Product classification
HS code for Soldering filler metal: 8311.90
Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides, of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding, wires and rods for metal spraying, n.e.c. in item no. 8311.
Classification of soldering filler metal under HS 8311.90
Soldering filler metal is classified under HS code 8311.90. This heading covers base metal wires, rods, tubes, plates, and electrodes of a kind used for soldering, brazing, or welding. The specific subheading 8311.90 is a residual category for products not elsewhere specified within the 8311 group, such as composite filler metals. The classification is driven by the intended use of the material as a filler in a joining process. These products often consist of a base metal (like tin, lead, or copper alloys) that has been prepared specifically for soldering, often by being formed into wire or rods and frequently containing a core of flux. The presence of flux is a key indicator for classification in Chapter 83, as it distinguishes these prepared materials from simple metal wires found in Chapters 74 through 80. The Harmonized System groups these materials together because they are all consumables used in the process of bonding metals through heat, regardless of the specific alloy composition, provided they are not made of precious metals.
- Covers
- Flux-cored solder wire
- Solder rods for manual soldering
- Brazing alloys in wire or rod form
- Metal spraying wires for surface coating
- Coated electrodes for soldering
- Also under 8311.90
- Praxair thermal spray wires
- Oerlikon Metco spray wires
- ESAB TIG rods (special alloys)
- Lincoln Electric specialized welding rods
- Polymet Corporation wires
Codes often confused with 8311.90
Common mistake. Soldering filler metals are frequently misclassified under the headings for their constituent metals, such as 8003.00 for tin wire or 7408.29 for copper alloy wire. However, if the wire is cored with flux or otherwise prepared for use as solder, heading 8311 must be used. Another common error is confusing filler metals with separate flux preparations, which are classified under HS code 3810.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831190 (the code used for soldering filler metal), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831190 (the code used for soldering filler metal) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Mexico, with 9.7% 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 831190, not only soldering filler metal.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $85M 18% of world exports
- 2 United Kingdom $29M 6.2% of world exports
- 3 Poland $26M 5.7% of world exports
World total: $465M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Mexico $54M 9.7% of world imports
- 2 United States $45M 8.1% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $33M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $555M 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 soldering filler metal
Brazil classifies soldering filler metal under NCM 8311.90.00: HS 8311.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soldering filler metal
What is the HS code for Soldering filler metal?
The HS code for Soldering filler metal is 831190 (Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying; n.e.c. in item no. 8311). The HS code for soldering filler metal, particularly when cored or coated with flux, is 8311.90.
How do I classify Soldering filler metal for customs?
Soldering filler metal is classified under HS code 831190 — Wires, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes of base metal or metal carbides; of a kind used for soldering, brazing, welding; wires and rods for metal spraying; n.e.c. in item no. 8311. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include silver solder?
If the solder contains more than 2% of a precious metal like silver, it may be classified in Chapter 71. However, common industrial silver-bearing solders with low silver content remain under 8311.
Which countries are the top exporters of soldering filler metal (HS 831190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831190 (the code used for soldering filler metal) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($85M, 18% of world exports), the United Kingdom ($29M) and Poland ($26M). World exports came to about $465M, 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 soldering filler metal (HS 831190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831190 (the code used for soldering filler metal) in UN Comtrade data were Mexico ($54M, 9.7% of world imports), the United States ($45M) and the Netherlands ($33M). World imports came to about $555M, 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 Soldering filler metal the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831190 for Soldering filler metal 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 soldering filler metal in Brazil?
In Brazil, soldering filler metal (HS 831190) is classified under NCM 8311.90.00.