Product classification
HS code for Fire starter rods: 3606.90
Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms, articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36.
Classification of fire starter rods under HS 3606.90
Fire starter rods, commonly used in survival and outdoor gear, are classified under HS code 3606.90. This heading is part of Chapter 36, which covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, and certain combustible preparations. Specifically, 3606.90 includes ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms, as well as articles of combustible materials. The classification is driven by the chemical and physical properties of the rod, which is designed to produce high-temperature sparks when scraped against a hard surface. These rods are typically composed of a mixture of rare-earth metals like cerium and lanthanum, combined with iron to create a pyrophoric alloy. Because the rod's primary function is to act as a source of ignition through its material properties, it is placed in this category. It is distinct from mechanical lighters because it lacks a fuel reservoir and a built-in striking mechanism, relying instead on manual friction to create sparks.
- Covers
- Ferro-cerium rods (Ferro rods)
- Magnesium fire starter blocks with flint strips
- Mischmetal spark-producing rods
- Pyrophoric alloy fire starters
- Flint sticks for survival kits
- 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. Fire starter rods are sometimes misclassified under 8205 as hand tools or 9613 as lighters. However, since they are essentially blocks of pyrophoric alloy, 3606.90 is the legally correct heading. Another error is classifying magnesium fire starters under 8104 (magnesium metal), but when prepared as a fire starter, the pyrophoric application dictates the use of Chapter 36.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360690 (the code used for fire starter rods), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360690 (the code used for fire starter rods) 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 fire starter rods.
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 fire starter rods
Brazil classifies fire starter rods 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 fire starter rods
What is the HS code for Fire starter rods?
The HS code for Fire starter rods 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 fire starter rods made of ferro-cerium or pyrophoric alloys is 3606.90.
How do I classify Fire starter rods for customs?
Fire starter rods 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.
Are matches included in this same HS code?
No, matches are classified separately under HS code 3605.00, though they are in the same chapter.
Which countries are the top exporters of fire starter rods (HS 360690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360690 (the code used for fire starter rods) 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 fire starter rods (HS 360690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360690 (the code used for fire starter rods) 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 Fire starter rods the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360690 for Fire starter rods 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 starter rods in Brazil?
In Brazil, fire starter rods (HS 360690) is classified under NCM 3606.90.00.