HS Code 3606Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36

What HS code 3606 covers

A pyrophoric alloy is a metal mix that throws off sparks when it is scraped or struck. Ferro-cerium is the most familiar kind. Heading 3606 takes these alloys in all forms, so the shape of the goods does not change the heading.

The heading also holds articles made of combustible materials that no other heading in the chapter names. On top of that, it holds small containers of fuel for refilling lighters. These goods look unrelated, but the Harmonized System places them together at the end of the chapter.

The WCO Harmonized System groups them under Chapter 36, which is about explosives, pyrotechnic products and matches. You may also see the same heading written as HSN code 3606. The digits are the same.

Customs tariff classification starts with these six digits. Each country then adds its own extra digits and sets its own duty and tax rates. This page does not list rates. To check a product against the rules, try the HS code classifier.

Six-digit codes under heading 3606: 360610 and 360690

Heading 3606 is split into two codes. Each one has a clear job.

In short, 360610 is for lighter fuel in small containers, and 360690 is for the alloys and the other combustible articles.

• HS 360610: liquid or liquefied-gas fuel packed in containers made for filling or refilling cigarette or similar lighters, with a capacity of no more than 300cm3. Think of a small refill can of lighter gas.
• HS 360690: ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms, plus articles of combustible materials in Chapter 36 that are not named anywhere else.

How to choose between 360610 and 360690

Start with the container and the use. If the goods are a fuel, packed to refill lighters, and the container holds 300cm3 or less, look at 360610. This answers the common question about the HS code for lighter refill gas and for lighter fuel cans under 300 cm3. A larger container does not fit this code.

If the goods are an alloy that makes sparks, such as ferro-cerium, look at 360690. The same code applies to a combustible article that fits no other heading in the chapter.

Read the full wording of each code before you file. When you are unsure, run the product through our classifier tool and compare how other traders declare the same goods.

How 3606 differs from other Chapter 36 headings

Most Chapter 36 headings are about things that burn fast, burst or ignite on purpose. Heading 3606 is the catch-all for what is left over.

Matches have their own place in heading 3605. A match and a lighter fuel both help make a flame, yet they are filed apart.

Heading 3603 holds safety fuses, detonating cords, caps, igniters and electric detonators.

If your goods are one of those items, they do not belong in 3606. If they are a spark alloy, a lighter refill fuel or a combustible article with no better home, they probably do.

Ferro-cerium importers and exporters: search HS 3606 shipment data

Who buys and sells these goods? It changes by country and over time, so the surest way to find out is to read live customs records for this heading.

EximDataX shows shipment-level import and export records from official customs sources. Coverage: 43 direct customs feeds plus 184 mirror-derived countries. Named buyers and named suppliers are available in 38 of the 43 direct markets. Most markets refresh weekly and some refresh daily. You can search by HS code to see who imports and exports a product, and book a free demo.

Duty and tax rates differ by country, so check them in the national tariff of the market you trade with.