Welding cable HSN Code

Understanding Your Welding Cable: HSN Codes for GST Compliance

Welding cables are vital components in any welding operation, designed to withstand harsh environments and transmit high currents safely. For businesses dealing with these essential electrical conductors in India, correctly identifying their HSN (Harmonised System of Nomenclature) code is crucial for accurate GST (Goods and Services Tax) application and smooth trade. This guide will clarify the HSN codes relevant to welding cables, drawing from the provided data.

The Welding Cable HSN Code

The HSN classification for welding cables primarily falls under Chapter 85, which covers “Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles.”

Insulated Electric Conductors: The Core Classification

The most direct and frequently applicable HSN codes for welding cables are found under the broad category of “Insulated (including enamelled or anodised) wire, cable (including co-axial cable) and other insulated electric conductors, whether or not fitted with connectors; Optical fibre cables, made up of individually sheathed fibres, whether or not assembled with electric conductors or fitted with connectors.”

Several specific HSN codes within this category are relevant to welding cables, depending on their characteristics:

• 85445930: This code covers insulated electric conductors.
• 85445130: Another code for insulated electric conductors.
• 85444293: This code specifically refers to insulated electric conductors for a voltage not exceeding 1,000V, fitted with connectors, and rubber insulated of a kind used in telecommunication. While “telecommunication” might seem specific, general-purpose insulated conductors can sometimes fall here based on their insulation type and voltage.
• 85441930: This code specifically covers rubber insulated winding wire, which can be a component or a type of welding cable.
• 85441990: This is a broader “other” category for winding wires.
• 85445950: Another code for insulated electric conductors.
• 85442010: This HSN refers to co-axial cables, though a direct welding cable is unlikely to be coaxial.
• 85444130: This code refers to plastic insulated conductors for a voltage not exceeding 80V, fitted with connectors.
• 85446030: This HSN specifically mentions “Rubber Insulated Conductors for voltage exceeding 1000 V,” which is a common characteristic of heavy-duty welding cables.

It’s important to note that many of these HSN codes, regardless of their specific ending, typically carry an 18% GST rate, and this rate has been effective from either July 1, 2017, or November 15, 2017 (for some specific sub-headings).

Welding Machines and Related Items

The data also includes HSN codes related to welding machines and accessories, which are distinct from the cables themselves but are often associated with the term “welding.”

• 8515 (Various Subheadings): This broad HSN code covers “Electric (Including Electrically Heated Gas), Laser Or Other Light Or Photo Beam, Ultrasonic, Electron Beam, Magnetic Pulse Or Plasma Arc Soldering, Brazing Or Welding Machines And Apparatus, Whether Or Not Capable Of Cutting; Electric Machines And Apparatus For Hot Spraying Of Metals Or Cermets.”
  • Specific examples include 85153990 (for arc welding machines), 85152900, 85152120, and 85158090. These also have an 18% GST rate.
• 3810 (Various Subheadings): This covers “Pickling Preparations For Metal Surfaces; Fluxes And Other Auxiliary Preparations For Soldering, Brazing Or Welding; Soldering, Brazing Or Welding Powders And Pastes Consisting Of Metal And Other Materials; Preparations Of A Kind Used As Cores Or Coatings.” The GST rate is 18%.
• 83113010: This HSN refers to “Wire, Rods, Tubes, Plates, Electrodes And Similar Products, Of Base Metal Or Of Metal Carbides, Coated Or Cored With Flux Material, Of A Kind Used For Soldering, Brazing, Welding Or Deposition Of Metal Or Of Metal Carbides; Wire And Rods, Of Agglomerated.” This covers welding electrodes and rods, also with an 18% GST rate.

Other Cables and Related Items

The data includes other types of cables and related items that are not typically “welding cables” but share the “cable” term:

• 56071010: “Twine, Cordage, Ropes And Cables, Whether Or Not Plaited Or Braided And Whether Or Not Impregnated, Coated, Covered Or Sheathed With Rubber Or Plastics – Of Jute Or Other Textile Bast Fibres Of Heading 5303 : Cordage, Cable, Rope And Twine Of Jute.” This is for jute cables, with a 12% GST rate.
• 84263000 and 84269910: These relate to “Cranes Including Cable Cranes” and “Ropeway And Telphers,” not directly welding cables.

Finding the Right Fit for Your Welding Cable

When determining the HSN code for a welding cable, the primary consideration is its nature as an insulated electric conductor. The material of its insulation (rubber, plastic), its voltage rating, and whether it comes fitted with connectors will guide you to the most precise HSN subheading within Chapter 8544. Always ensure you are classifying the cable itself and not the welding machine or consumables.