Product classification
HS code for Welding consumables: 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 welding consumables under HS 8311.90
Welding consumables under HS code 8311.90 encompass a variety of base metal products used in soldering, brazing, or welding that do not fit into the more specific subheadings of heading 8311. This code acts as a residual category for wires, rods, tubes, and plates that are essential for joining metals but are not specifically coated electrodes for arc welding or cored wires. The classification depends on the product's function as a filler material or a medium for metal spraying. These items are typically composed of base metals or metal carbides and are consumed during the welding process to form the bond between workpieces.
- Covers
- Solid welding wires for gas metal arc welding (GMAW)
- Brazing rods not coated with flux
- Metal spraying wires for surface coating
- Composite welding plates
- Uncoated base metal rods for gas welding
- 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. This code is often confused with 8311.10 (coated electrodes) and 8311.20 (cored wire). If the wire has a flux core, it must be classified under 8311.20. If the rod is coated with flux for manual arc welding, it belongs in 8311.10. Additionally, aluminum welding wires might be confused with 7605 (aluminum wire), but if they are prepared for use as welding consumables, 8311 is the correct heading.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831190 (the code used for welding consumables), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831190 (the code used for welding consumables) 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 welding consumables.
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 welding consumables
Brazil classifies welding consumables 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 welding consumables
What is the HS code for Welding consumables?
The HS code for Welding consumables 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). General welding consumables that are not coated electrodes or cored wires are classified under HS code 8311.90.
How do I classify Welding consumables for customs?
Welding consumables 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 include welding gas?
No, welding gases like argon or CO2 are classified under Chapter 28 (Chemicals), specifically 2804.21 for argon, as they are not base metal consumables.
Which countries are the top exporters of welding consumables (HS 831190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831190 (the code used for welding consumables) 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 welding consumables (HS 831190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831190 (the code used for welding consumables) 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 Welding consumables the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831190 for Welding consumables 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 welding consumables in Brazil?
In Brazil, welding consumables (HS 831190) is classified under NCM 8311.90.00.