Product classification
HS code for Detonating cord: 3603.20
Detonating cords.
Classification of detonating cord under HS 3603.20
Detonating cord is classified under HS code 3603.20, which falls within Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System. This chapter is dedicated to explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, pyrophoric alloys, and certain combustible preparations. Specifically, heading 3603 covers safety fuses, detonating fuses, percussion or detonating caps, igniters, and electric detonators. Detonating cord, also known as a detonating fuse, consists of a core of high explosive, typically PETN (pentaerythritol tetranitrate) or RDX, contained within a waterproof plastic or textile covering. It is used to transmit a detonation wave from a detonator to an explosive charge at extremely high velocities. The classification is determined by the functional nature of the product as a primary transmission device for explosive energy. Unlike safety fuses which burn slowly to provide a time delay, detonating cords explode at velocities often exceeding 6,000 meters per second, which is the primary technical distinction for its placement in sub-heading 3603.20. This code is essential for the regulated transport and international trade of blasting accessories used in mining, quarrying, and demolition.
- Covers
- High-velocity detonating fuses
- PETN-core detonating cords
- RDX-core detonating cords
- Waterproof detonating cords for underwater blasting
- Flexible explosive transmission lines
- Reinforced detonating cords for heavy-duty demolition
- Also under 3603.20
- Ensign-Bickford Detacord
- Orica Exel Cord
- Dyno Nobel Dyno Cord
- Maxam Riodet
- Austin Powder Detonating Cord
Codes often confused with 3603.20
Common mistake. A frequent error in the classification of explosive accessories is the confusion between detonating cord (3603.20) and safety fuses, which are classified under 3603.10. While they may appear similar in physical form, their functional properties are diametrically opposed. A safety fuse is designed to burn at a slow, controlled rate, whereas a detonating cord is designed to detonate instantaneously. Another common misclassification involves percussion or detonating caps, which fall under 3603.40. These are small initiation devices, whereas the cord is used for energy transmission. Furthermore, if the cord is part of a specific weapon system, it might be erroneously classified in Chapter 93, though heading 3603 is generally preferred for the cord as a standalone component.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360320 (the code used for detonating cord), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360320 (the code used for detonating cord) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 9.2% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 360320, not only detonating cord.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $66M 33% of world exports
- 2 India $25M 13% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $23M 12% of world exports
World total: $198M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $15M 9.2% of world imports
- 2 Indonesia $12M 7.3% of world imports
- 3 Australia $9.9M 5.9% of world imports
World total: $168M 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 cord
Brazil classifies detonating cord under NCM 3603.20.00: HS 3603.20 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about detonating cord
What is the HS code for Detonating cord?
The HS code for Detonating cord is 360320 (Detonating cords). The primary HS code for detonating cord is 3603.20. This code is recognized internationally for the purpose of customs duties and trade statistics, specifically identifying the product as a detonating fuse.
How do I classify Detonating cord for customs?
Detonating cord is classified under HS code 360320 — Detonating cords. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does detonating cord differ from a safety fuse in HS classification?
The distinction lies in the speed of the reaction. Safety fuses, classified under 3603.10, are used for slow-burning ignition. Detonating cords, under 3603.20, contain high explosives and are used for the instantaneous transmission of a detonation wave.
Which countries are the top exporters of detonating cord (HS 360320)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360320 (the code used for detonating cord) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($66M, 33% of world exports), India ($25M) and South Africa ($23M). World exports came to about $198M, 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 detonating cord (HS 360320)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360320 (the code used for detonating cord) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($15M, 9.2% of world imports), Indonesia ($12M) and Australia ($9.9M). World imports came to about $168M, 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 Detonating cord the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360320 for Detonating cord 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 cord in Brazil?
In Brazil, detonating cord (HS 360320) is classified under NCM 3603.20.00.