Safety matches

Safety matches for domestic or industrial use

PESO CLEARANCE

HSN 3605 00 10 (Safety matches) is subject to Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) licensing under the Explosives Rules, 2008. The tariff line is Restricted under the ITC (HS) import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), and import is permitted only through specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008.

What this is

HSN code

3605 00 10

Chapter

36 · Explosives; pyrotechnic products; matches; pyrophoric alloys; certain combustible preparations

Primary regulator

PESO · Explosives Rules, 2008

Customs documentation

Import licence from PESO
Specified-port declaration to CBIC
ITC (HS) policy compliance from DGFT

Applicable Partner Government Agencies

PESOPESO·Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation

Procedural directions for customs clearance are issued by: Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Compliance steps

1
Obtain the requisite PESO import licence covering the category and quantity of safety matches before filing the bill of entry. The consignment must arrive through a port specified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008; diversion to an unspecified port renders the import unlawful.
Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 36
2
Ensure full compliance with Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 governing transport, storage, and handling of explosives. Non-compliance with any of these provisions constitutes a separate contravention of the Explosives Rules, 2008, independent of the import-licence condition.
Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming that safety matches, being a consumer product, fall outside the explosives licensing regime. Safety matches are classified within Chapter 36 and are treated as explosives for import-control purposes; a consignment landed without a current PESO licence at a non-specified port is liable to seizure under the Explosives Act, 1884 regardless of the commercial quantity involved. Confirm the port of discharge against the PESO-notified list before vessel departure.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 3605 00 10 require BIS certification?

No, safety matches are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation licensing under the Explosives Rules, 2008, with the ITC (HS) Restricted-import overlay administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade.

Which ports are permitted for the import of safety matches?

Import is permitted only through the specified ports notified under Rule 44 of the Explosives Rules, 2008; the current list is published by PESO and must be verified before booking the shipment.

Do the transport and storage rules of the Explosives Rules, 2008 apply after customs clearance?

Yes. Rules 7, 14, 15 and 45 of the Explosives Rules, 2008 govern transport, storage, and handling and remain applicable through the entire post-clearance supply chain, not only at the port of import.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: PESO / DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.