HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3603.20 – Detonating cords
HS code 3603.20 is the 6-digit subheading for detonating cords. It is used for PETN detonating cord, RDX detonating cord, low-strength detonating cord, high-strength detonating cord and shock tube.
What HS 3603.20 covers
This HS code covers detonating cords, which are flexible cords containing a high explosive core, designed to transmit a high-velocity detonation wave over distances. They are extensively used in mining, quarrying, and demolition for initiating multiple explosive charges simultaneously or in precise sequences, enabling large-scale and controlled blasting operations. International trade in detonating cords is essential for industries requiring efficient and synchronized explosive initiation. Importers are typically large-scale blasting companies, mining corporations, and construction firms. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of blasting accessories, often located in countries with advanced chemical and defense industries. Critical aspects include the core load (explosive content), tensile strength, and resistance to environmental factors, all of which impact performance and safety in demanding conditions.
- Covers
- PETN detonating cord
- RDX detonating cord
- Low-strength detonating cord
- High-strength detonating cord
- Shock tube
- Booster cord
- Examples
- Ensign-Bickford Detacord
- Orica Exel Cord
- Dyno Nobel Dyno Cord
- Maxam Riodet
- Austin Powder Detonating Cord
Codes often confused with 3603.20
Common mistake. Detonating cords are distinct from safety fuses (360310) as they detonate rapidly along their length, rather than burning slowly, and from electric detonators (360360) which are individual initiators.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360320, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360320 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 9.2% 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 $66M 33% of world exports
- 2 India $25M 13% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $23M 12% of world exports
World total: $198M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $15M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $12M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Australia $9.9M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $168M 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 3603.20
Brazil does not split HS 3603.20: its NCM code is 3603.20.00.
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 3603.20
What is HS code 360320?
HS code 360320 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Detonating cords. This HS code covers detonating cords, which are flexible cords containing a high explosive core, designed to transmit a high-velocity detonation wave over distances. They are extensively used in mining, quarrying, and demolition for initiating multiple explosive charges simultaneously or in precise sequences, enabling large-scale and controlled blasting operations. International trade in detonating cords is essential for industries requiring efficient and synchronized explosive initiation. Importers are typically large-scale blasting companies, mining corporations, and construction firms. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of blasting accessories, often located in countries with advanced chemical and defense industries. Critical aspects include the core load (explosive content), tensile strength, and resistance to environmental factors, all of which impact performance and safety in demanding conditions.
What products fall under HS code 360320?
PETN detonating cord, RDX detonating cord, low-strength detonating cord, high-strength detonating cord, shock tube, booster cord
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360320?
Detonating cords are distinct from safety fuses (360310) as they detonate rapidly along their length, rather than burning slowly, and from electric detonators (360360) which are individual initiators.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360320?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360320 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 33% of world exports), India ($25M) and South Africa ($23M). World exports came to about $198M, 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 360320?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360320 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($15M, 9.2% of world imports), Indonesia ($12M) and Australia ($9.9M). World imports came to about $168M, 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 360320 structured?
HS code 360320 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 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360320?
In Brazil, HS code 360320 is NCM 3603.20.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.