Product classification
HS code for Signal flares: 3604.90
Pyrotechnic products, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks).
Classification of signal flares under HS 3604.90
Signal flares are classified under HS code 3604.90. This classification falls within Chapter 36, which covers explosives, pyrotechnic products, pyrophoric alloys, and certain combustible preparations. Heading 3604 specifically includes fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals, and other pyrotechnic articles. While fireworks are categorized under 3604.10, all other pyrotechnic signaling devices are grouped under the residual subheading 3604.90. These products are defined by their use of exothermic chemical reactions to produce light, smoke, or sound for signaling purposes, particularly in maritime, aviation, or emergency contexts. The classification is based on the pyrotechnic nature of the device; it must contain a chemical composition that is ignited to perform its signaling function. This code is essential for ensuring that hazardous materials are handled according to safety standards for explosive and flammable goods during transport and storage.
- Covers
- Handheld distress flares
- Parachute flares for maritime use
- Smoke signals (pyrotechnic)
- Aerial signal rockets
- Fog signals (pyrotechnic)
- Also under 3604.90
- Orion Safety Products
- Pains Wessex
- Comet
- ACR Electronics
- WesCom Signal and Rescue
Codes often confused with 3604.90
Common mistake. Signal flares are most commonly misclassified under 3604.10, which is strictly for fireworks intended for entertainment. They may also be confused with 9306.90 (munitions of war) if they are military-grade, but 3604.90 is the standard classification for civilian and commercial signaling devices. Another significant error is classifying electronic LED flares under this code; electronic signaling devices do not contain pyrotechnic material and should be classified under Chapter 85, typically 8531.80, as electrical sound or visual signaling apparatus.
Top exporters and importers of HS 360490 (the code used for signal flares), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 360490 (the code used for signal flares) 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 signal flares.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $101M 28% of world exports
- 2 France $90M 25% of world exports
- 3 Germany $78M 21% of world exports
World total: $367M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $26M 10% of world imports
- 2 Germany $20M 7.9% of world imports
- 3 Japan $19M 7.5% of world imports
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 signal flares
Brazil splits HS 3604.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 3604.90.10Anti-hail rockets and cartridges
- 3604.90.90Signalling flares and other pyrotechnics
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about signal flares
What is the HS code for Signal flares?
The HS code for Signal flares is 360490 (Pyrotechnic products; signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles (excluding fireworks)). The HS code for pyrotechnic signal flares is 3604.90.
How do I classify Signal flares for customs?
Signal flares 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 maritime emergency flares included in this code?
Yes, maritime distress signals, including handheld flares and parachute rockets, are classified under 3604.90 because they rely on a pyrotechnic charge to function.
Which countries are the top exporters of signal flares (HS 360490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 360490 (the code used for signal flares) 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 signal flares (HS 360490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 360490 (the code used for signal flares) 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 Signal flares the same in all countries?
The base HS code 360490 for Signal flares 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 signal flares in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 360490 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for signal flares depends on the product's details: 3604.90.10 (Anti-hail rockets and cartridges), 3604.90.90 (Signalling flares and other pyrotechnics).