Product classification
HS code for Flux-cored wire: 8311.20
Wire, cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding.
Classification of flux-cored wire under HS 8311.20
Flux-cored wire is classified under HS code 831120 because it is a composite welding material consisting of a base metal sheath filled with a core of granulated flux. This classification falls under Chapter 83, which covers miscellaneous articles of base metal. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), the product is classified based on its function as a cored wire for electric arc-welding. The flux core serves multiple purposes, including protecting the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, stabilizing the arc, and adding alloying elements to the weld metal. Because the wire is not solid but contains a non-metallic core, it cannot be classified as simple wire in Chapter 72 or 74. Instead, it is specifically categorized under 8311, which includes wire, rods, tubes, plates, and electrodes of base metal or of metal carbides, coated or cored with flux material, of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding, or deposition of metal. The classification is governed by General Rule of Interpretation 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. In this case, Note 1 to Chapter 83 confirms the inclusion of these composite articles. The wire is typically wound on spools or in coils, and its technical specifications must meet welding standards such as AWS (American Welding Society) classifications, though the HS code remains broad.
- Covers
- Gas-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-G) wire
- Self-shielded flux-cored arc welding (FCAW-S) wire
- Carbon steel flux-cored wire
- Stainless steel flux-cored welding wire
- Low-alloy steel flux-cored wire
- Also under 8311.20
- Lincoln Electric Innershield
- ESAB Dual Shield
- Hobart FabCO
- Miller Electric cored wire
- Hyundai Welding cored wire
Codes often confused with 8311.20
Common mistake. Flux-cored wire is frequently confused with HS code 7217, which covers wire of iron or non-alloy steel. However, 7217 is strictly for solid wires that do not contain a flux core. Another common error is classifying it under 831110, which is reserved for coated electrodes used in manual metal arc (MMA) welding. While both are used for welding, 831110 refers to stick electrodes where the flux is on the outside, whereas 831120 is for continuous wire where the flux is on the inside.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831120 (the code used for flux-cored wire), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831120 (the code used for flux-cored wire) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 7.1% 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 831120, not only flux-cored wire.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $261M 22% of world exports
- 2 United States $150M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $139M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $90M 7.1% of world imports
- 2 United States $88M 7.0% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $71M 5.7% of world imports
World total: $1.3B 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 code for flux-cored wire
Brazil classifies flux-cored wire under NCM 8311.20.00: HS 8311.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about flux-cored wire
What is the HS code for Flux-cored wire?
The HS code for Flux-cored wire is 831120 (Wire; cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding). The HS code for flux-cored wire of base metal for electric arc-welding is 831120.
How do I classify Flux-cored wire for customs?
Flux-cored wire is classified under HS code 831120 — Wire; cored, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the type of flux affect the HS code?
Generally, no. As long as the wire is cored with flux and intended for electric arc-welding, it remains under 831120 regardless of the specific chemical composition of the flux.
Which countries are the top exporters of flux-cored wire (HS 831120)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831120 (the code used for flux-cored wire) in UN Comtrade data were China ($261M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($150M) and South Korea ($139M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 flux-cored wire (HS 831120)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831120 (the code used for flux-cored wire) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($90M, 7.1% of world imports), the United States ($88M) and Mexico ($71M). World imports came to about $1.3B, 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 Flux-cored wire the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831120 for Flux-cored wire 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 flux-cored wire in Brazil?
In Brazil, flux-cored wire (HS 831120) is classified under NCM 8311.20.00.