Product classification
HS code for Welding machine: 8468.80
Machinery and apparatus, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468.
Classification of welding machine under HS 8468.80
Welding machines under HS code 8468.80 include machinery and apparatus used for welding, soldering, or brazing that are not primarily electric-arc based or are not covered by other specific headings. While heading 8515 covers electric welding equipment (such as MIG, TIG, or arc welders), heading 8468 focuses on gas-operated equipment and other mechanical welding apparatus. Subheading 8468.80 serves as the classification for miscellaneous welding machinery that does not utilize gas torches (8468.10) or other specifically defined mechanical methods. This classification is based on the mechanical nature of the machine and its primary function of joining materials through heat or pressure without being exclusively an electric arc device.
- Covers
- Friction welding machines
- Ultrasonic welding equipment for non-plastics
- Gas-operated welding benches
- Induction welding machinery
- Automated gas-brazing machines
- Also under 8468.80
- Weller WX2 Soldering Station
- Fronius TransSteel 2200 (MIG/MAG/TIG)
- Amada FLW-3000MT Laser Welder
- Branson Ultrasonics GSX Series Welder
Codes often confused with 8468.80
Common mistake. The most common misclassification is with HS code 8515.39 or 8515.80. If the machine uses electricity to create an arc or uses a laser, beam, or ultrasonic waves for welding metals, it almost always falls under 8515. Heading 8468 is often incorrectly used for modern inverter welders, which are strictly 8515. Additionally, hand-held blowpipes are 8468.10, not 8468.80.
Top exporters and importers of HS 846880 (the code used for welding machine), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846880 (the code used for welding machine) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 56% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Belgium, with 21% 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 846880, not only welding machine.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $198M 56% of world exports
- 2 Germany $31M 8.7% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $17M 4.8% of world exports
World total: $352M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Belgium $82M 21% of world imports
- 2 United States $25M 6.4% of world imports
- 3 Vietnam* ~$21M 5.5% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $388M 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 codes for welding machine
Brazil splits HS 8468.80 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 8468.80.10Friction welding machines
- 8468.80.90Other non-gas welding and soldering machinery
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about welding machine
What is the HS code for Welding machine?
The HS code for Welding machine is 846880 (Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468). For non-electric or gas-operated welding machinery, the code is 8468.80. For electric arc welding machines, the code is 8515.39.
How do I classify Welding machine for customs?
Welding machine is classified under HS code 846880 — Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover laser welding machines?
No, laser welding machines are classified under HS code 8515.11 or 8515.80, depending on their specific operation and automation level.
Which countries are the top exporters of welding machine (HS 846880)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846880 (the code used for welding machine) in UN Comtrade data were China ($198M, 56% of world exports), Germany ($31M) and the United Kingdom ($17M). World exports came to about $352M, 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 machine (HS 846880)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 846880 (the code used for welding machine) in UN Comtrade data were Belgium ($82M, 21% of world imports), the United States ($25M) and Vietnam (about $21M). World imports came to about $388M, 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 machine the same in all countries?
The base HS code 846880 for Welding machine 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 machine in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 846880 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for welding machine depends on the product's details: 8468.80.10 (Friction welding machines), 8468.80.90 (Other non-gas welding and soldering machinery).