HS 851531 Machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals
Quick Answer: Arc welding machines imported under HS 851531 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 1.6% ad valorem, with preferential rates available for certain trading partners. This code specifically covers apparatus designed for welding metals using electric arcs, including plasma arc welding equipment. Importers should be aware of potential variations in preferential duty rates for the US market, as detailed by sources like the USITC. CustomTariffs aggregates this information, highlighting the importance of verifying specific origin-based duty rates for accurate customs declarations.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8515310000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8515310000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8515310000 | 1.6% | Free (18 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
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.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 8515.31?
Imports of Machines and apparatus for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 16 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 851531 cover?
This subheading covers machines and apparatus specifically designed for arc welding, including plasma arc welding, of metals. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Explanatory Notes, these machines generate an electric arc to melt and fuse metal parts. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category includes equipment like manual arc welding machines, automatic welding machines, and plasma cutting/welding apparatus, provided their primary function is arc welding of metals.
What falls outside HS 851531?
The following products are excluded from HS 851531: apparatus for resistance welding (classified under 8515.80), gas welding apparatus (classified under 8515.11), and machines primarily for cutting metals by means of electric arc (unless also capable of arc welding). For instance, standalone plasma cutting machines without arc welding capabilities would typically be classified elsewhere, and soldering and brazing machines, which operate at lower temperatures than welding, are also excluded and fall under different subheadings within 8515.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 851531?
A common error is misclassifying machines that perform multiple functions, such as combined cutting and welding machines. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b) of the Harmonized System, goods are classified according to the essential character of the product. If a machine's primary function is arc welding, it should be classified under 851531, even if it has secondary cutting capabilities. Conversely, if cutting is the predominant function, it may fall under a different subheading.
How should importers classify products under HS 851531?
The correct procedure for classifying machines under HS 851531 involves a thorough review of the product's technical specifications and intended use. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, UK Trade Tariff) and the World Customs Organization's Explanatory Notes. Key considerations include whether the machine utilizes an electric arc for melting and fusing metals and if it is designed for welding rather than solely cutting.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 851531?
A Miller Syncrowave 250 TIG welder, weighing 250 lbs and 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: 5.0% × $3,500 = $175.00. This calculation is based on the duty rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 8515.31.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 851531?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 851531, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying welding machines originating from Canada or Mexico can be imported duty-free. To claim this preference, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin is required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially offering reduced or zero duty rates, requiring a GSP Form A.
```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 851531, covering arc welding machines for metals?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 851531 can vary. For example, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule may list a rate such as 2.70% ad valorem. It is crucial to consult the most current tariff schedule for the importing country, as rates can change. Preferential duty rates are often available for goods originating from countries with trade agreements. For instance, under certain agreements, the duty might be Free (e.g., A*, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, JP, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, S, SG), while others might have a higher rate like 35% ad valorem, depending on the specific agreement and country of origin.
How is the import duty for HS 851531 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 851531 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For example, if a welding machine classified under 851531 has a declared customs value of $10,000 and the applicable MFN duty rate is 2.70%, the import duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (value) × 0.0270 (duty rate) = $270.00. Always ensure the customs value is determined according to the importing country's valuation rules, which often align with the WTO Customs Valuation Agreement.
What specific criteria define a machine for arc (including plasma arc) welding of metals under HS 851531?
HS code 851531 specifically covers machines and apparatus designed for welding metals using an electric arc, which includes plasma arc welding. Key classification criteria include the method of welding (arc or plasma arc), the material being welded (metals), and the primary function of the apparatus. Machines that use other welding methods, such as resistance welding or laser welding, would be classified under different HS codes. For precise interpretation, refer to the Explanatory Notes of the Harmonized System (WCO) and the specific rulings or tariff database of the importing country (e.g., USITC, EU TARIC, UK Trade Tariff).
What documentation is typically required when importing machines under HS code 851531?
When importing machines and apparatus for arc welding of metals under HS code 851531, standard import documentation is required. This typically includes a commercial invoice, a packing list, and a bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide technical specifications or brochures that clearly demonstrate the machine's function as an arc or plasma arc welding apparatus for metals, to support the HS classification. Safety certifications or compliance documents might also be required in some jurisdictions.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer reduced or preferential duty rates for HS 851531 imports?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 851531. For example, imports from countries that are signatories to agreements like the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement), CPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership), or various bilateral agreements the EU or UK has with other nations, may benefit from reduced or zero duties. The specific rates depend on the rules of origin stipulated in each agreement. Importers must verify the origin of their goods and ensure they meet the requirements to qualify for preferential treatment under the relevant trade agreement, often requiring a valid Certificate of Origin.