Safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonators
6 declarable lines
Heading 3603 covers the initiating and ignition hardware used with explosives and pyrotechnics: safety fuses, detonating cords, percussion and detonating caps, igniters and electric detonators. It is split by function, with the fuse and cord lines at one rate, percussion caps slightly higher, and the cap, igniter and detonator lines at a low rate. All six lines are declarable at the 10-digit level.
Products in this heading
- Safety fuse for blasting, on a reel
- Detonating cord (Primacord type) for connecting charges
- Percussion caps for firearms ammunition or cap guns
- Detonating caps used with commercial blasting explosives
- Non-electric igniters for fireworks or pyrotechnic displays
- Electric detonators (blasting caps with lead wires)
- Igniter assemblies sold as replacement parts
How to choose the right subheading
- Decide whether the item burns slowly along a cord (safety fuse) or carries a shock wave (detonating cord).
- Identify whether the cap is struck mechanically (percussion cap) or fired by shock or heat (detonating cap).
- Check whether initiation is by electric current (electric detonator) or by a flame or spark (igniter).
- Confirm the item is a separate initiator or fuse, not part of a finished pyrotechnic article.
- Match the item description to the exact declarable line rather than the heading text alone.
Often confused with
- Heading 3604Consumer fireworks and firecrackers
Finished pyrotechnic articles are classified in 3604, not as igniters or fuses.
- Heading 3604Signaling flares and fog signals
These are pyrotechnic articles that burn as the product itself, not as an initiator.
- Heading 3606Ferrocerium flints and lighter sparking alloys
Pyrophoric alloys are covered by 3606 rather than the igniters line.
- Heading 9306Ammunition primers sold as part of loaded cartridges
Primers assembled into complete ammunition follow the ammunition heading, not heading 3603.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for safety fuse?
Safety fuses are classified under 3603.10.00.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 3%.
What is the duty on electric detonators?
Electric detonators fall under 3603.60.00.00 and carry a general (MFN) rate of 0.2%.
How do I classify percussion caps versus detonating caps?
Percussion caps that are struck by a firing pin go in 3603.30.00.00 at a general (MFN) rate of 4.2%, while caps set off by shock or heat go in 3603.40.00.00 at 0.2%.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.