HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 36.02 – Prepared explosives, other than propellent powders
What HS 36.02 covers
Heading 3602 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Prepared explosives, other than propellent powders." This classification is critical for distinguishing highly regulated and dangerous goods in international trade. It covers a broad spectrum of explosive materials specifically formulated for detonation, rather than propulsion. The scope includes industrial explosives used in mining, quarrying, and demolition, as well as certain military-grade explosives designed for destructive force. Key sub-categories often include dynamite, trinitrotoluene (TNT), plastic explosives (like C4), ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, emulsion explosives, and various types of blasting agents. Accurate classification under 3602 is paramount for trade compliance due to the severe safety, security, and dual-use implications. These goods are subject to stringent national and international controls, including licensing requirements, export/import permits, specialized transportation regulations, and often fall under international arms control treaties or conventions (e.g., the Wassenaar Arrangement). Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, seizures, and severe security risks. Historically, the trade of such materials has been heavily scrutinized, evolving with technological advancements in both explosive compounds and regulatory oversight. This heading forms a core part of Chapter 36, which broadly covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, and other combustible preparations, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the goods within this chapter.
- Covers
- Dynamite
- Trinitrotoluene (TNT)
- RDX (Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine)
- PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate)
- C4 plastic explosive
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) mixtures
- Emulsion explosives
- Water gel explosives
- Shaped charges
- Seismic explosives
- Military-grade plastic explosives
- Nitroglycerin-based explosives
- Mercury fulminate
- Lead azide
- Booster explosives
- Initiating explosives (when part of a prepared charge)
- Cast boosters
- Pentolite
- Composition B
- Slurry explosives
- Binary explosives
- Detonation cord primers
- Blasting agents in bulk
- Explosive demolition charges
- Underwater explosives.
- Examples
A major mining company in Australia imports several tons of emulsion explosives from a specialized manufacturer in China via ocean freight through the South China Sea and Indian Ocean, for use in large-scale open-pit iron ore operations. A construction firm in the United Arab Emirates sources specialized shaped charges for controlled demolition projects from a European supplier, typically shipped by air cargo with strict security protocols. The United States exports military-grade plastic explosives (non-propellent) to NATO allies, with shipments moving under tight government-to-government agreements and highly secure logistics channels across the Atlantic.
Subheadings under 36.02 1
Codes often confused with 36.02
Common mistake. Common misclassification mistakes often arise from confusing prepared explosives with their components or propellants. Traders might mistakenly classify propellent powders (HS 3601) here; however, 3602 is for detonating explosives, not propellants designed for controlled burning. Another error is classifying initiating devices like detonators or fuses (HS 3603) as prepared explosives, when 3603 specifically covers the components that initiate the main charge. Additionally, chemical precursors like ammonium nitrate (HS 3102) might be confused, but 3602 is for the *prepared* explosive mixture, not the raw chemical ingredient.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 3602, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 3602 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $418M 27% of world exports
- 2 India $246M 16% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $91M 5.8% of world exports
Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $185M 11% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$122M 7.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $107M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Questions about HS 36.02
What is HS code 3602?
HS code 3602 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Prepared explosives, other than propellent powders. Heading 3602 of the Harmonized System encompasses "Prepared explosives, other than propellent powders." This classification is critical for distinguishing highly regulated and dangerous goods in international trade. It covers a broad spectrum of explosive materials specifically formulated for detonation, rather than propulsion. The scope includes industrial explosives used in mining, quarrying, and demolition, as well as certain military-grade explosives designed for destructive force. Key sub-categories often include dynamite, trinitrotoluene (TNT), plastic explosives (like C4), ammonium nitrate-fuel oil (ANFO) mixtures, emulsion explosives, and various types of blasting agents. Accurate classification under 3602 is paramount for trade compliance due to the severe safety, security, and dual-use implications. These goods are subject to stringent national and international controls, including licensing requirements, export/import permits, specialized transportation regulations, and often fall under international arms control treaties or conventions (e.g., the Wassenaar Arrangement). Misclassification can lead to significant penalties, seizures, and severe security risks. Historically, the trade of such materials has been heavily scrutinized, evolving with technological advancements in both explosive compounds and regulatory oversight. This heading forms a core part of Chapter 36, which broadly covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, and other combustible preparations, emphasizing the dangerous nature of the goods within this chapter.
What products fall under HS code 3602?
Dynamite, Trinitrotoluene (TNT), RDX (Cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine), PETN (Pentaerythritol Tetranitrate), C4 plastic explosive, ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil) mixtures, Emulsion explosives, Water gel explosives, Shaped charges, Seismic explosives, Military-grade plastic explosives, Nitroglycerin-based explosives, Mercury fulminate, Lead azide, Booster explosives, Initiating explosives (when part of a prepared charge), Cast boosters, Pentolite, Composition B, Slurry explosives, Binary explosives, Detonation cord primers, Blasting agents in bulk, Explosive demolition charges, Underwater explosives.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 3602?
Common misclassification mistakes often arise from confusing prepared explosives with their components or propellants. Traders might mistakenly classify propellent powders (HS 3601) here; however, 3602 is for detonating explosives, not propellants designed for controlled burning. Another error is classifying initiating devices like detonators or fuses (HS 3603) as prepared explosives, when 3603 specifically covers the components that initiate the main charge. Additionally, chemical precursors like ammonium nitrate (HS 3102) might be confused, but 3602 is for the *prepared* explosive mixture, not the raw chemical ingredient.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 3602?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3602 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($418M, 27% of world exports), India ($246M) and South Africa ($91M). World exports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 3602?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3602 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($185M, 11% of world imports), Ukraine (about $122M) and Canada ($107M). World imports came to about $1.7B, 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 3602 structured?
HS code 3602 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (36) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.