Yes. Detonators, caps, and other initiating devices are classified as explosive materials under the Safe Explosives Act, and importers must hold an ATF federal explosives importer's license. Each device type may also carry a distinct DOT hazard classification and compatibility group, which affects how they can be co-loaded with other hazardous materials during transport.

A safety fuse burns at a slow, controlled rate to provide a time delay between ignition and detonation of a blasting cap — it does not itself detonate. Detonating cord (detonating fuse) contains a core of high explosive and propagates a detonation wave at very high velocity, used to simultaneously initiate multiple charges or transmit detonation over distance. The two are not interchangeable, and specifying the wrong type is a serious safety risk.