Welding Rod HSN Code: Understanding HSN Classifications for Welding Rod Products
Welding rods are used in fabrication, construction and repair work. They help join metal parts in structures, machines, gates, tanks and many other products.
To use the welding rod HSN code correctly and charge GST without mistakes, traders, fabricators and contractors need to know how welding rods are classified under HSN and which GST rates normally apply after the changes from 22 September 2025.
What Is the Welding Rod HSN Code?
Under GST, welding rods and welding electrodes are grouped in the chapter that covers tools, welding consumables and similar products of base metal. This chapter includes coated rods, cored wire and strips that are used for soldering, brazing and welding.
The main HSN family for welding rods and electrodes covers wire, rods, tubes and similar products of base metal that are coated or cored with flux material. These products are specially made for welding and brazing processes and are different from ordinary steel bars or plain wire.
This welding consumable HSN family applies to common mild steel welding rods, stainless welding rods, hard facing electrodes and many types of welding wire used in manual and automatic welding.
Key Welding Rod HSN Codes and GST Rates after 22 September 2025
| HSN Code | Product Description | Product Type or Variant | GST Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8311 | Wire, rods, tubes and similar products of base metal for soldering, brazing and welding | Mild steel welding rods and coated electrodes | 18% |
| 8311 | Cored wire and strip for arc welding | MIG and TIG welding wire on spools | 18% |
| 8311 | Rods and wire for brazing and soldering | Brazing rods and solder sticks for metal joining | 18% |
| 7229 | Wire of other alloy steel | Special alloy welding wire and filler rods | 18% |
| 7204 | Ferrous waste and scrap | Scrap welding rods and electrode stubs | 18% |
HSN Code for Welding Rod and GST Rate
For most businesses, welding rods and welding electrodes are classified under the welding consumable HSN family that covers coated rods and cored wire. This family is treated as the standard classification for welding consumables used in fabrication and construction.
The GST rate on welding rods and electrodes remains at 18% under this HSN family even after the move to the three slab system from 22 September 2025. Earlier these products were already in the standard slab, so they did not shift to the 5% slab or the higher 40% slab.
Where special alloy welding wire is supplied, it may fall in the alloy steel wire family, but in practice the GST rate still remains 18% for most such welding consumables.
GST on Welding Rod and HSN Code Classification
Welding rods are treated as standard industrial consumables. They are not covered by concessional entries for essential goods and they are not treated as luxury items. Because of this, they continue to attract 18% GST under their HSN codes.
In daily billing, suppliers create items for different welding rod sizes and grades and link all of them to the weld consumable HSN code and the 18% GST rate. This keeps invoicing simple and avoids confusion when customers claim input tax credit.
When invoices are issued, the HSN code for welding rods is printed along with details like diameter, length, grade and packing. Buyers such as fabricators, workshops and contractors can then match these invoices with their purchase records and claim input tax credit on the GST paid on welding consumables.
During GST return filing, outward supplies of welding rods and electrodes are reported HSN wise. Correct use of the welding rod HSN code ensures that sales data in returns, e way bills and purchase statements of customers remain aligned.
Conclusion
The welding rod HSN code places welding rods, welding electrodes and many types of welding wire in a common welding consumable family in the tariff, while certain alloy wires and scrap follow their own linked steel HSN families.
Since welding rods are standard industrial consumables, they normally carry 18% GST under their HSN codes even after the changes from 22 September 2025. When suppliers and users of welding rods map every product to the correct HSN code and apply the right GST rate in invoices and returns, they keep compliance smooth and reduce the risk of disputes or penalties for wrong classification.
I am a Chartered Accountant with 5 years of experience specializing in GST, income tax, and HSN code classification. I help businesses with GST compliance, tax planning, and financial advisory, ensuring they meet regulatory requirements while optimizing their tax strategies. I aim to simplify GST filings, income tax laws, and HSN code classifications, helping professionals and business owners stay informed and compliant.
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the HSN code for welding rods in India?
In India, welding rods are generally classified in the welding consumable HSN family for wire, rods and similar products of base metal that are coated or cored with flux for soldering, brazing and welding.
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What is the GST rate for welding rods under HSN code?
The GST rate for welding rods and coated electrodes under their welding consumable HSN codes is usually 18%. This rate has remained in the standard slab after the changes from 22 September 2025.
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How are welding rods classified under HSN code?
Welding rods are classified based on their use and design as welding consumables. Coated rods, cored wire and similar products meant for welding and brazing are grouped under a common welding consumable HSN family, while some alloy wires can fall in alloy steel wire headings.
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How does the welding rod HSN code impact GST filing?
The welding rod HSN code decides the GST rate and how welding rod sales appear in returns. When businesses use the correct HSN code and 18% rate in invoices and report sales HSN wise, buyers can claim input tax credit smoothly and the tax department sees clear classification in returns.
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Are welding rods and electrodes classified under the same HSN code?
Yes. In most cases, welding rods and welding electrodes are grouped together in the same welding consumable HSN family. Both rods and electrodes are treated as similar products of base metal prepared for welding and carry the same GST rate in normal situations.