Explosives; pyrotechnic products… (chapter 36): which countries import it
Chapter 36 covers explosives, fireworks, matches and pyrophoric alloys. The US is the largest importer worldwide (USD 1.2B in 2025), followed by Germany…
Published on 15 September 2026Updated on 27 September 2026
Chapter 36 covers explosives, fireworks, matches and pyrophoric alloys. The US is the largest importer worldwide (USD 1.2B in 2025), followed by Germany and Turkey. Exports from this chapter face strict safety certifications and transport regulations. Tariffs vary by destination and product classification.
Fact sheet
- Code
- 36
- Sector
- Health, Cosmetics and Chemicals
Main importing markets
USD · 2025| Country | Imports (USD) |
|---|---|
| United States | 1,214,860,606 |
| Germany | 500,565,251 |
| Türkiye | 299,929,886 |
| Slovakia | 263,657,824 |
| France | 245,120,758 |
| Canada | 237,901,620 |
| Australia | 235,901,689 |
| Italy | 214,882,297 |
| United Kingdom | 212,019,909 |
| Czechia | 200,024,688 |
| Mexico | 189,479,077 |
| Poland | 159,295,101 |
| Spain | 157,955,208 |
| Japan | 156,482,598 |
| Chile | 150,638,032 |
Imports declared by each country from the world. Countries report with a delay: the period is the latest with consolidated data.
Source: UN ComtradeData for 2025Verified on 27 September 2026
Headings in this chapter
- Explosives; propellent powdersHeading 3601
- Prepared explosives, other than propellent powdersHeading 3602
- Safety fuses; detonating cords; percussion or detonating caps; igniters; electric detonatorsHeading 3603
- Fireworks, signalling flares, rain rockets, fog signals and other pyrotechnic articlesHeading 3604
- Matches; other than pyrotechnic articles of heading no. 3604Heading 3605
- Ferro-cerium and other pyrophoric alloys in all forms; articles of combustible materials n.e.c. in chapter 36Heading 3606
Trade fairs in this sector
What you need to know to export Chapter 36 products
Chapter 36 comprises six headings: explosives and propellant powders, prepared explosives, detonators and fuses, fireworks and pyrotechnic articles, matches, and pyrophoric alloys. Each heading has its own classification rules and safety requirements.
Transport of these goods falls under ADR regulations (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). Your logistics provider must hold the required licenses and your products must be labeled and packaged according to UN classifications. Even within the EU, movement requires documented compliance.
Questions about exporting explosives and pyrotechnic products
Do I need a license to export fireworks from Spain?
Yes. Fireworks fall under heading 3604 and require authorization from the Ministry of the Interior before any export. The authorization process involves demonstrating compliance with storage and handling standards and can take several weeks. You cannot export without this license, even to EU countries.
What transport restrictions apply to matches and pyrophoric alloys?
Matches and pyrophoric alloys are classified as dangerous goods under ADR. They require special packaging, labeling and transport documentation. Your carrier must be ADR-certified. Sea transport requires additional IMDG (International Maritime Dangerous Goods) compliance. Road transport into certain countries may be restricted on specific routes or times.
Which markets offer the best opportunities for Spanish exporters of Chapter 36 products?
The US, Germany and Turkey are the largest importers globally, but access varies by product type. Industrial explosives have different markets than fireworks or matches. Poland and the Czech Republic are growing importers, likely for industrial use. Research the specific end-use regulations in each country; a product certified for construction use may not be approved for civil pyrotechnics.
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