Product classification

HS code for Detonating caps: 3603.40

Detonating caps.

Classification of detonating caps under HS 3603.40

Detonating caps are classified under HS code 3603.40. This classification is found in Chapter 36, which covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, and certain combustible preparations. Heading 3603 is specifically designated for safety fuses, detonating fuses, percussion or detonating caps, igniters, and electric detonators. Following the 2022 updates to the Harmonized System, the 3603 heading was subdivided to provide more granular detail, and 3603.40 was established specifically for detonating caps. These devices consist of a small metal or plastic tube containing a highly sensitive explosive charge that is used to initiate a larger, less sensitive explosive. The classification is based on the functional purpose of the item as an initiator in an explosive chain. Under GRI 1, the product is classified according to the specific terms of the subheading. Detonating caps are distinct from percussion caps because they contain a secondary explosive charge designed to create a shockwave, whereas percussion caps are generally used as primers for small arms ammunition.

Covers
  • Non-electric detonating caps
  • Blasting caps for industrial use
  • Plain detonators
  • Initiators for high explosives
  • Explosive caps for demolition
Also under 3603.40
  • Orica Exel Nonel
  • Dyno Nobel DynoStart
  • Ensign-Bickford Nonel
  • Maxam Riodet
  • Austin Powder E-Detonators

Codes often confused with 3603.40

Common mistake. Detonating caps are frequently confused with percussion caps, which are classified under HS code 3603.30. Percussion caps are typically used in small arms ammunition to ignite propellant, while detonating caps are used for high explosives. They are also sometimes misclassified under 3603.60 (Electric detonators) if the user does not distinguish between the method of initiation. Furthermore, they should not be confused with detonating fuses (3603.20), which are cord-like structures rather than small cap-shaped devices.

3603.30Percussion caps3603.60Electric detonators3603.20Detonating cords

Top exporters and importers of HS 360340 (the code used for detonating caps), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360340 (the code used for detonating caps) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 360340, not only detonating caps.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 India $51M
  2. 2 Czechia $40M
  3. 3 United States $35M

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. 1 United States $62M
  2. 2 Australia $35M
  3. 3 Türkiye $26M

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 detonating caps

Brazil classifies detonating caps under NCM 3603.40.00: HS 3603.40 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about detonating caps

What is the HS code for Detonating caps?

The HS code for Detonating caps is 360340 (Detonating caps).

How do I classify Detonating caps for customs?

Detonating caps is classified under HS code 360340 — Detonating caps. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the HS code for a detonating cap?

The specific HS code for detonating caps is 3603.40.

What is the difference between 3603.30 and 3603.40?

HS code 3603.30 is for percussion caps (primers for ammunition), while 3603.40 is for detonating caps used to trigger high explosives.

Which countries are the top exporters of detonating caps (HS 360340)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360340 (the code used for detonating caps) 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 detonating caps (HS 360340)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 360340 (the code used for detonating caps) 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.

Is the HS code for Detonating caps the same in all countries?

The base HS code 360340 for Detonating caps 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 detonating caps in Brazil?

In Brazil, detonating caps (HS 360340) is classified under NCM 3603.40.00.