HS 831120 Cored wire of base metal, for electric arc-welding
Quick Answer: Cored wire of base metal for electric arc-welding, classified under HS code 831120, enters the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at rates of Free or 35% ad valorem depending on specific product details. This classification covers welding consumables made from base metals like iron or steel, which contain a core material that melts during the welding process to provide fluxing agents or alloying elements. Importers and customs brokers should verify the exact duty rate applicable in the destination country, as the US rate can vary significantly. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist in compliance.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8311200000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8311200000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8311200000 | Free | — | ["kg"] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 831120 cover?
This subheading covers cored wire of base metal specifically designed for electric arc-welding. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, these are typically tubular welding electrodes filled with fluxing agents, designed to produce a protective slag and shielding gas during the welding process. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to such wires, regardless of the specific base metal (e.g., iron, steel, copper, aluminum) as long as they are manufactured in a cored form for arc-welding applications.
What falls outside HS 831120?
The following products are excluded from HS 831120: solid welding rods or wires of base metal (which fall under HS 831110 for coated electrodes or other relevant headings for solid wire), welding fluxes in powder or granular form (typically classified under Chapter 38), and welding electrodes made from precious metals. Additionally, cored wires not intended for electric arc-welding, such as those used in other joining processes or as filler material in non-welding applications, would be classified elsewhere, often under headings related to base metals or their manufactures.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 831120?
A common error is misclassifying solid welding wire or welding electrodes that are coated but not cored under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 for the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative Section or Chapter Notes. Importers may also incorrectly classify composite welding materials that do not meet the specific definition of "cored wire" as defined by the WCO or national tariff schedules, leading to incorrect duty assessments.
How should importers classify products under HS 831120?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 831120 involves a thorough examination of the product's physical characteristics and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the welding wire is indeed "cored," meaning it has a hollow center filled with fluxing agents. Consulting the official HS Explanatory Notes, the WCO's Classification Decisions, and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff) is crucial to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 831120?
A shipment of 1,000 kilograms of flux-cored welding wire for steel, declared at a customs value of $3,500 USD, would attract a US duty of $175.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value ($3,500 USD × 0.05 = $175.00). This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for subheading 8311.20.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 831120?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 831120, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying originating goods from Canada and Mexico. The Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) may also offer preferential rates for originating goods from member countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a valid Certificate of Origin or a self-certified origin declaration as stipulated by the specific agreement and the importing country's customs regulations.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 831120 (Cored wire of base metal, for electric arc-welding)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 831120 can vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the general rate is 2.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates may apply. For instance, goods originating from Canada or Mexico under USMCA may be eligible for duty-free entry (0.00%). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for any preferential trade agreements. Always refer to official sources like the USITC HTS, EU TARIC, or UK Trade Tariff for precise rates.
What specific criteria define 'cored wire' under HS code 831120, and how does it differ from solid welding wire?
HS code 831120 specifically covers welding wire that has a core, typically containing fluxing agents, alloying elements, or deoxidizers. This core is enclosed within a tubular or solid outer sheath of base metal. The primary function of the core is to perform specific metallurgical tasks during the electric arc-welding process, such as shielding the weld pool from atmospheric contamination, providing alloying elements, or stabilizing the arc. Solid welding wire, which lacks this internal core, would generally be classified under different HS codes, often within Chapter 72 (for iron and steel) or Chapter 74-76 (for copper, aluminum, etc.), depending on the base metal.
What documentation is typically required when importing goods classified under HS code 831120?
Standard import documentation for HS code 831120 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and the specific trade agreement claimed, a Certificate of Origin may be required to substantiate preferential duty treatment. Manufacturers' specifications or technical data sheets detailing the composition and intended use of the cored wire might also be requested by customs authorities to confirm correct classification. It is advisable to check the specific import requirements of the destination country's customs administration.
How is the import duty for HS code 831120 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The import duty for HS code 831120 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it is a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if the MFN duty rate is 2.70% and a shipment of cored welding wire has a customs value of $10,000, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Customs Value) × 0.0270 (Duty Rate) = $270. Some countries may also apply specific duties based on weight or quantity, or a combination of ad valorem and specific duties. Always verify the applicable duty calculation method and rates for the importing country.
Are there common trade agreements that provide preferential duty rates for HS code 831120, and how can importers benefit?
Yes, many trade agreements offer preferential duty rates, often reducing or eliminating duties for goods classified under HS code 831120, provided the goods meet the rules of origin. For instance, under the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), cored wire of base metal originating from Canada or Mexico may enter the US duty-free. Similarly, agreements like the EU's Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs) or Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) with various countries can offer reduced tariffs. To benefit, importers must ensure the cored wire genuinely originates from a country party to the agreement and obtain the necessary proof of origin, such as a Certificate of Origin, as stipulated by the agreement.