Product classification

HS code for Gunpowder: 3601.00

Explosives, propellent powders.

Classification of gunpowder under HS 3601.00

Gunpowder is classified under HS code 3601.00 as a propellant powder. This classification is based on the product's function as a low explosive designed to burn at a controlled rate to produce gas pressure for propelling projectiles. Chapter 36 of the Harmonized System covers explosives, pyrotechnics, and certain combustible preparations. Heading 3601 is specifically reserved for propellant powders, which are distinct from prepared explosives of heading 36.02. Gunpowder, traditionally known as black powder, consists of an intimate mixture of potassium nitrate or sodium nitrate, charcoal, and sulfur. Modern smokeless powders, which are also classified here, are typically based on nitrocellulose (single-base) or a combination of nitrocellulose and nitroglycerin (double-base). The classification is determined by the explosive's intended use as a propellant rather than its chemical composition alone, provided it meets the definition of a propellant powder as outlined in the Explanatory Notes to Chapter 36.

Covers
  • Black powder (traditional gunpowder)
  • Smokeless powder
  • Nitrocellulose-based propellants
  • Double-base propellant powders
  • Propellant powders for small arms and artillery
Also under 3601.00
  • Hodgdon H4895
  • Alliant Reloder 15
  • Winchester 231
  • Vihtavuori N140
  • IMR 4064

Codes often confused with 3601.00

Common mistake. Gunpowder is often misclassified under HS code 3602.00, which is reserved for prepared explosives like dynamite, TNT, or plastic explosives. The distinction lies in the rate of reaction; 3601.00 is for propellants (deflagration), while 3602.00 is for high explosives (detonation). It may also be confused with safety fuses or detonating fuses under 3603.00, which are finished articles used to ignite explosives rather than the explosive material itself. Additionally, fireworks and pyrotechnic articles are classified under 3604.10, even if they contain gunpowder as a lifting charge, because the finished article's primary function is entertainment.

3602.00Explosives, prepared; other than propellent powders3604.10Pyrotechnic products; fireworks

Top exporters and importers of HS 360100 (the code used for gunpowder), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360100 (the code used for gunpowder) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 14% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Türkiye, with 15% 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 360100, not only gunpowder.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $168M
  2. 2 Canada $152M
  3. 3 France $135M

World total: $1.2B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Türkiye $208M
  2. 2 Slovakia $168M
  3. 3 United States $163M

World total: $1.4B 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 gunpowder

Brazil classifies gunpowder under NCM 3601.00.00: HS 3601.00 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about gunpowder

What is the HS code for Gunpowder?

The HS code for Gunpowder is 360100 (Explosives; propellent powders). The HS code for gunpowder is 3601.00. This code applies to both traditional black powder and modern smokeless propellant powders used in firearms, artillery, and rocket motors.

How do I classify Gunpowder for customs?

Gunpowder is classified under HS code 360100 — Explosives; propellent powders. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Is nitrocellulose classified under this code?

Pure nitrocellulose is typically classified in Chapter 39 as a polymer. However, when it is prepared as a propellant powder (smokeless powder) by adding stabilizers or other agents, it is classified under 3601.00.

Which countries are the top exporters of gunpowder (HS 360100)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360100 (the code used for gunpowder) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($168M, 14% of world exports), Canada ($152M) and France ($135M). World exports came to about $1.2B, 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 gunpowder (HS 360100)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 360100 (the code used for gunpowder) in UN Comtrade data were Türkiye ($208M, 15% of world imports), Slovakia ($168M) and the United States ($163M). World imports came to about $1.4B, 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 Gunpowder the same in all countries?

The base HS code 360100 for Gunpowder 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 gunpowder in Brazil?

In Brazil, gunpowder (HS 360100) is classified under NCM 3601.00.00.