Product classification
HS code for Safety fuses: 3603.10
Safety fuses.
Classification of safety fuses under HS 3603.10
Safety fuses are classified under HS code 3603.10. This classification is situated within Chapter 36, which encompasses explosives, pyrotechnic products, and certain combustible preparations. Safety fuses are technically defined as articles used to transmit an ignition flame to a detonator or an explosive charge at a steady, predetermined rate. They typically consist of a core of black powder or other slow-burning explosive material, tightly wrapped in layers of textile yarn or plastic tape, and often coated with a waterproofing agent like bitumen. The classification is determined by the function of the item as an ignition source rather than a detonating source. Under the Harmonized System, the distinction between safety fuses (3603.10) and detonating fuses (3603.20) is critical, as the latter contains a high-velocity explosive core that detonates rather than burns.
- Covers
- Mining safety fuses
- Slow-burning ignition fuses
- Blasting fuses for civil engineering
- Waterproof safety fuses for underwater ignition
- Bickford-style safety fuses
- Also under 3603.10
- Ensign-Bickford Ensign Safety Fuse
- Austin Powder Safety Fuse
- Orica Safety Fuse
- Dyno Nobel Safety Fuse
Codes often confused with 3603.10
Common mistake. Safety fuses are frequently confused with detonating fuses, which fall under 3603.20. The primary difference is the speed of the reaction; safety fuses burn, while detonating fuses explode. They are also sometimes misclassified under 8536.10, which covers electrical fuses used in circuitry. However, 8536.10 refers to overcurrent protection devices, whereas 3603.10 refers to pyrotechnic ignition devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360310 (the code used for safety fuses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360310 (the code used for safety fuses) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was South Africa, with 19% of world imports. Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 360310, not only safety fuses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $15M 21% of world exports
- 2 India $13M 18% of world exports
- 3 Peru* ~$12M 17% of world exports · partner records ↗
Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
World total: $75M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 South Africa $14M 19% of world imports
- 2 Ecuador $8.5M 12% of world imports
- 3 Japan $7.2M 10% of world imports
World total: $72M 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 safety fuses
Brazil classifies safety fuses under NCM 3603.10.00: HS 3603.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about safety fuses
What is the HS code for Safety fuses?
The HS code for Safety fuses is 360310 (Safety fuses). The HS code for safety fuses used for ignition in blasting or pyrotechnics is 3603.10.
How do I classify Safety fuses for customs?
Safety fuses is classified under HS code 360310 — Safety fuses. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electrical igniters classified under this code?
No, electrical igniters or percussion caps are generally classified under 3603.40 (percussion caps) or 3603.60 (electric detonators), depending on their specific mechanism.
Which countries are the top exporters of safety fuses (HS 360310)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360310 (the code used for safety fuses) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($15M, 21% of world exports), India ($13M) and Peru (about $12M). World exports came to about $75M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Peru did not report 2025 data, and its estimate from partner records misses its trade with other countries that did not report: in 2024 that was 8.3% of its exports here ($1.2M, CEPII BACI), so it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of safety fuses (HS 360310)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360310 (the code used for safety fuses) in UN Comtrade data were South Africa ($14M, 19% of world imports), Ecuador ($8.5M) and Japan ($7.2M). World imports came to about $72M, 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 Safety fuses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360310 for Safety fuses 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 safety fuses in Brazil?
In Brazil, safety fuses (HS 360310) is classified under NCM 3603.10.00.