HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 3605.00 – Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604
HS code 3605.00 is the 6-digit subheading for matches, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604. It is used for safety matches, strike-anywhere matches, wooden matches, paper matches and kitchen matches.
What HS 3605.00 covers
This HS code covers matches, a ubiquitous and essential product for ignition, excluding the more complex pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604. Despite the rise of lighters, matches remain a high-volume trade item for household use, camping, promotional purposes, and as a reliable fire-starting tool in many parts of the world. Manufacturing often takes place in countries with lower labor costs, leveraging automated production lines to meet global demand. International trade involves ensuring compliance with safety standards regarding ignition properties, packaging, and material composition to prevent accidental combustion during transport and storage. Importers range from large retail chains and wholesalers to specialized distributors.
- Covers
- Safety matches
- Strike-anywhere matches
- Wooden matches
- Paper matches
- Kitchen matches
- Fireplace matches
- Promotional matches
- Examples
- Swedish Match (Solstickan, Swan Vesta)
- Diamond Matches
- Ohio Blue Tip
- Redheads
- Cricket Matches
Codes often confused with 3605.00
Common mistake. Matches are generally distinct, but could be vaguely confused with lighters (9613) if the description is imprecise, though the physical form factor is quite different.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 360500, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 360500 in UN Comtrade data was India, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.9% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $59M 33% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $22M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $16M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $14M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.4M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Benin* ~$8.2M 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $162M 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 3605.00
Brazil does not split HS 3605.00: its NCM code is 3605.00.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 36.05 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 3605.00
What is HS code 360500?
HS code 360500 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604. This HS code covers matches, a ubiquitous and essential product for ignition, excluding the more complex pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604. Despite the rise of lighters, matches remain a high-volume trade item for household use, camping, promotional purposes, and as a reliable fire-starting tool in many parts of the world. Manufacturing often takes place in countries with lower labor costs, leveraging automated production lines to meet global demand. International trade involves ensuring compliance with safety standards regarding ignition properties, packaging, and material composition to prevent accidental combustion during transport and storage. Importers range from large retail chains and wholesalers to specialized distributors.
What products fall under HS code 360500?
Safety matches, strike-anywhere matches, wooden matches, paper matches, kitchen matches, fireplace matches, promotional matches
What are common misclassifications for HS code 360500?
Matches are generally distinct, but could be vaguely confused with lighters (9613) if the description is imprecise, though the physical form factor is quite different.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 360500?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 360500 in UN Comtrade data were India ($59M, 33% of world exports), Sweden ($22M) and South Africa ($16M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 360500?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 360500 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($14M, 8.9% of world imports), Germany ($9.4M) and Benin (about $8.2M). World imports came to about $162M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 360500 structured?
HS code 360500 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (36) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (05) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (00) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 360500?
In Brazil, HS code 360500 is NCM 3605.00.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.