Product classification

HS code for Rain rockets: 3604.90

Pyrotechnic products, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks).

Classification of rain rockets under HS 3604.90

Rain rockets are classified under HS code 3604.90, which covers pyrotechnic products such as signaling flares, fog signals, and other pyrotechnic articles, excluding fireworks. These devices are specialized tools used primarily in weather modification, specifically cloud seeding, to induce precipitation. The classification is based on the functional nature of the product as a pyrotechnic delivery system for chemical agents (like silver iodide). Under the Harmonized System, Chapter 36 deals with explosives and pyrotechnic products. Since rain rockets are designed for a technical or atmospheric purpose rather than for entertainment or display, they are excluded from the fireworks category (3604.10) and placed in the residual category for other pyrotechnic articles.

Covers
  • Cloud seeding rockets
  • Anti-hail rockets
  • Atmospheric research rockets (pyrotechnic)
  • Weather modification flares
  • Pyrotechnic rain-inducing canisters
Also under 3604.90
  • Orion Safety Products
  • Pains Wessex
  • Comet
  • ACR Electronics
  • WesCom Signal and Rescue

Codes often confused with 3604.90

Common mistake. Rain rockets are often misclassified under HS code 3604.10, which is strictly for fireworks intended for amusement. They may also be confused with HS code 8802, which covers aircraft and spacecraft, or 9303, which covers signaling flare launchers. However, the rocket itself, as a consumable pyrotechnic article, must remain in 3604.90. Confusion also occurs with HS code 3824, which covers chemical products, but because the delivery mechanism is pyrotechnic, Chapter 36 takes precedence.

3604.10Pyrotechnic products; fireworks88.02Aircraft n.e.c. in heading no. 8801, except unmanned aircraft of heading 8806, (e.g. helicopters, aeroplanes); spacecraft (including satellites) and suborbital and spacecraft launch vehicles93.03Firearms; other similar devices (e.g. sporting shotguns and rifles, muzzle-loading firearms, very pistols, devices for firing flares or blank ammunition, captive bolt humane killers, line throwing guns)38.24Prepared binders for foundry moulds or cores; chemical products and preparations of the chemical or allied industries (including those consisting of mixtures of natural products), not elsewhere specified or included

Top exporters and importers of HS 360490 (the code used for rain rockets), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360490 (the code used for rain rockets) 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 rain rockets.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 United States $101M
  2. 2 France $90M
  3. 3 Germany $78M

World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $26M
  2. 2 Germany $20M
  3. 3 Japan $19M

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 rain rockets

Brazil splits HS 3604.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

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

Questions about rain rockets

What is the HS code for Rain rockets?

The HS code for Rain rockets is 360490 (Pyrotechnic products; signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks)). Rain rockets used for cloud seeding and weather modification are classified under HS code 3604.90.

How do I classify Rain rockets for customs?

Rain rockets 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 these considered explosives for shipping?

Yes, while they are classified under 3604.90 for customs, they are treated as Class 1 explosives (pyrotechnics) for transport safety regulations due to their propellant content.

Which countries are the top exporters of rain rockets (HS 360490)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360490 (the code used for rain rockets) 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 rain rockets (HS 360490)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 360490 (the code used for rain rockets) 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 Rain rockets the same in all countries?

The base HS code 360490 for Rain rockets 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 rain rockets in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 360490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for rain rockets depends on the product's details: 3604.90.10 (Anti-hail rockets and cartridges), 3604.90.90 (Signalling flares and other pyrotechnics).