Product classification
HS code for Soldering station: 8468.80
Machinery and apparatus, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468.
Classification of soldering station under HS 8468.80
A soldering station is classified under HS code 8468.80 because it is considered a machinery apparatus for soldering or brazing. Heading 8468 covers machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, other than those of heading 8515. While simple electric soldering irons fall under Chapter 85, a 'station' typically incorporates a power supply unit, temperature control circuitry, and sometimes vacuum or air-pumping mechanisms for desoldering or hot-air rework. These integrated mechanical and electronic components elevate the device from a simple hand tool to a piece of machinery. Subheading 8468.80 is the specific 'other' category for machinery that does not use gas (8468.10) or is not specifically hand-held gas-operated (8468.20). The classification relies on the fact that the station is a complex apparatus designed to perform the mechanical and thermal tasks required for joining metals in a controlled industrial or laboratory environment.
- Covers
- Digital temperature-controlled soldering stations
- SMD hot air rework stations
- Desoldering stations with integrated vacuum pumps
- BGA (Ball Grid Array) rework systems
- Dual-port soldering and desoldering units
- Also under 8468.80
- Weller WX2 Soldering Station
- Fronius TransSteel 2200 (MIG/MAG/TIG)
- Amada FLW-3000MT Laser Welder
- Branson Ultrasonics GSX Series Welder
Codes often confused with 8468.80
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for a soldering station is HS code 8515.11, which is specifically for electric soldering irons and guns. While a station includes an iron, the presence of the control base and additional machinery features often pushes it toward 8468.80. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 8466.93 for parts and accessories of machine tools, but the station itself is a complete apparatus and should be classified as such.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846880 (the code used for soldering station), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846880 (the code used for soldering station) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% 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 846880, not only soldering station.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $198M 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $17M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $352M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $82M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$21M 5.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $388M 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 codes for soldering station
Brazil splits HS 8468.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8468.80.10Friction welding machines
- 8468.80.90Other non-gas welding and soldering machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about soldering station
What is the HS code for Soldering station?
The HS code for Soldering station is 846880 (Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468). The HS code for a soldering station, categorized as machinery for soldering or brazing, is 8468.80.
How do I classify Soldering station for customs?
Soldering station is classified under HS code 846880 — Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a hot air gun classified here?
If the hot air gun is part of an integrated soldering station, it falls under 8468.80. Standalone electric heat guns are often classified under 8467.29 as electro-mechanical tools.
Which countries are the top exporters of soldering station (HS 846880)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846880 (the code used for soldering station) in UN Comtrade data were China ($198M, 56% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and the United Kingdom ($17M). World exports came to about $352M, 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 station (HS 846880)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846880 (the code used for soldering station) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($82M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Vietnam (about $21M). World imports came to about $388M, 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 station the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846880 for Soldering station 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 station in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 846880 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for soldering station depends on the product's details: 8468.80.10 (Friction welding machines), 8468.80.90 (Other non-gas welding and soldering machinery).