HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3601.00 – Explosives; propellent powders
HS code 3601.00 is the 6-digit subheading for explosives, propellent powders. It is used for smokeless powder, black powder, double-base propellant, triple-base propellant and composite propellant.
What HS 3601.00 covers
This HS code covers propellent powders, which are explosive substances designed for controlled burning rather than rapid detonation. They are primarily used in firearms ammunition, rockets, and certain pyrotechnic devices. International trade in propellent powders is highly regulated due to their dual-use nature, serving both civilian (hunting, sport shooting) and military applications. Major importers include countries with significant defense industries, large civilian firearms markets, or active space programs. Exporters are typically nations with established chemical manufacturing and defense sectors. Key considerations involve strict import/export licenses, safety regulations for storage and transport, and the specific chemical composition (e.g., single-base, double-base, triple-base) which dictates their performance characteristics and applications.
- Covers
- Smokeless powder
- Black powder
- Double-base propellant
- Triple-base propellant
- Composite propellant
- Single-base propellant
- Nitrocellulose powder
- Examples
- Hodgdon H4895
- Alliant Reloder 15
- Winchester 231
- Vihtavuori N140
- IMR 4064
Codes often confused with 3601.00
Common mistake. This code is specifically for propellent powders and should not be confused with other prepared explosives in 360200, which are designed for rapid detonation rather than controlled burning.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360100, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360100 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 15% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $168M 14% of world exports
- 2 Canada $152M 13% of world exports
- 3 France $135M 11% of world exports
World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Türkiye $208M 15% of world imports
- 2 Slovakia $168M 12% of world imports
- 3 United States $163M 12% of world imports
World total: $1.4B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 3601.00
Brazil does not split HS 3601.00: its NCM code is 3601.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 36.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3601.00
What is HS code 360100?
HS code 360100 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Explosives; propellent powders. This HS code covers propellent powders, which are explosive substances designed for controlled burning rather than rapid detonation. They are primarily used in firearms ammunition, rockets, and certain pyrotechnic devices. International trade in propellent powders is highly regulated due to their dual-use nature, serving both civilian (hunting, sport shooting) and military applications. Major importers include countries with significant defense industries, large civilian firearms markets, or active space programs. Exporters are typically nations with established chemical manufacturing and defense sectors. Key considerations involve strict import/export licenses, safety regulations for storage and transport, and the specific chemical composition (e.g., single-base, double-base, triple-base) which dictates their performance characteristics and applications.
What products fall under HS code 360100?
Smokeless powder, black powder, double-base propellant, triple-base propellant, composite propellant, single-base propellant, nitrocellulose powder
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360100?
This code is specifically for propellent powders and should not be confused with other prepared explosives in 360200, which are designed for rapid detonation rather than controlled burning.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360100?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360100 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($168M, 14% of world exports), Canada ($152M) and France ($135M). World exports came to about $1.2B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 360100?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360100 in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($208M, 15% of world imports), Slovakia ($168M) and the United States ($163M). World imports came to about $1.4B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 360100 structured?
HS code 360100 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (36) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360100?
In Brazil, HS code 360100 is NCM 3601.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.