Hardness testing for steel tubing

[MelissaQE]

We're using a 3/8" OD, 0.89" wall thickness steel tube per specification SAE J526. We've found some forming issues with this, which subsequently made us look to the hardness. SAE J526 calls out a (Rockwell 30T) 65max.
Does this hardness maximum also apply to the weld seam area? There are no exemptions granted in the specification, but is this standard practice?

Thanks!