Product classification
HS code for Ferrocerium: 3606.90
Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms, articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36.
Classification of ferrocerium under HS 3606.90
Ferrocerium is classified under HS code 3606.90 because it is defined as a pyrophoric alloy. While the material contains iron and rare-earth metals such as cerium, its primary functional characteristic is the ability to emit sparks when subjected to friction. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) and the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 36, pyrophoric alloys in all forms are specifically assigned to this heading. This classification takes precedence over Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) because the pyrophoric property is the defining feature for trade, safety, and regulatory purposes. The material is typically traded in the form of small rods, flints, or blocks used in mechanical ignition devices rather than as a bulk alloying agent for steelmaking.
- Covers
- Lighter flints for cigarette lighters
- Ferrocerium rods for survival fire starters
- Mischmetal alloys in pyrophoric forms
- Sparking metal alloys for gas lighters
- Pyrophoric pellets for industrial ignition
- Also under 3606.90
- Zippo Lighter Flints
- Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel
- Exotac fireROD
- Esbit Solid Fuel Tablets
- UCO Stormproof Match Kit
Codes often confused with 3606.90
Common mistake. Ferrocerium is frequently misclassified under HS code 7202.99, which covers other ferro-alloys. While ferrocerium is technically an alloy of iron and cerium, the Harmonized System dictates that products with pyrophoric properties must be classified in Chapter 36. Another common error is using HS code 3606.10, which is reserved for liquid or liquefied-gas fuels in containers for filling lighters, whereas ferrocerium is a solid alloy.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360690 (the code used for ferrocerium), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360690 (the code used for ferrocerium) in UN Comtrade data was the Netherlands, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was France, with 16% of world imports. The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 360690, not only ferrocerium.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Netherlands $54M 18% of world exports
- 2 Germany $45M 15% of world exports
- 3 United Kingdom $32M 11% of world exports
World total: $298M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 France $51M 16% of world imports
- 2 Germany $28M 9.0% of world imports
- 3 Netherlands $24M 7.7% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $312M 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 ferrocerium
Brazil classifies ferrocerium under NCM 3606.90.00: HS 3606.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about ferrocerium
What is the HS code for Ferrocerium?
The HS code for Ferrocerium is 360690 (Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36). The HS code for ferrocerium in all forms, including lighter flints and fire-starting rods, is 3606.90.
How do I classify Ferrocerium for customs?
Ferrocerium is classified under HS code 360690 — Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is ferrocerium classified as a hazardous material for shipping?
Yes, because it is classified under Chapter 36 as a pyrophoric alloy, it is often subject to Class 4.1 (Flammable Solids) regulations during transport.
Which countries are the top exporters of ferrocerium (HS 360690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360690 (the code used for ferrocerium) in UN Comtrade data were the Netherlands ($54M, 18% of world exports), Germany ($45M) and the United Kingdom ($32M). World exports came to about $298M, 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 ferrocerium (HS 360690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360690 (the code used for ferrocerium) in UN Comtrade data were France ($51M, 16% of world imports), Germany ($28M) and the Netherlands ($24M). World imports came to about $312M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $143M of its chapter 36 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Is the HS code for Ferrocerium the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360690 for Ferrocerium 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 ferrocerium in Brazil?
In Brazil, ferrocerium (HS 360690) is classified under NCM 3606.90.00.