HS Code for Tungsten wire

Tungsten wire is classified under HS code 8101.96. This classification is determined by the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI), specifically focusing on the material composition and the physical form of the product. Chapter 81 covers "Other base metals; cermets; articles thereof," and heading 8101 is dedicated specifically to tungsten (wolfram) and articles thereof, including waste and scrap. Within this heading, the code 8101.96 is reserved for wire. The classification process involves identifying the base metal as tungsten and then determining the specific shape or form, which in this case is wire—defined as a cold-formed product of any cross-sectional shape, usually supplied in coils. This code applies regardless of the wire's intended industrial application, whether for heating elements, lamp filaments, or specialized industrial electrodes, provided it has not been further worked into a specific identifiable part of another machine or apparatus. The purity of the tungsten and any minor alloying elements (such as thorium or rhenium) do not typically move the product out of this heading, as long as tungsten remains the predominant metal by weight.

Products Included

• Pure tungsten wire for lamp filaments
• Thoriated tungsten wire for TIG welding electrodes
• Rhenium-tungsten alloy wire
• Doped tungsten wire for high-temperature stability
• Fine tungsten wire for medical devices

Common Misclassification

Tungsten wire is frequently misclassified under HS code 8539.90, which covers parts of electric filament or discharge lamps. While tungsten wire is a primary component of lamp filaments, it is only classified under 8539 if it has been cut to length and shaped into a specific filament ready for assembly. Raw wire in coils remains under 8101.96. Another common error is using HS code 7217, which is reserved for wire made of iron or non-alloy steel. Because tungsten is a refractory base metal, it must be classified in its specific metal chapter (Chapter 81) rather than the chapters for ferrous metals (Chapters 72-73).

FAQ

What is the HS code for tungsten wire?

The primary HS code for tungsten wire is 8101.96, which specifically covers tungsten wire under the broader category of tungsten and articles thereof.

Is tungsten wire classified differently if it is used for welding?

No, tungsten wire used for welding electrodes is still classified under 8101.96, provided it is in wire form. However, finished welding electrodes that are cut to size and not in coils may sometimes be classified under 8515 or 8101.99 depending on their state of manufacture.