Product classification
HS code for MIG welder: 8515.39
Welding machines and apparatus, for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting.
Classification of MIG welder under HS 8515.39
MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welders are classified under HS code 8515.39. This classification falls under Chapter 85, which covers electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8515 is specifically for electric, laser, or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse or plasma arc soldering, brazing or welding machines. Within this heading, the 8515.3x series is dedicated to machines for arc welding of metals. Subheading 8515.39 is the residual category for arc welding machines that are not 'fully or partly automatic.' Most manual or semi-automatic MIG welders used in workshops, where the operator controls the torch and movement, fall into this category. The classification depends on the welding process (arc welding) and the level of automation. Even though MIG welding involves an automatic wire feed, the process is generally considered semi-automatic and thus classified under 8515.39 in many jurisdictions, unless the entire movement and operation are robotic.
- Covers
- Manual MIG welding machines
- Semi-automatic MAG (Metal Active Gas) welders
- Portable wire-feed arc welders
- TIG welders (non-automatic)
- Inverter-based arc welding power sources
- Also under 8515.39
- Lincoln Electric AC/DC 225/125
- Miller Multimatic 215
- ESAB Rebel EMP 215ic
- Hobart Handler 140
- Hypertherm Powermax 45 XP
Codes often confused with 8515.39
Common mistake. MIG welders are often misclassified under 8515.31, which is reserved for 'fully or partly automatic' machines. The distinction usually depends on whether the machine controls the path of the weld (automatic) or if a human operator does (manual/semi-automatic). They may also be confused with 8515.80, which covers other types of welding equipment like resistance welders.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851539 (the code used for MIG welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851539 (the code used for MIG welder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 55% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 851539, not only MIG welder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $766M 55% of world exports
- 2 United States $157M 11% of world exports
- 3 Poland $68M 4.9% of world exports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $128M 10% of world imports
- 2 Russia* ~$81M 6.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 India $81M 6.4% 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 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 MIG welder
Brazil classifies MIG welder under NCM 8515.39.00: HS 8515.39 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about MIG welder
What is the HS code for MIG welder?
The HS code for MIG welder is 851539 (Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting). The standard HS code for a manual or semi-automatic MIG welder is 8515.39.
How do I classify MIG welder for customs?
MIG welder is classified under HS code 851539 — Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does the code change if the welder can also do TIG welding?
Generally, no. If the primary function is arc welding and it is not fully automatic, it remains under 8515.39, as both MIG and TIG are forms of arc welding.
Which countries are the top exporters of MIG welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851539 (the code used for MIG welder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($766M, 55% of world exports), the United States ($157M) and Poland ($68M). World exports 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.
Which countries are the top importers of MIG welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851539 (the code used for MIG welder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($128M, 10% of world imports), Russia (about $81M) and India ($81M). 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 MIG welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851539 for MIG 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 MIG welder in Brazil?
In Brazil, MIG welder (HS 851539) is classified under NCM 8515.39.00.