HS Code 38.13 – Preparations and charges for fire extinguishers; charged fire-extinguishing grenades

HS code 3813 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Preparations and charges for fire extinguishers; charged fire-extinguishing grenades. Heading 3813 specifically covers preparations and charges for fire extinguishers, along with charged fire-extinguishing grenades. This classification is critical for products designed solely for fire suppression. It encompasses the chemical contents, whether in liquid, powder, foam, or gaseous form, that are used to extinguish fires. The term 'charges' refers to the refill units for fire extinguishers, containing these active fire-fighting agents. The explicit inclusion of 'charged fire-extinguishing grenades' clarifies that self-contained, throwable fire suppression devices are also classified here. The scope of this heading is limited to the *preparations themselves* and *charged devices*, distinguishing them from empty fire extinguishers (typically Chapter 84 or Section XV) or the individual chemical components in their raw form (Chapters 28 or 29). For importers, exporters, and trade compliance professionals, correct classification under 3813 is paramount for ensuring adherence to safety regulations, proper duty assessment, and compliance with environmental protocols, particularly concerning substances like Halons or certain HFCs. This heading is fundamental to global safety and emergency response industries, impacting commercial, industrial, and residential sectors. Its placement within Chapter 38 highlights its nature as a specialized chemical product with a specific functional application.

Dry chemical fire extinguisher charges (e.g., monoammonium phosphate based), foam fire extinguisher charges (e.g., AFFF concentrate), CO2 fire extinguisher charges, Halon replacement agents (e.g., FK-5-1-12, HFC-227ea), water-mist fire extinguishing preparations, Class K fire extinguishing liquids, portable fire extinguishing grenades (charged), fire suppressing aerosols (charged), fire extinguishing powders (charged), chemical solutions for fire suppression systems, non-toxic fire extinguishing liquids, environmentally friendly fire extinguishing agents, potassium bicarbonate based charges, sodium bicarbonate based charges, aqueous film-forming foam (AFFF) charges, clean agent fire suppression charges, fire extinguishing gels (charged), fire extinguishing sprays (charged), specialized aircraft fire extinguishing charges.

A common misclassification under HS 3813 is confusing the *preparations and charges* with complete fire extinguishers. Empty or fully assembled fire extinguishers (without specific chemical details) are generally classified in Chapter 84 (Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof). Another error is classifying the individual chemical components, such as pure carbon dioxide or a raw chemical powder, under 3813 instead of Chapter 28 (Inorganic chemicals) or 29 (Organic chemicals). The key distinction is that 3813 specifically covers *formulated preparations* for fire extinguishing and *charged* devices, emphasizing their ready-to-use function in fire suppression, not the raw ingredients or the mechanical apparatus.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 3813 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 18% of world exports), Belgium ($47M) and Italy ($41M). World exports came to about $420M, 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 3813 in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($25M, 6.4% of world imports), Poland ($22M) and the United Kingdom ($22M). World imports came to about $388M, 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 3813 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 38 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (38) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (13) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.