HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3603.40 – Detonating caps
HS code 3603.40 is the 6-digit subheading for detonating caps. It is used for non-electric detonators, electric detonators (non-programmable), electronic detonators (programmable), seismic detonators and delay detonators.
What HS 3603.40 covers
This HS code covers detonating caps, which are small, powerful explosive devices used as primary initiators for larger, less sensitive high explosives. They are critical components in blasting operations for mining, quarrying, construction, and military demolition. When activated, a detonating cap produces a shock wave strong enough to initiate the main explosive charge. International trade in detonating caps is driven by the demand from heavy industries and defense sectors globally. Importers are typically blasting service providers, mining companies, and defense organizations. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of explosive accessories, often operating under strict regulatory oversight. Key factors include their initiating power, reliability, and safety features, as they are the crucial link in the blasting chain. Trade is heavily controlled due to their inherent danger.
- Covers
- Non-electric detonators
- Electric detonators (non-programmable)
- Electronic detonators (programmable)
- Seismic detonators
- Delay detonators
- Blasting caps
- Examples
- Orica Exel Nonel
- Dyno Nobel DynoStart
- Ensign-Bickford Nonel
- Maxam Riodet
- Austin Powder E-Detonators
Codes often confused with 3603.40
Common mistake. These are different from percussion caps (360330) which ignite propellants, and also from igniters (360350) which are broader in application and may not initiate high explosives.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360340, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360340 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 13% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 16% 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 21% of its exports here ($5.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters. Uzbekistan 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 84% of its imports here ($28M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $51M 13% of world exports
- 2 Czechia $40M 10% of world exports
- 3 United States $35M 9.1% of world exports
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 21% of its exports here ($5.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $388M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $62M 16% of world imports
- 2 Australia $35M 8.9% of world imports
- 3 Türkiye $26M 6.6% of world imports
Uzbekistan 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 84% of its imports here ($28M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $396M 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 3603.40
Brazil does not split HS 3603.40: its NCM code is 3603.40.00.
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 3603.40
What is HS code 360340?
HS code 360340 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Detonating caps. This HS code covers detonating caps, which are small, powerful explosive devices used as primary initiators for larger, less sensitive high explosives. They are critical components in blasting operations for mining, quarrying, construction, and military demolition. When activated, a detonating cap produces a shock wave strong enough to initiate the main explosive charge. International trade in detonating caps is driven by the demand from heavy industries and defense sectors globally. Importers are typically blasting service providers, mining companies, and defense organizations. Exporters are specialized manufacturers of explosive accessories, often operating under strict regulatory oversight. Key factors include their initiating power, reliability, and safety features, as they are the crucial link in the blasting chain. Trade is heavily controlled due to their inherent danger.
What products fall under HS code 360340?
Non-electric detonators, electric detonators (non-programmable), electronic detonators (programmable), seismic detonators, delay detonators, blasting caps
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360340?
These are different from percussion caps (360330) which ignite propellants, and also from igniters (360350) which are broader in application and may not initiate high explosives.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360340?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360340 in UN Comtrade data were India ($51M, 13% of world exports), Czechia ($40M) and the United States ($35M). World exports came to about $388M, 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 21% of its exports here ($5.8M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 360340?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360340 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($62M, 16% of world imports), Australia ($35M) and Türkiye ($26M). World imports came to about $396M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Uzbekistan 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 84% of its imports here ($28M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 360340 structured?
HS code 360340 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 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360340?
In Brazil, HS code 360340 is NCM 3603.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.