Chapter 36 HS Codes: Chapter 36 Commodities
CHAPTER DEFINITION & SCOPE
HS Chapter 36 of the WCO Harmonized System covers chapter 36 commodities. It groups 6 4-digit WCO headings and 13 6-digit subheadings under the official 2026 customs nomenclature [USITC HTS 2026].
Chapter
Ch 36
Headings
6 Headings
Subheadings
13 HS6
US Tariff Status
Active 2026
Chapter 36 4-Digit Headings Directory
| Heading | WCO Heading Description | Subheading Count | Directory Link |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heading 3601 | Propellant powders | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 3601 → |
| Heading 3602 | Prepared explosives, other than propellant powders | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 3602 → |
| Heading 3603 | Safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonators | 6 subheadings | Browse Heading 3603 → |
| Heading 3604 | Fireworks, signaling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articles | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 3604 → |
| Heading 3605 | Matches, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604 | 1 subheadings | Browse Heading 3605 → |
| Heading 3606 | Ferrocerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials as specified in note 2 to this chapter | 2 subheadings | Browse Heading 3606 → |
Chapter 36 Subheading Sample & MFN Duty Rates
| HS Code | Subheading Description | Heading | Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| 3601.00 | Propellant powders | 3601 | View 3601.00 → |
| 3602.00 | Prepared explosives, other than propellant powders | 3602 | View 3602.00 → |
| 3603.10 | Safety fuses | 3603 | View 3603.10 → |
| 3603.20 | Detonating cords | 3603 | View 3603.20 → |
| 3603.30 | Percussion caps | 3603 | View 3603.30 → |
| 3603.40 | Detonating caps | 3603 | View 3603.40 → |
| 3603.50 | Igniters | 3603 | View 3603.50 → |
| 3603.60 | Electric detonators | 3603 | View 3603.60 → |
| 3604.10 | Fireworks | 3604 | View 3604.10 → |
| 3604.90 | Other | 3604 | View 3604.90 → |
| 3605.00 | Matches, other than pyrotechnic articles of heading 3604 | 3605 | View 3605.00 → |
| 3606.10 | Ferrocerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials as specified in note 2 to this chapter, Liquid or liquefied-gas fuels in containers of a kind used for filling or refilling cigarette or similar lighters and of a capacity not exceeding 300 cm3 | 3606 | View 3606.10 → |
| 3606.90 | Other | 3606 | View 3606.90 → |
EXPERT CLASSIFICATION PRO TIPS
Common Pitfalls When Classifying Chapter 36 Goods
- Always review WCO Section and Chapter Legal Notes before assigning 4-digit headings.
- Distinguish carefully between unprocessed raw materials and further prepared or processed articles.
- Verify Partner Government Agency (PGA) flags for agriculture, food, or chemical items.
- Cross-reference official CBP CROSS rulings for binding precedents on mixed or composite goods.
Official Primary Sources & Authority References
USITC HTS Chapter 36 Tariff ↗
United States International Trade Commission official Harmonized Tariff Schedule.
CBP CROSS Rulings ↗
Customs Rulings Online Search System for Chapter 36 binding classification precedents.
WCO HS Nomenclature ↗
World Customs Organization international 6-digit Harmonized System backbone standard.
U.S. Census Foreign Trade ↗
U.S. Census Bureau trade statistics and Schedule B concordance portal.
Chapter 36 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What commodities are covered under HS Chapter 36?
Chapter 36 (Chapter 36 Commodities) covers WCO Harmonized System 4-digit headings from 3601 upward, encompassing primary goods, raw materials, and manufactured articles within this nomenclature section.
How many 4-digit headings exist in HS Chapter 36?
Chapter 36 contains 6 official 4-digit WCO headings and 13 6-digit tariff subheadings.
What is the US general import duty range for Chapter 36 commodities?
Base customs duties under Chapter 36 range from 0.0% (Duty-Free) up to representative MFN rate limits depending on 10-digit HTS statistical suffix extensions.
Do Section 301 China tariffs apply to Chapter 36 imports?
Section 301 tariffs depend on specific 8-digit HTS subheadings. Importers must verify if their exact HTS code appears on USTR Lists 1 through 4A.
Are Partner Government Agency (PGA) permits required for Chapter 36?
PGA message-set flags (such as FDA, USDA APHIS, EPA, or CITES) apply conditionally depending on the commodity classification within Chapter 36.
How are products classified between adjacent headings in Chapter 36?
Classification follows WCO General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 through 6, prioritizing specific heading terms over general descriptions.
Can Chapter 36 goods enter duty-free under USMCA or Free Trade Agreements?
Yes. Eligible goods originating in USMCA member states (US, Mexico, Canada) or FTA partners enter duty-free under SPI code P, KR, AU, or CL with a valid Certificate of Origin.
What is the Section 321 de minimis limit for Chapter 36 shipments?
Eligible commercial shipments valued at $800 USD or less imported by one person on one day may enter duty-free under 19 U.S.C. 1321.
What documents are required for formal entry of Chapter 36 goods?
Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading/Air Waybill, and entry summary CBP Form 7501 are mandatory for entries exceeding $2,500 USD.
How can an importer obtain a binding CBP ruling for Chapter 36?
Importers may submit an e-Ruling application under 19 CFR Part 177 to CBP National Commodity Specialist Division.