
What is the HS code for Coated electrodes?
The HS code for Coated electrodes 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 Coated electrodes for customs?
Coated electrodes is classified under HS code 831110 — Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include tungsten electrodes?
No, thoriated or pure tungsten electrodes used in TIG welding are typically classified under 8101.99 as articles of tungsten, as they are non-consumable and not coated with flux in the same manner.
Which countries are the top exporters of coated electrodes (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831110 (the code used for coated electrodes) 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 coated electrodes (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831110 (the code used for coated electrodes) 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 Coated electrodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831110 for Coated electrodes 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 coated electrodes in Brazil?
In Brazil, coated electrodes (HS 831110) is classified under NCM 8311.10.00.