HTS Chapter 36: Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys
HTS Chapter 36 covers Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys. Browse 3 published headings, then narrow to the active product line that matches the goods.
2026 HTS Rev 19 Synced Rules verified Operational
Written to help non-specialists understand this page. Rates, dates, and legal facts come from the official records above and on the linked source.
HTS Chapter 36 covers explosives and pyrotechnic-related articles, certain ignition and signaling products, pyrophoric materials such as ferrocerium, and specified articles made from combustible materials. Representative headings include 3603 for fuses, detonating cords, caps, igniters, and electric detonators; 3604 for fireworks, signaling flares, rain rockets, fog signals, and other pyrotechnic articles; and 3606 for ferrocerium and other pyrophoric alloys and certain combustible-material articles. The exact classification depends on the product’s composition, design, and function—not merely its marketing description.
The HTS is organized from broad to specific: chapter, heading, subheading, and then the complete 10-digit tariff number. Start with Chapter 36, read the relevant heading text and legal notes, and then compare the product with the subheadings and their units of quantity. Confirm whether exclusions, chapter notes, or rules outside Chapter 36 direct the product elsewhere. Products in this chapter may also be subject to permits, safety controls, transport rules, or additional Chapter 99 provisions, so the tariff classification should be verified against current official HTS and agency requirements.
What to check
- Describe the product precisely: identify its materials, active contents, construction, ignition method, packaging, and intended use.
- Read the chapter notes, heading notes, and exclusions before choosing between a pyrotechnic article, ignition product, pyrophoric alloy, or another HTS category.
- Do not classify solely by common name or end use; compare the product’s physical characteristics and principal function with the legal descriptions and subheadings.
- Check whether the complete 10-digit code requires a specific unit of quantity, statistical suffix, country-of-origin treatment, or an applicable Chapter 99 provision.
- Confirm licensing, hazardous-material transport, explosives, and other agency requirements; seek a customs broker or binding ruling when the classification or regulatory status is uncertain.
How to use this chapter
A chapter is the first classification level, not a duty rate. Choose the heading that describes the product, narrow by material, construction, use, or other legal distinctions, and verify the final line against the official HTS notes.
Heading list
| HTS code | Description | Linked 8-digit entries |
|---|---|---|
| 3603 | Safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonators: | 0 |
| 3604 | Fireworks, signaling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles: | 0 |
| 3606 | Ferrocerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials as specified in note 2 to this chapter: | 0 |
Linked measures
0 linked measure entries in the current snapshot.
Questions about HTS Chapter 36
What does HTS Chapter 36 cover?
HTS Chapter 36 covers Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys. This page groups the chapter’s 4-digit headings; a shipment still needs the most specific active 8- or 10-digit line supported by the product facts.
Is HTS Chapter 36 a final product classification?
No. A chapter is a broad 2-digit category. Narrow it to the applicable heading and the most specific active statistical line before estimating duty or filing an entry.