Product classification
HS code for Percussion caps: 3603.30
Percussion caps.
Classification of percussion caps under HS 3603.30
Percussion caps are classified under HS code 3603.30. This classification falls within Chapter 36, which encompasses explosives, pyrotechnic products, and certain combustible preparations. Percussion caps are essential components in the ignition system of firearms and certain industrial tools. They consist of a small metal or plastic cup containing a highly sensitive explosive priming mixture, such as lead azide or mercury fulminate. When struck by a firing pin, the mixture detonates, providing the spark necessary to ignite the main propellant charge. The classification under 3603.30 is specific to the caps themselves as individual components. This follows the logic of the Harmonized System where ignition devices are grouped together based on their functional role in initiating an explosion or combustion. It is important to note that these items are regulated as Class 1 explosives for transport, which aligns with their classification in the 3603 heading.
- Covers
- Percussion caps for muzzle-loading firearms
- Toy pistol caps (in strips, rolls, or rings)
- Primers for centerfire or rimfire cartridges
- Detonating caps for industrial use
- Small-arms primers
- Also under 3603.30
- CCI Primers
- Federal Primers
- Winchester Primers
- Remington Primers
- Sellier & Bellot Primers
Codes often confused with 3603.30
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 9306, which covers bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, and similar munitions of war and parts thereof. While percussion caps are parts of ammunition, the specific heading 3603 takes precedence for the caps when they are imported or exported as separate components. Another common confusion is with HS code 3604, which covers fireworks and signaling flares; however, percussion caps are strictly ignition devices rather than finished pyrotechnic displays.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360330 (the code used for percussion caps), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360330 (the code used for percussion caps) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 32% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Switzerland, with 13% 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 360330, not only percussion caps.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $57M 32% of world exports
- 2 Bosnia and Herzegovina $37M 20% of world exports
- 3 France $22M 12% of world exports
World total: $180M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Switzerland $15M 13% of world imports
- 2 United States $8.9M 7.5% of world imports
- 3 Germany $7.7M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $119M 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 percussion caps
Brazil classifies percussion caps under NCM 3603.30.00: HS 3603.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about percussion caps
What is the HS code for Percussion caps?
The HS code for Percussion caps is 360330 (Percussion caps). The specific HS code for percussion caps is 3603.30, which is a sub-heading of the broader 3603 category for safety fuses and detonators.
How do I classify Percussion caps for customs?
Percussion caps is classified under HS code 360330 — Percussion caps. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are toy gun caps classified under this code?
Yes, caps designed for use in toy pistols are classified under 3603.30 because they function through the same explosive ignition principle as industrial percussion caps.
Which countries are the top exporters of percussion caps (HS 360330)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360330 (the code used for percussion caps) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($57M, 32% of world exports), Bosnia and Herzegovina ($37M) and France ($22M). World exports came to about $180M, 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 percussion caps (HS 360330)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360330 (the code used for percussion caps) in UN Comtrade data were Switzerland ($15M, 13% of world imports), the United States ($8.9M) and Germany ($7.7M). World imports came to about $119M, 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 Percussion caps the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360330 for Percussion caps 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 percussion caps in Brazil?
In Brazil, percussion caps (HS 360330) is classified under NCM 3603.30.00.