Product classification

HS code for Welding torch: 8468.10

Machinery and apparatus, hand-held blow pipes for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting.

Classification of welding torch under HS 8468.10

The classification of a welding torch under HS code 8468.10 is determined by its primary function as a hand-held mechanical apparatus used for soldering, brazing, or welding. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 84 encompasses nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery, and mechanical appliances. Specifically, heading 8468 covers machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, other than those of heading 8515. The subheading 8468.10 is reserved for hand-held blow pipes. These devices typically operate by mixing a fuel gas, such as acetylene, propane, or hydrogen, with oxygen or compressed air to produce a high-temperature flame. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the torch is used for joining metals or for thermal cutting, provided it is a hand-held mechanical device. If the torch is part of a larger, non-portable machine, it may fall under different subheadings within 8468, but the hand-held nature is the defining characteristic for 8468.10. This code is essential for customs compliance as it distinguishes gas-operated tools from electric-powered welding equipment.

Covers
  • Oxy-acetylene welding torches
  • Hand-held gas-operated blow pipes
  • Propane brazing torches
  • Hand-held thermal cutting blow pipes
  • Manual gas-soldering torches
Also under 8468.10
  • Victor Technologies J-28 Torch Handle
  • Harris 43-2 Heavy Duty Cutting Torch
  • TurboTorch TDLX2003B Torch Kit
  • Bernzomatic TS8000 Torch

Codes often confused with 8468.10

Common mistake. A frequent point of confusion occurs between HS code 8468.10 and HS code 8515. Heading 8515 covers electric, laser, or plasma arc welding machines. If a welding torch is an integral component of an electric arc welding system, it may be classified as a part of that system under 8515.90. Another potential misclassification is 8205, which covers hand tools not elsewhere specified; however, because welding torches are mechanical apparatuses that utilize gas, they are specifically directed to 8468. Furthermore, if the apparatus is not hand-held but is a stationary gas-operated welding machine, it would be classified under 8468.20 or 8468.80.

85.15Electric (electrically heated gas) soldering, brazing, welding machines and apparatus, capable or not of cutting, electric machines and apparatus for hot spraying of metals or sintered carbides8515.90Welding, brazing or soldering machines; parts of the machines of heading no. 851582.05Tools, hand; (including glaziers' diamonds) n.e.c.; blow lamps; vices, clamps etc, other than accessories for and parts of, machine-tools or water-jet cutting machines; anvils; portable forges; hand or pedal operated grinding wheels with frameworks84.68Machinery and apparatus for soldering, brazing, welding, whether or not capable of cutting, other than those of heading no. 8515; gas-operated surface tempering machines and appliances8468.20Machinery and apparatus; gas operated machinery and apparatus n.e.c. in item no. 8468.10, for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting8468.80Machinery and apparatus; for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting, n.e.c. in heading no. 8468

Top exporters and importers of HS 846810 (the code used for welding torch), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 846810 (the code used for welding torch) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% 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 846810, not only welding torch.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $85M
  2. 2 Mexico $23M
  3. 3 Austria $20M

World total: $213M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $46M
  2. 2 Germany $12M
  3. 3 Russia* ~$6.1M

World total: $165M 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 torch

Brazil classifies welding torch under NCM 8468.10.00: HS 8468.10 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about welding torch

What is the HS code for Welding torch?

The HS code for Welding torch is 846810 (Machinery and apparatus; hand-held blow pipes for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting). The HS code for a hand-held gas-operated welding torch (blow pipe) is 8468.10. This code applies to torches used for welding, soldering, or brazing.

How do I classify Welding torch for customs?

Welding torch is classified under HS code 846810 — Machinery and apparatus; hand-held blow pipes for soldering, brazing or welding, whether or not capable of cutting. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Can this code be used for plasma cutters?

No, plasma arc cutting machines and their torches are generally classified under heading 8515, as they rely on electrical processes rather than gas-operated blow pipes.

Which countries are the top exporters of welding torch (HS 846810)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 846810 (the code used for welding torch) in UN Comtrade data were China ($85M, 40% of world exports), Mexico ($23M) and Austria ($20M). World exports came to about $213M, 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 torch (HS 846810)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 846810 (the code used for welding torch) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($46M, 28% of world imports), Germany ($12M) and Russia (about $6.1M). World imports came to about $165M, 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 torch the same in all countries?

The base HS code 846810 for Welding torch 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 torch in Brazil?

In Brazil, welding torch (HS 846810) is classified under NCM 8468.10.00.