Product classification
HS code for Tungsten electrodes: 8101.99
Tungsten (wolfram), articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101.
Classification of tungsten electrodes under HS 8101.99
Tungsten electrodes, primarily used in Tungsten Inert Gas (TIG) welding, are classified under HS code 8101.99. This classification is found in Chapter 81, which covers \"Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof.\" Heading 8101 is specific to tungsten (wolfram) and articles made of tungsten. Because tungsten electrodes are typically simple rods of high-purity tungsten (often alloyed with small amounts of metal oxides like thoria, lanthana, or zirconia to improve electron emission), they are considered \"articles of tungsten.\" Since they do not fit into the specific subheadings for powders (8101.10) or unwrought tungsten (8101.94), they fall into the residual category 8101.99. This classification is appropriate because the electrodes are not coated with flux and do not contain a core of flux material, which distinguishes them from the welding electrodes found in Chapter 83. The presence of small amounts of oxides (dopants) does not change the classification from Chapter 81, as the tungsten content remains the predominant base metal by weight.
- Covers
- Thoriated tungsten electrodes (e.g., WT20)
- Lanthanated tungsten electrodes (e.g., WL15, WL20)
- Ceriated tungsten electrodes (e.g., WC20)
- Zirconiated tungsten electrodes (e.g., WZ8)
- Pure tungsten electrodes (Green tip, WP)
- Also under 8101.99
- Plansee tungsten crucibles
- GE Healthcare tungsten shielding
- Boeing tungsten counterweights
- Philips X-ray tube components
- Siemens medical device parts
Codes often confused with 8101.99
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification for tungsten electrodes is HS code 8311.10 or 8311.90. Heading 8311 covers wire, rods, tubes, and similar products of base metal or of metal carbides, coated or cored with flux material, for soldering, brazing, or welding. However, TIG electrodes are non-consumable and do not have a flux coating; therefore, they are excluded from 8311 and remain in 8101. Another error is classifying them under 8515.90 as parts of welding machines. While they are used with welding machines, they are considered base metal articles and are classified according to their constituent material per the Section XV notes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten electrodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten electrodes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% of world imports. France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 810199, not only tungsten electrodes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $83M 21% of world exports
- 2 United States $60M 15% of world exports
- 3 Germany $45M 12% of world exports
France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $392M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $54M 11% of world imports
- 2 Mexico $43M 8.7% of world imports
- 3 Japan $41M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $498M 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 tungsten electrodes
Brazil splits HS 8101.99 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8101.99.10Tungsten articles for electrical contacts
- 8101.99.90Other articles of tungsten
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about tungsten electrodes
What is the HS code for Tungsten electrodes?
The HS code for Tungsten electrodes is 810199 (Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101). The HS code for tungsten electrodes used in TIG welding is 8101.99.
How do I classify Tungsten electrodes for customs?
Tungsten electrodes is classified under HS code 810199 — Tungsten (wolfram); articles n.e.c. in heading no. 8101. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are thoriated tungsten electrodes classified differently than pure tungsten?
No, both pure and alloyed (thoriated, ceriated, etc.) tungsten electrodes are classified under 8101.99 as articles of tungsten.
Which countries are the top exporters of tungsten electrodes (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($83M, 21% of world exports), the United States ($60M) and Germany ($45M). World exports came to about $392M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). France reports $330M of its chapter 81 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of tungsten electrodes (HS 810199)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 810199 (the code used for tungsten electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($54M, 11% of world imports), Mexico ($43M) and Japan ($41M). World imports came to about $498M, 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 Tungsten electrodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 810199 for Tungsten electrodes 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 tungsten electrodes in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 810199 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for tungsten electrodes depends on the product's details: 8101.99.10 (Tungsten articles for electrical contacts), 8101.99.90 (Other articles of tungsten).