Product classification
HS code for Robotic arc welder: 8515.31
Welding machines and apparatus, for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting.
Classification of robotic arc welder under HS 8515.31
A robotic arc welder is classified under HS code 8515.31. Although these machines are technically industrial robots, the Harmonized System's classification hierarchy dictates that a machine performing a specific function should be classified under the heading corresponding to that function. This is supported by Note 5 to Chapter 84 and Note 3 to Section XVI. Heading 8515 covers machines and apparatus for electric, laser, or other light or photon beam, ultrasonic, electron beam, magnetic pulse or plasma arc soldering, brazing or welding. Sub-heading 8515.31 specifically addresses machines for arc welding of metals that are "fully or partly automatic." A robotic system, which utilizes programmable logic and multiple axes of motion to execute precise welding paths without constant human intervention, is defined as a fully automatic welding machine. The classification remains in 8515.31 even if the robot is capable of being reprogrammed, provided its primary configuration and end-effector are dedicated to arc welding.
- Covers
- Robotic MIG (Metal Inert Gas) welding cells
- Robotic TIG (Tungsten Inert Gas) welding systems
- Automated plasma arc welding robots
- Articulated robotic arms with integrated arc welding torches
- Fully automatic orbital arc welders
- Also under 8515.31
- Fronius TransPocket (automated versions)
- Lincoln Electric Power Wave series
- Miller Electric PipeWorx
- ESAB Aristo Mig
Codes often confused with 8515.31
Common mistake. Robotic arc welders are often misclassified under HS code 8479.50, which is the general category for industrial robots. However, because the robot has a specific function (welding) that is covered by another heading (8515), the specific heading takes precedence. Another error is using 8515.39, which is for manual or semi-automatic arc welding equipment. Since robotic systems are fully automated, 8515.31 is the only correct sub-heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851531 (the code used for robotic arc welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851531 (the code used for robotic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 23% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 851531, not only robotic arc welder.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $448M 23% of world exports
- 2 Germany $312M 16% of world exports
- 3 Austria $164M 8.4% of world exports
World total: $2.0B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $291M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $79M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 Mexico $72M 3.9% of world imports
World total: $1.8B 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 codes for robotic arc welder
Brazil splits HS 8515.31 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8515.31.10CNC MIG/MAG arc welding robots
- 8515.31.90Other automatic arc welding machines
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about robotic arc welder
What is the HS code for Robotic arc welder?
The HS code for Robotic arc welder is 851531 (Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting). The HS code for a fully automatic robotic arc welder is 8515.31.
How do I classify Robotic arc welder for customs?
Robotic arc welder is classified under HS code 851531 — Welding machines and apparatus; for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals, fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the robotic controller classified separately?
If the controller is imported with the robotic arm and welding power source as a complete functional unit, it is classified together under 8515.31.
Which countries are the top exporters of robotic arc welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851531 (the code used for robotic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data were China ($448M, 23% of world exports), Germany ($312M) and Austria ($164M). World exports came to about $2.0B, 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 robotic arc welder (HS 851531)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851531 (the code used for robotic arc welder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($291M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($79M) and Mexico ($72M). World imports came to about $1.8B, 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 Robotic arc welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851531 for Robotic arc 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 robotic arc welder in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 851531 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for robotic arc welder depends on the product's details: 8515.31.10 (CNC MIG/MAG arc welding robots), 8515.31.90 (Other automatic arc welding machines).