Product classification
HS code for Fog signals: 3604.90
Pyrotechnic products, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks).
Classification of fog signals under HS 3604.90
Fog signals are classified under HS code 3604.90, a category that covers pyrotechnic products used for signaling, safety, and other non-entertainment purposes. This heading is located within Chapter 36, which deals with explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, and certain combustible preparations. Specifically, 3604.90 is a residual subheading for pyrotechnic articles other than fireworks, which are separately classified under 3604.10. Fog signals are critical safety devices used in maritime, railway, and aviation industries to provide audible or visual warnings in conditions of low visibility, such as heavy fog or darkness. These devices operate on pyrotechnic principles, meaning they contain chemical compositions designed to produce a specific effect—such as a loud report, a bright flare, or a dense smoke cloud—through a self-sustaining exothermic chemical reaction. The classification is strictly based on the pyrotechnic nature of the device. If a signaling device uses electronic components to produce sound or light, it would be classified elsewhere. The inclusion of fog signals in Chapter 36 highlights their status as regulated articles containing energetic materials, requiring specific handling and safety protocols during international trade and transport.
- Covers
- Pyrotechnic fog signals for railways
- Maritime distress flares
- Signaling rockets and rain rockets
- Very light cartridges
- Hand-held signaling flares
- Also under 3604.90
- Orion Safety Products
- Pains Wessex
- Comet
- ACR Electronics
- WesCom Signal and Rescue
Codes often confused with 3604.90
Common mistake. Fog signals are often misclassified under HS code 8531.80, which covers electric sound or visual signaling apparatus. The key difference is the source of the signal; 8531 is for electronic devices like sirens or strobe lights, whereas 3604.90 is for pyrotechnic devices. They may also be confused with 3603.00, which covers safety fuses or detonating fuses used to ignite explosives.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360490 (the code used for fog signals), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360490 (the code used for fog signals) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 10% 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 360490, not only fog signals.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $101M 28% of world exports
- 2 France $90M 25% of world exports
- 3 Germany $78M 21% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Japan $19M 7.5% of world imports
World total: $253M 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 fog signals
Brazil splits HS 3604.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3604.90.10Anti-hail rockets and cartridges
- 3604.90.90Signalling flares and other pyrotechnics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about fog signals
What is the HS code for Fog signals?
The HS code for Fog signals is 360490 (Pyrotechnic products; signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks)). Pyrotechnic fog signals and other signaling flares are classified under HS code 3604.90.
How do I classify Fog signals for customs?
Fog signals is classified under HS code 360490 — Pyrotechnic products; signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electronic fog horns included in this code?
No, electronic fog horns are classified under Chapter 85, specifically heading 8531, as they are electrical signaling equipment.
Which countries are the top exporters of fog signals (HS 360490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360490 (the code used for fog signals) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($101M, 28% of world exports), France ($90M) and Germany ($78M). World exports came to about $367M, 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 fog signals (HS 360490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360490 (the code used for fog signals) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($26M, 10% of world imports), Germany ($20M) and Japan ($19M). World imports came to about $253M, 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 Fog signals the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360490 for Fog signals 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 fog signals in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 360490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for fog signals depends on the product's details: 3604.90.10 (Anti-hail rockets and cartridges), 3604.90.90 (Signalling flares and other pyrotechnics).