This International Standard specifies the classification of wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods for the gas-shielded metal arc welding, gas tungsten arc welding, plasma arc welding, submerged arc welding, electroslag welding and laser beam welding of stainless and heat-resistant steels. The classification of the wire electrodes, strip electrodes, wires and rods is based upon their chemical composition. This International Standard provides for the use, either individually or in combination, of two parallel systems of classification: by nominal composition (system A) and/or by alloy type (system B). Titles or headings indicating “classification according to nominal composition” or identification by “ISO 14343-A” are applicable only to products classified according to system A; whereas those indicated by “classification according to alloy type” or identified by “ISO 14343-B”, are applicable only to products classified according to system B. In the absence of such indications/identifications, the products concerned can be classified according to either system A or B or both.