Product classification
HS code for Spot 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 spot welder under HS 8515.29
Spot welders are classified under HS code 8515.29. This code is situated within Chapter 85, which deals with electrical machinery and equipment. Heading 8515 specifically covers electric machines and apparatus for resistance welding of metal. Spot welding is a form of resistance welding where metal surfaces are joined by the heat obtained from resistance to electric current. The subheading 8515.29 is designated for machines that are not fully or partly automatic. This includes manual spot welding guns, pedestal welders, and portable units where the operator manually controls the positioning of the electrodes and the timing of the weld cycle. The classification depends on the electrical nature of the heat source and the specific resistance method used to fuse the metal components. It is important to distinguish these from arc welders or laser welders, which operate on different physical principles and are classified under different subheadings within 8515. The manual nature of the equipment is the primary factor in selecting 8515.29 over the automatic alternatives.
- Covers
- Manual spot welding guns
- Pedestal-type spot welders
- Portable resistance welders
- Pinch welders for sheet metal
- Rocker arm spot welders
- Manual bench-top spot 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. Spot welders are frequently misclassified under HS code 8515.21, which is for fully or partly automatic resistance welding machines. The distinction depends entirely on the level of automation in the feed and welding cycle; if the operator must manually trigger each weld, 8515.29 is correct. Another common error is using HS code 8468, which covers machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, or welding that are not electric. Since spot welders rely on electrical resistance, they must remain in Chapter 85.
Top exporters and importers of HS 851529 (the code used for spot welder), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 851529 (the code used for spot 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 spot 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 spot welder
Brazil classifies spot 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 spot welder
What is the HS code for Spot welder?
The HS code for Spot welder is 851529 (Welding machines and apparatus; for resistance welding of metal, other than fully or partly automatic, whether or not capable of cutting). The HS code for manual or non-automatic resistance spot welders is 8515.29.
How do I classify Spot welder for customs?
Spot 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.
Does this code cover robotic welding arms?
No, robotic welding systems are typically classified as fully automatic under 8515.21 or as industrial robots under 8479.50, depending on their configuration.
Which countries are the top exporters of spot welder (HS 851529)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 851529 (the code used for spot 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 spot welder (HS 851529)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 851529 (the code used for spot 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 Spot welder the same in all countries?
The base HS code 851529 for Spot 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 spot welder in Brazil?
In Brazil, spot welder (HS 851529) is classified under NCM 8515.29.00.