HS Code 36.04 – Fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles

HS code 3604 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles. Heading 3604 covers "Fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles." This broad classification encompasses a diverse range of articles designed to produce effects by combustion, typically involving light, sound, smoke, or gas, rather than destructive force. The scope is wide, including consumer fireworks for entertainment, professional display fireworks, various types of signaling devices (e.g., marine distress flares, parachute flares, smoke signals), and specialized pyrotechnic articles like rain rockets for weather modification or fog signals for railway safety. It also includes pyrotechnic articles used in automotive safety systems, such as airbag inflators and seatbelt pretensioners. Accurate classification under 3604 is crucial for trade compliance, as these items, while generally less dangerous than prepared explosives, still pose significant safety and environmental risks. They are subject to stringent regulations regarding manufacture, storage, transport (due to flammability), sale, and use. Regulations often include specific safety standards (e.g., CE marking in the EU, DOT regulations in the US), licensing for import/export, and restrictions on consumer sales. Misclassification can lead to severe fines, product recalls, and safety hazards. This heading stands distinct within Chapter 36, focusing on controlled pyrotechnic effects rather than pure explosive power, yet sharing the common theme of combustible preparations.

Consumer fireworks, Display fireworks, Firecrackers, Sparklers, Roman candles, Aerial shells (fireworks), Rockets (fireworks), Smoke grenades (signaling), Marine distress flares, Parachute flares, Hand-held flares, Red star signals, Rain rockets, Anti-hail rockets, Fog signals (railway), Theatrical pyrotechnics, Stage effects pyrotechnics, Automotive airbag inflators (pyrotechnic), Seatbelt pretensioners (pyrotechnic), Distress signals, Emergency beacons (pyrotechnic), Bengal lights, Whistle rockets, Cake fireworks, Mines (fireworks), Fountain fireworks.

A common error is confusing pyrotechnic articles with prepared explosives (HS 3602); while both involve combustion, 3604 articles are designed for effects (light, sound, smoke) rather than destructive force. Traders might also misclassify military signaling flares or smoke grenades as general military equipment (HS 9306), but 3604 specifically covers the pyrotechnic article itself, regardless of end-use. Another mistake is classifying certain non-pyrotechnic signal lights (HS 8539) or smoke-generating devices (HS 8424) as pyrotechnic articles, overlooking the specific combustion-based nature of goods in 3604.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3604 in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.1B, 67% of world exports), the United States ($111M) and Germany ($101M). World exports 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.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 3604 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($547M, 33% of world imports), Germany ($223M) and the Netherlands ($80M). 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.

HS code 3604 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (36) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.