HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3603.30 – Percussion caps
HS code 3603.30 is the 6-digit subheading for percussion caps. It is used for small pistol primers, large pistol primers, small rifle primers, large rifle primers and shotgun primers.
What HS 3603.30 covers
This HS code covers percussion caps, which are small, self-contained igniting devices primarily used as primers in ammunition for firearms. They contain a small amount of impact-sensitive explosive that, when struck by a firing pin, produces a flame to ignite the main propellent powder in a cartridge. International trade in percussion caps is closely linked to the global firearms industry, serving both civilian markets (hunting, sport shooting) and military applications. Importers include ammunition manufacturers, reloading enthusiasts, and defense contractors. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of ammunition components. Key considerations involve the type (e.g., small pistol, large rifle), sensitivity, and reliability of the primer, which are crucial for consistent and safe firearm operation. Trade is subject to strict regulations due to their explosive nature.
- Covers
- Small pistol primers
- Large pistol primers
- Small rifle primers
- Large rifle primers
- Shotgun primers
- Musket caps
- Boxer primers
- Berdan primers
- Examples
- CCI Primers
- Federal Primers
- Winchester Primers
- Remington Primers
- Sellier & Bellot Primers
Codes often confused with 3603.30
Common mistake. These are distinct from detonating caps (360340) which are designed for initiating high explosives, whereas percussion caps are for igniting propellent powders in cartridges.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360330, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360330 in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 13% 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 Germany $57M 32% of world exports
- 2 Bosnia and Herzegovina $37M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $22M 12% of world exports
World total: $180M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $15M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $7.7M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 3603.30
Brazil does not split HS 3603.30: its NCM code is 3603.30.00.
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 3603.30
What is HS code 360330?
HS code 360330 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Percussion caps. This HS code covers percussion caps, which are small, self-contained igniting devices primarily used as primers in ammunition for firearms. They contain a small amount of impact-sensitive explosive that, when struck by a firing pin, produces a flame to ignite the main propellent powder in a cartridge. International trade in percussion caps is closely linked to the global firearms industry, serving both civilian markets (hunting, sport shooting) and military applications. Importers include ammunition manufacturers, reloading enthusiasts, and defense contractors. Exporters are typically specialized manufacturers of ammunition components. Key considerations involve the type (e.g., small pistol, large rifle), sensitivity, and reliability of the primer, which are crucial for consistent and safe firearm operation. Trade is subject to strict regulations due to their explosive nature.
What products fall under HS code 360330?
Small pistol primers, large pistol primers, small rifle primers, large rifle primers, shotgun primers, musket caps, Boxer primers, Berdan primers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360330?
These are distinct from detonating caps (360340) which are designed for initiating high explosives, whereas percussion caps are for igniting propellent powders in cartridges.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360330?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360330 in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($57M, 32% of world exports), Bosnia and Herzegovina ($37M) and France ($22M). World exports came to about $180M, 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 360330?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360330 in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($15M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($8.9M) and Germany ($7.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 360330 structured?
HS code 360330 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 (30) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360330?
In Brazil, HS code 360330 is NCM 3603.30.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.