Product classification
HS code for Matches: 3605.00
Matches, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604.
Classification of matches under HS 3605.00
Matches are classified under HS code 3605.00. This heading is part of Chapter 36, which covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, matches, pyrophoric alloys, and certain combustible preparations. Heading 3605 is a very specific, single-level heading that covers matches of all kinds, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 36.04. This includes safety matches, which require a specific striking surface, and strike-anywhere matches. The classification is straightforward under GRI 1 because the heading text explicitly names the product. The materials used for the match head, typically containing phosphorus, potassium chlorate, or sulfur compounds, and the stick, whether made of wood, cardboard, or wax-impregnated thread, do not change the classification, as the finished product's identity as a match is the defining factor. The Harmonized System does not differentiate between matches based on their packaging, so book matches, box matches, and bulk matches all fall under this single code. This heading is unique because it does not have further subheadings in the international nomenclature, making 3605.00 the complete code for most jurisdictions.
- Covers
- Wooden safety matches
- Strike-anywhere matches
- Book matches made of cardboard
- Wax matches (vestas)
- Bengal matches (if not classified as pyrotechnics)
- Promotional or advertising matches
- Also under 3605.00
- Swedish Match (Solstickan, Swan Vesta)
- Diamond Matches
- Ohio Blue Tip
- Redheads
- Cricket Matches
Codes often confused with 3605.00
Common mistake. Matches are occasionally misclassified under 3604.10 or 3604.90, which cover fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles. However, heading 3605 specifically excludes pyrotechnic articles. Another very common misclassification is 9613, which covers cigarette lighters and other lighters. While both products are used for ignition, matches are consumable chemical-based sticks, whereas lighters are mechanical or electrical appliances. Additionally, some specialty matches with long burn times might be confused with 3606.10 (liquid fuels), but if they retain the form of a match, 3605.00 remains the correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360500 (the code used for matches), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360500 (the code used for matches) in UN Comtrade data was India, with 33% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 8.9% 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 360500, not only matches.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 India $59M 33% of world exports
- 2 Sweden $22M 12% of world exports
- 3 South Africa $16M 8.9% of world exports
World total: $178M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $14M 8.9% of world imports
- 2 Germany $9.4M 5.8% of world imports
- 3 Benin* ~$8.2M 5.1% of world imports · partner records ↗
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: $162M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 matches
Brazil classifies matches under NCM 3605.00.00: HS 3605.00 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about matches
What is the HS code for Matches?
The HS code for Matches is 360500 (Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604). The HS code for matches is 3605.00, which covers matches of all kinds.
How do I classify Matches for customs?
Matches is classified under HS code 360500 — Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are lighters included in the same HS code as matches?
No, cigarette lighters and other mechanical lighters are classified under HS code 9613, not 3605.00.
Which countries are the top exporters of matches (HS 360500)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360500 (the code used for matches) in UN Comtrade data were India ($59M, 33% of world exports), Sweden ($22M) and South Africa ($16M). World exports came to about $178M, 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 matches (HS 360500)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360500 (the code used for matches) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($14M, 8.9% of world imports), Germany ($9.4M) and Benin (about $8.2M). World imports came to about $162M, 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 Matches the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360500 for Matches 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 matches in Brazil?
In Brazil, matches (HS 360500) is classified under NCM 3605.00.00.