Product classification
HS code for Welding electrodes: 8311.10
Electrodes, coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding.
Classification of welding electrodes under HS 8311.10
Welding electrodes are classified under HS code 8311.10 when they consist of base metal coated with flux material specifically for electric arc-welding. The coating is a critical factor for this classification, as it provides the necessary shielding gas and slag to protect the weld pool from atmospheric contamination. This code is distinct from bare wires or cored wires, focusing specifically on the "stick" electrodes used in Manual Metal Arc (MMA) welding. The classification is determined by the presence of the flux coating and the intended use for electric arc processes, which distinguishes them from rods used in gas welding or brazing.
- Covers
- Rutile coated welding electrodes
- Basic coated low-hydrogen electrodes
- Cellulosic electrodes for pipe welding
- Stainless steel stick electrodes
- Cast iron welding electrodes
- Also under 8311.10
- Lincoln Electric Excalibur
- ESAB Atom Arc
- Hobart 7018
- Miller Electric electrodes
- Hyundai Welding electrodes
Codes often confused with 8311.10
Common mistake. The most frequent error is confusing these with 8545.11, which covers carbon electrodes used in furnaces. Another common mistake is using 8311.30, which is for coated rods and cored wire of base metal for soldering or brazing by flame. If the electrode is made of tungsten and is non-consumable, it should be classified under 8101.99 rather than 8311.10, as 8311 covers consumable base metal electrodes.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831110 (the code used for welding electrodes), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831110 (the code used for welding electrodes) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 34% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 7.5% 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 831110, not only welding electrodes.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $511M 34% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $121M 8.1% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $77M 5.2% of world exports
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $108M 7.5% of world imports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$70M 4.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Indonesia $66M 4.6% of world imports
World total: $1.4B 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 welding electrodes
Brazil classifies welding electrodes under NCM 8311.10.00: HS 8311.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about welding electrodes
What is the HS code for Welding electrodes?
The HS code for Welding electrodes is 831110 (Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding).
How do I classify Welding electrodes for customs?
Welding electrodes is classified under HS code 831110 — Electrodes; coated, of base metal, for electric arc-welding. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for stick welding electrodes?
The HS code for coated base metal electrodes for electric arc-welding is 8311.10.
Are tungsten electrodes classified under 8311.10?
No, tungsten electrodes are non-consumable and are classified under 8101.99 because they are made of a specific refractory metal and do not melt into the weld pool.
Which countries are the top exporters of welding electrodes (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831110 (the code used for welding electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($511M, 34% of world exports), Sweden ($121M) and Czechia ($77M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 electrodes (HS 831110)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831110 (the code used for welding electrodes) in UN Comtrade data were China ($108M, 7.5% of world imports), the United Arab Emirates (about $70M) and Indonesia ($66M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 electrodes the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831110 for Welding 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 welding electrodes in Brazil?
In Brazil, welding electrodes (HS 831110) is classified under NCM 8311.10.00.