3603

Analysis

Heading 3603 of the Harmonized Tariff Schedule covers safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonators. It divides into 6 six-digit subheadings and 6 eight-digit tariff lines, with 6 ten-digit statistical suffixes below them.

None of its 6 lines is duty-free at the general rate. Rates run from 0.2% to 4.2% with a median of 1.6%, so the line you choose sets the duty.

The largest subheadings are 3603.10 (unnamed, 1 line), 3603.20 (unnamed, 1 line), 3603.30 (unnamed, 1 line) and 3603.40 (unnamed, 1 line).

By Census's concordance, most of its statistical lines are made by Explosives Manufacturing (325920), Ammunition (except Small Arms) Manufacturing (332993) and Small Arms Ammunition Manufacturing (332992). Those are the NAICS industries a US producer of these goods would report under.

Its median rate of 1.6% sits at the 44th percentile of the headings in chapter 36.

The heading text decides whether a product belongs here at all (General Rule of Interpretation 1); the subheadings and lines below it only apply once that is settled. Section and chapter notes can override the heading wording, so read them for borderline goods.