Product classification
HS code for Welding rods (flame): 8311.30
Rods and wire, coated rods and cored wire, of base metal, for soldering, brazing or welding by flame.
Classification of welding rods (flame) under HS 8311.30
Classification 8311.30 is designated for base metal rods and wire used for soldering, brazing, or welding by flame. This falls under Chapter 83, which encompasses miscellaneous articles of base metal. Heading 8311 specifically addresses wire, rods, tubes, plates, electrodes, and similar products of base metal or of metal carbides, which are coated or cored with flux material. The distinction for 8311.30 is the intended method of application—specifically flame-based processes like oxy-acetylene welding—as opposed to electric arc welding. These products must consist of a base metal core, such as copper, aluminum, or steel, and must feature a coating or a core of fluxing agents that help clean the metal and prevent oxidation during the welding process. The classification is driven by the physical form of the product (a rod or wire) and its specific intended application method (flame). Under GRI 6, the classification at the subheading level is determined by the specific description of the application method, which separates flame-applied materials from those used in arc welding or other electrical processes.
- Covers
- Flux-coated silver brazing rods
- Cored solder wire for flame application
- Aluminum welding rods with flux coating
- Bronze brazing rods for oxy-acetylene use
- Base metal wire in coils for flame-based automated welding
- Also under 8311.30
- Harris Stay-Silv brazing alloys
- Lucas-Milhaupt brazing alloys
- Kester Solder
- Alpha Assembly Solutions solder
- Worthington Industries brazing rods
Codes often confused with 8311.30
Common mistake. A common misclassification occurs with HS code 8311.10, which is reserved for coated electrodes used in electric arc welding. While both products are flux-coated, the distinction lies in the electrical conductivity and the specific design for arc versus flame. Additionally, importers often confuse these with bare metal wires classified in Chapter 72 for iron and steel or Chapter 74 for copper. If the rod or wire does not have a flux coating or a flux core, it cannot be classified under 8311 and must be categorized by its constituent metal.
Top exporters and importers of HS 831130 (the code used for welding rods (flame)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 831130 (the code used for welding rods (flame)) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% 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 831130, not only welding rods (flame).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $234M 38% of world exports
- 2 Thailand $88M 14% of world exports
- 3 United States $42M 6.8% of world exports
World total: $618M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $100M 18% of world imports
- 2 Vietnam* ~$55M 9.9% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 China $40M 7.2% of world imports
World total: $554M 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 rods (flame)
Brazil classifies welding rods (flame) under NCM 8311.30.00: HS 8311.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about welding rods (flame)
What is the HS code for Welding rods (flame)?
The HS code for Welding rods (flame) is 831130 (Rods and wire; coated rods and cored wire, of base metal, for soldering, brazing or welding by flame). The specific HS code for base metal rods and wire for soldering, brazing, or welding by flame is 8311.30.
How do I classify Welding rods (flame) for customs?
Welding rods (flame) is classified under HS code 831130 — Rods and wire; coated rods and cored wire, of base metal, for soldering, brazing or welding by flame. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How do these differ from arc welding electrodes?
Arc welding electrodes (8311.10) are designed to conduct electricity to create an arc, whereas flame welding rods (8311.30) are melted by an external heat source like a torch.
Which countries are the top exporters of welding rods (flame) (HS 831130)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 831130 (the code used for welding rods (flame)) in UN Comtrade data were China ($234M, 38% of world exports), Thailand ($88M) and the United States ($42M). World exports came to about $618M, 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 rods (flame) (HS 831130)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 831130 (the code used for welding rods (flame)) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($100M, 18% of world imports), Vietnam (about $55M) and China ($40M). World imports came to about $554M, 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 rods (flame) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 831130 for Welding rods (flame) 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 rods (flame) in Brazil?
In Brazil, welding rods (flame) (HS 831130) is classified under NCM 8311.30.00.