Product classification
HS code for Fire extinguishing agents: 3813.00
Fire-extinguishers, preparations and charges and charged fire-extinguishing grenades.
Classification of fire extinguishing agents under HS 3813.00
Fire extinguishing agents and chemical preparations are classified under HS code 3813.00. This heading is specifically designated for preparations and charges for fire-extinguishers and charged fire-extinguishing grenades. The classification is based on the chemical composition and the intended functional use of the substance as a firefighting medium. Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 38 covers miscellaneous chemical products. These agents are typically formulated mixtures rather than pure elements or simple compounds found in Chapters 28 or 29. The classification 3813.00 applies to the substance itself, whether it is in liquid, powder, or foam form. It is important to distinguish between the chemical agent and the mechanical device used to spray it. If the agent is imported as a refill or in bulk for the purpose of fire suppression, it remains strictly within this code. The technical nature of these preparations, often involving fluorosurfactants or specialized dry chemicals, necessitates their placement in this specific chemical heading.
- Covers
- Aqueous Film Forming Foams (AFFF)
- Dry chemical extinguishing powders (e.g., Monoammonium Phosphate)
- Carbon dioxide charges specifically for extinguishers
- Halon alternatives and clean agents
- Charged fire-extinguishing grenades
- Also under 3813.00
- Kidde Pro Series
- Amerex B500
- Ansul Sentry
- Badger Fire Protection
- Fike Clean Agent Systems
Codes often confused with 3813.00
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 8424.10, which covers the actual mechanical fire extinguisher. If the chemical agent is already inside a functional, portable extinguisher, it is classified under 8424.10. However, if the agent is sold separately as a charge or in bulk, 3813.00 is the correct code. Additionally, pure gases like CO2 might be misclassified under 2804 if not specifically prepared as an extinguishing charge.
Top exporters and importers of HS 381300 (the code used for fire extinguishing agents), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 381300 (the code used for fire extinguishing agents) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 18% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Canada, with 6.4% 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 381300, not only fire extinguishing agents.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $77M 18% of world exports
- 2 Belgium $47M 11% of world exports
- 3 Italy $41M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $420M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Canada $25M 6.4% of world imports
- 2 Poland $22M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $22M 5.5% of world imports
World total: $388M 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 codes for fire extinguishing agents
Brazil splits HS 3813.00 into 5 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3813.00.10Halon fire-extinguisher preparations
- 3813.00.20HBFC fire-extinguisher preparations
- 3813.00.30HCFC fire-extinguisher preparations
- 3813.00.40Bromochloromethane extinguisher preparations
- 3813.00.90Other fire-extinguisher preparations and charges
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fire extinguishing agents
What is the HS code for Fire extinguishing agents?
The HS code for Fire extinguishing agents is 381300 (Fire-extinguishers; preparations and charges and charged fire-extinguishing grenades). The HS code for fire extinguishing agents, preparations, and charges is 3813.00.
How do I classify Fire extinguishing agents for customs?
Fire extinguishing agents is classified under HS code 381300 — Fire-extinguishers; preparations and charges and charged fire-extinguishing grenades. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include the metal canister?
No, 3813.00 covers the chemical preparation. If the canister is a complete, functional fire extinguisher, it should be classified under 8424.10.
Which countries are the top exporters of fire extinguishing agents (HS 381300)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 381300 (the code used for fire extinguishing agents) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($77M, 18% of world exports), Belgium ($47M) and Italy ($41M). World exports came to about $420M, 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 fire extinguishing agents (HS 381300)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 381300 (the code used for fire extinguishing agents) in UN Comtrade data were Canada ($25M, 6.4% of world imports), Poland ($22M) and the United Kingdom ($22M). World imports came to about $388M, 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 Fire extinguishing agents the same in all countries?
The base HS code 381300 for Fire extinguishing agents 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 fire extinguishing agents in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 381300 into 5 NCM codes, so the right one for fire extinguishing agents depends on the product's details: 3813.00.10 (Halon fire-extinguisher preparations), 3813.00.20 (HBFC fire-extinguisher preparations), 3813.00.30 (HCFC fire-extinguisher preparations), 3813.00.40 (Bromochloromethane extinguisher preparations), 3813.00.90 (Other fire-extinguisher preparations and charges).