Lead Azide Initiating Explosive from China
Lead azide is a primary high explosive used in detonators and primers for initiating secondary explosives. It falls under HTS 3602.00.00 as a prepared explosive, other than propellants, due to its extreme sensitivity to friction and impact.
Duty Rate — China → United States
20%
Rate breakdown
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
9903.05.3112.5%Section 301 (forced labor) — additional 12.5% ad valorem on products of China
Import Tips
• Requires Class 1.1A labeling; test for azide content to prevent misclassification
• Federal explosives license mandatory; state end-use to mining or R&D
• Store and transport under nitrogen to prevent decomposition during customs