Section VI · Chemical Products · Chapter 36
Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations
About chapter 36
Chapter 36 covers explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations: fireworks, safety matches, blasting compounds and similar controlled goods. Nearly every country requires special import licensing for this chapter regardless of HS code.
Classification tip: Consumer fireworks and industrial/mining explosives sit on different subheadings and face very different licensing regimes: confirm which category applies before assuming a single import permit covers both.
13 six-digit codes
Explosives; propellent powders
1 code3601.00Explosives; propellent powders
Prepared explosives, other than propellent powders
1 code3602.00Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders
Safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonators
6 codes3603.10Safety fuses3603.20Detonating cords3603.30Percussion caps3603.40Detonating caps3603.50Igniters3603.60Electric detonators
Fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles
2 codes3604.10Pyrotechnic products; fireworks3604.90Pyrotechnic products; signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks)
Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604
1 code3605.00Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604
Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36
2 codes3606.10Fuels; liquid or liquefied-gas, in containers, of a kind used for filling or refilling cigarette or similar lighters and of a capacity not exceeding 300cm33606.90Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36
More chapters in section VI: Chemical Products
Codes and descriptions follow the WCO six-digit Harmonized System nomenclature. National tariff schedules extend these to 8–13 digits and set the actual duty rate, so confirm the full code for your destination country with your customs broker before filing. To copy a code, hover a row and use the copy button; every code has 3601-style dot notation ready for your commercial invoice.
Chapter 36 FAQ
What does HS code chapter 36 cover?
Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System covers: explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations. It belongs to section VI (Chemical Products) and contains 6 four-digit headings, 3601–3606.
How many HS codes are in chapter 36?
Chapter 36 contains 6 four-digit headings and 13 six-digit subheadings. Countries subdivide these further (8–13 digits) in their national tariff schedules, so the full national count is larger.
Is HS code 3601 the same in every country?
Yes. The six-digit level of every code in this chapter is harmonised by the World Customs Organization and identical in all member countries. Digits beyond the sixth (for example the US 10-digit HTS or the EU 8-digit CN) are national and set the actual duty rate.
How do I choose the right code within chapter 36?
Work from the four-digit heading down: pick the heading that best matches your product, then the six-digit subheading that matches its material, form or processing. If two codes seem to fit, customs rules (the General Rules of Interpretation) decide, and when in doubt, confirm with your customs broker before filing.