Product classification
HS code for Electric detonators: 3603.60
Electric detonators.
Classification of electric detonators under HS 3603.60
Electric detonators are classified under HS code 3603.60, which falls within Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System. This chapter specifically covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, and certain combustible preparations. The classification is determined by the functional nature of the device as an initiator for explosives. Unlike mechanical percussion caps, electric detonators utilize an electrical bridge wire or an equivalent electronic component to initiate the primary explosive charge. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI 1), the heading is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 36, Note 2, clarifies that the heading 3603 includes articles consisting of a device for producing a spark or flame to ignite a propellant or to detonate an explosive charge. Electric detonators are distinct because they require an external electrical source to function, separating them from non-electric safety fuses or detonating cords. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the detonator is instantaneous or incorporates a delay element, provided the initiation is triggered electrically.
- Covers
- Instantaneous electric detonators
- Electric delay detonators
- Seismic electric detonators
- Electronic programmable detonators
- Electric blasting caps
- Also under 3603.60
- Orica Exel Electronic Detonators
- Dyno Nobel DigiShot
- Ensign-Bickford E-Star
- Maxam Riodet
- Austin Powder E-Detonators
Codes often confused with 3603.60
Common mistake. Electric detonators are frequently confused with non-electric detonating fuses classified under HS code 3603.40 or safety fuses under 3603.10. The primary distinction lies in the method of initiation; 3603.60 requires an electrical impulse, whereas fuses rely on a burning powder core or a shockwave. Additionally, some importers mistakenly attempt to classify electronic igniters under 8543.70 as electrical machines, but Chapter 36 takes precedence for explosive initiators due to the presence of primary explosive compounds.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360360 (the code used for electric detonators), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360360 (the code used for electric detonators) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 20% 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 360360, not only electric detonators.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $139M 22% of world exports
- 2 France $107M 17% of world exports
- 3 Canada $89M 14% of world exports
World total: $644M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $144M 20% of world imports
- 2 Australia $42M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Canada $42M 5.8% of world imports
World total: $722M 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 electric detonators
Brazil classifies electric detonators under NCM 3603.60.00: HS 3603.60 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about electric detonators
What is the HS code for Electric detonators?
The HS code for Electric detonators is 360360 (Electric detonators). The specific HS code for electric detonators is 3603.60, which covers devices used to initiate explosives via an electrical signal.
How do I classify Electric detonators for customs?
Electric detonators is classified under HS code 360360 — Electric detonators. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electronic delay detonators classified differently?
No, electronic delay detonators are generally classified under 3603.60 because their primary function is electrical initiation, even if they contain sophisticated timing circuits.
Which countries are the top exporters of electric detonators (HS 360360)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360360 (the code used for electric detonators) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($139M, 22% of world exports), France ($107M) and Canada ($89M). World exports came to about $644M, 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 electric detonators (HS 360360)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360360 (the code used for electric detonators) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($144M, 20% of world imports), Australia ($42M) and Canada ($42M). World imports came to about $722M, 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 Electric detonators the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360360 for Electric detonators 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 electric detonators in Brazil?
In Brazil, electric detonators (HS 360360) is classified under NCM 3603.60.00.