Product classification
HS code for Plasma 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 plasma welder under HS 8515.39
The classification of a plasma welder under HS code 8515.39 is determined by its primary function as an electrical machine for the welding of metals using an electric arc process. Plasma arc welding (PAW) is a specialized form of arc welding where a concentrated plasma stream is used to fuse metals. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6, the product is categorized under Heading 8515, which covers electric welding machines and apparatus. Within this heading, subheadings distinguish between fully or partly automatic machines and manual machines. Since HS code 8515.39 is reserved for \"other\" arc welding machines that are not fully or partly automatic, it is the correct designation for manual or semi-manual plasma welding units. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the machine is also capable of plasma cutting, provided its primary design and marketing are for welding applications.
- Covers
- Manual plasma arc welding machines
- Portable plasma welding units
- Semi-automatic plasma welding power sources
- Inverter-based plasma welding apparatus
- Plasma welding torches sold as part of a complete welding system
- 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. Plasma welders are frequently misclassified under HS code 8515.31, which is reserved for fully or partly automatic welding machines. If the machine requires a human operator to guide the torch, it must stay in 8515.39. Another common error is using HS code 8468.20, which covers gas-operated welding equipment; however, plasma welding is an electrical process, not a chemical gas process. Additionally, plasma cutters that lack welding capabilities should be classified under 8456.40 (machines for removing material by plasma arc processes) rather than 8515.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851539 (the code used for plasma welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851539 (the code used for plasma 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 plasma 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 plasma welder
Brazil classifies plasma 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 plasma welder
What is the HS code for Plasma welder?
The HS code for Plasma 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 HS code for a manual or non-automatic plasma welder is 8515.39. If the unit is fully automated or robotic, it falls under 8515.31.
How do I classify Plasma welder for customs?
Plasma 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 HS code change if the welder can also cut?
Generally, if the machine is primarily designed for welding, it remains under 8515.39. However, if the machine is primarily a plasma cutter, it may be classified under 8456.40.
Which countries are the top exporters of plasma welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851539 (the code used for plasma 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 plasma welder (HS 851539)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851539 (the code used for plasma 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 Plasma welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851539 for 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 plasma welder in Brazil?
In Brazil, plasma welder (HS 851539) is classified under NCM 8515.39.00.