Product classification
HS code for Explosives: 3602.00
Explosives, prepared, other than propellent powders.
Classification of explosives under HS 3602.00
Prepared explosives are classified under HS code 3602.00. This classification is governed by Chapter 36, which covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, pyrophoric alloys, and certain combustible preparations. Heading 3602 specifically applies to prepared explosives other than propellent powders. To be classified here, the product must be a mixture of chemical substances that, upon ignition or shock, undergo a rapid chemical reaction producing a large volume of gas and heat. This includes mixtures based on nitroglycerin, ammonium nitrate, or other organic nitrated compounds. The classification excludes single chemical compounds of a defined structure (which are usually in Chapter 28 or 29) and propellent powders (3601.00). The distinction is based on the preparation and the intended explosive effect, typically for use in mining, quarrying, or demolition. The General Rules of Interpretation require that these prepared mixtures be grouped under 3602.00 regardless of their physical form, whether they are plastic, liquid, or granular.
- Covers
- Dynamite and nitroglycerin-based explosives
- ANFO (Ammonium Nitrate/Fuel Oil) mixtures
- Slurry and water-gel explosives
- Plastic explosives (e.g., C4)
- TNT-based prepared mixtures
- Ammonals and chlorate explosives
- Also under 3602.00
- Orica Fortis
- Dyno Nobel DynoAPEX
- Enaex Rioxam
- Maxam Rioflex
- Austin Powder Emulstar
Codes often confused with 3602.00
Common mistake. Explosives are often misclassified under HS code 3601.00, which is strictly for propellent powders like black powder or smokeless powder used in ammunition. Another common error is classification under 3603.00, which covers safety fuses, detonating fuses, and percussion caps. While these items are used to initiate an explosion, they are not the "prepared explosive" itself. Furthermore, pure chemicals like pure TNT or ammonium nitrate are classified in Chapters 29 and 31 respectively, unless they are mixed with other substances to form a prepared explosive.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360200 (the code used for explosives), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360200 (the code used for 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 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 explosives
Brazil classifies 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 explosives
What is the HS code for Explosives?
The HS code for Explosives is 360200 (Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders).
How do I classify Explosives for customs?
Explosives is classified under HS code 360200 — Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for prepared explosives?
The HS code for prepared explosives, other than propellent powders, is 3602.00.
Are fireworks classified under the same HS code as explosives?
No, fireworks are classified under HS code 3604.10, as they are considered pyrotechnic articles rather than prepared industrial explosives.
Which countries are the top exporters of explosives (HS 360200)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360200 (the code used for 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 explosives (HS 360200)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360200 (the code used for 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 Explosives the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360200 for 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 explosives in Brazil?
In Brazil, explosives (HS 360200) is classified under NCM 3602.00.00.