Product classification
HS code for Resistance welder: 8515.29
Welding machines and apparatus, for resistance welding of metal, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting.
Classification of resistance welder under HS 8515.29
A resistance welder is classified under HS code 8515.29. This code is situated in Chapter 85, which encompasses electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 85.15 specifically covers electric, laser, or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse or plasma arc soldering, brazing or welding machines and apparatus. Within this heading, the 8515.2x series is dedicated to machines for resistance welding of metal. Subheading 8515.21 is for fully or partly automatic machines, while 8515.29 is the residual category for "other" resistance welding apparatus, which primarily includes manual or semi-manual equipment. Resistance welding works by passing a high current through the metal pieces to be joined, using the electrical resistance of the metal to generate heat. The classification is determined by the welding technology (resistance) and the degree of automation. For a machine to be classified here, it must be an electrical apparatus designed specifically for joining metal through this thermal process.
- Covers
- Manual spot welding guns
- Pedal-operated spot welders
- Manual seam welding machines
- Resistance butt welders (non-automatic)
- Portable resistance welding tongs
- Bench-type manual resistance welders
- Also under 8515.29
- Miller Electric spot welders
- Lincoln Electric resistance welders
- Tecna manual spot welders
- CEMSA resistance welders
Codes often confused with 8515.29
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs between HS code 8515.29 (manual) and 8515.21 (automatic). If a machine has a programmable logic controller (PLC) or robotic interface that handles the feeding or positioning of the workpiece, it must be classified under 8515.21. Another common error is confusing resistance welders with arc welders, which are classified under 8515.31 or 8515.39. Arc welding uses an electric arc between an electrode and the base material, whereas resistance welding relies on the internal resistance of the material itself. Finally, gas-operated welding equipment is classified under 8468, not 8515.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851529 (the code used for resistance welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851529 (the code used for resistance welder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 48% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% 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 851529, not only resistance welder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $116M 48% of world exports
- 2 Italy $27M 11% of world exports
- 3 United States $18M 7.4% of world exports
World total: $242M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $35M 14% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $18M 7.4% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$12M 4.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $248M 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 resistance welder
Brazil classifies resistance welder under NCM 8515.29.00: HS 8515.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about resistance welder
What is the HS code for Resistance welder?
The HS code for Resistance welder is 851529 (Welding machines and apparatus; for resistance welding of metal, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting).
How do I classify Resistance welder for customs?
Resistance welder is classified under HS code 851529 — Welding machines and apparatus; for resistance welding of metal, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a manual resistance welder?
The HS code for a manual or non-automatic resistance welder is 8515.29.
Does HS code 8515.29 include welding electrodes?
No, welding electrodes are generally classified according to their constituent material (e.g., copper or graphite) or under 8515.90 if they are identified as parts specifically for welding machines, though many are classified in 8311 as base metal electrodes.
Which countries are the top exporters of resistance welder (HS 851529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851529 (the code used for resistance welder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($116M, 48% of world exports), Italy ($27M) and the United States ($18M). World exports came to about $242M, 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 resistance welder (HS 851529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851529 (the code used for resistance welder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($35M, 14% of world imports), Thailand ($18M) and Vietnam (about $12M). World imports came to about $248M, 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 Resistance welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851529 for Resistance 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 resistance welder in Brazil?
In Brazil, resistance welder (HS 851529) is classified under NCM 8515.29.00.