HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3603.10 – Safety fuses
HS code 3603.10 is the 6-digit subheading for safety fuses. It is used for black powder safety fuse, plastic-coated safety fuse, waterproof safety fuse, igniter cord and pyrotechnic delay fuse.
What HS 3603.10 covers
This HS code pertains to safety fuses, which are devices designed to transmit a burning flame at a controlled rate to initiate an explosive charge or pyrotechnic device. They are primarily used in mining, quarrying, and demolition industries where a timed delay is required for safety and operational control. International trade in safety fuses is driven by the demand from these heavy industries, particularly in regions with active resource extraction or infrastructure development. Importers are typically blasting contractors or mining companies, while exporters are specialized manufacturers of explosive accessories. Key considerations include the burning rate consistency, water resistance, and overall reliability, as these factors are critical for safe and effective blasting operations. Strict adherence to safety standards is paramount.
- Covers
- Black powder safety fuse
- Plastic-coated safety fuse
- Waterproof safety fuse
- Igniter cord
- Pyrotechnic delay fuse
- Mining safety fuse
- Examples
- Ensign-Bickford Ensign Safety Fuse
- Austin Powder Safety Fuse
- Orica Safety Fuse
- Dyno Nobel Safety Fuse
Codes often confused with 3603.10
Common mistake. Safety fuses should not be confused with detonating cords (360320) which transmit a high-velocity detonation wave, whereas safety fuses transmit a burning flame at a much slower, controlled rate.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360310, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360310 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 19% of world imports. Peru 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 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $15M 21% of world exports
- 2 India $13M 18% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$12M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
Peru 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 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $14M 19% of world imports
- 2 Ecuador $8.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $7.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $72M 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.
Brazil NCM code for 3603.10
Brazil does not split HS 3603.10: its NCM code is 3603.10.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 36.03 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3603.10
What is HS code 360310?
HS code 360310 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Safety fuses. This HS code pertains to safety fuses, which are devices designed to transmit a burning flame at a controlled rate to initiate an explosive charge or pyrotechnic device. They are primarily used in mining, quarrying, and demolition industries where a timed delay is required for safety and operational control. International trade in safety fuses is driven by the demand from these heavy industries, particularly in regions with active resource extraction or infrastructure development. Importers are typically blasting contractors or mining companies, while exporters are specialized manufacturers of explosive accessories. Key considerations include the burning rate consistency, water resistance, and overall reliability, as these factors are critical for safe and effective blasting operations. Strict adherence to safety standards is paramount.
What products fall under HS code 360310?
Black powder safety fuse, plastic-coated safety fuse, waterproof safety fuse, igniter cord, pyrotechnic delay fuse, mining safety fuse
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360310?
Safety fuses should not be confused with detonating cords (360320) which transmit a high-velocity detonation wave, whereas safety fuses transmit a burning flame at a much slower, controlled rate.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360310?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360310 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($15M, 21% of world exports), India ($13M) and Peru (about $12M). World exports came to about $75M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Peru 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 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 360310?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360310 in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($14M, 19% of world imports), Ecuador ($8.5M) and Japan ($7.2M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 360310 structured?
HS code 360310 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (36) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (03) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (10) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360310?
In Brazil, HS code 360310 is NCM 3603.10.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.