Product classification
HS code for Blasting explosives: 3602.00
Explosives, prepared, other than propellent powders.
Classification of blasting explosives under HS 3602.00
The classification of blasting explosives under HS code 3602.00 is determined by the chemical composition and the specific industrial application of the substance. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, this heading covers prepared explosives which are mixtures of chemical substances. These substances are characterized by their ability to undergo a rapid chemical reaction when subjected to heat or shock, producing a massive volume of gas and heat through detonation. Unlike propellant powders, which are designed for controlled combustion to move a projectile, blasting explosives are formulated for high-velocity shattering effects. To fall under 3602.00, the product must be a "prepared" explosive, typically consisting of an oxidizing agent (like ammonium nitrate) mixed with a fuel or sensitizer (like fuel oil, TNT, or nitroglycerin). This code is essential for mining, quarrying, and heavy construction industries where rock fragmentation is required. The classification excludes simple chemical compounds that are not yet mixed into an explosive preparation, which would be found in Chapter 28 or 29.
- Covers
- Ammonium Nitrate Fuel Oil (ANFO) mixtures
- Dynamite and nitroglycerin-based explosives
- Slurry and emulsion explosives
- TNT-based blasting agents
- Plastic explosives used for industrial demolition
- Also under 3602.00
- Orica Fortis
- Dyno Nobel DynoAPEX
- Enaex Rioxam
- Maxam Rioflex
- Austin Powder Emulstar
Codes often confused with 3602.00
Common mistake. Blasting explosives are frequently confused with HS code 3601.00 and 3603.00. HS code 3601.00 is reserved for propellant powders, which deflagrate rather than detonate. HS code 3603.00 covers safety fuses, detonating fuses, and percussion caps, which are the initiation systems rather than the bulk explosive material itself. Additionally, pure ammonium nitrate is often misclassified here, but if it is not mixed with other ingredients to form a prepared explosive, it belongs in 3102.30 as a fertilizer or 2834.21 as a chemical.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360200 (the code used for blasting explosives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360200 (the code used for blasting explosives) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 27% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 11% of world imports. Russia 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 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 360200, not only blasting explosives.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $418M 27% of world exports
- 2 India $246M 16% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $91M 5.8% of world exports
Russia 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 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $185M 11% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$122M 7.3% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Canada $107M 6.4% of world imports
World total: $1.7B 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 blasting explosives
Brazil classifies blasting explosives under NCM 3602.00.00: HS 3602.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blasting explosives
What is the HS code for Blasting explosives?
The HS code for Blasting explosives is 360200 (Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders). The HS code for blasting explosives (prepared explosives other than propellant powders) is 3602.00.
How do I classify Blasting explosives for customs?
Blasting explosives is classified under HS code 360200 — Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include detonators?
No, detonators and blasting caps are classified under HS code 3603.40, as they are considered initiation devices rather than the primary blasting explosive material.
Which countries are the top exporters of blasting explosives (HS 360200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360200 (the code used for blasting explosives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($418M, 27% of world exports), India ($246M) and South Africa ($91M). World exports came to about $1.5B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Russia 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 81% of its exports here ($54M, CEPII BACI), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Which countries are the top importers of blasting explosives (HS 360200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360200 (the code used for blasting explosives) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($185M, 11% of world imports), Ukraine (about $122M) and Canada ($107M). 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.
Is the HS code for Blasting explosives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360200 for Blasting explosives is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for blasting explosives in Brazil?
In Brazil, blasting explosives (HS 360200) is classified under NCM 3602.00.00.