HS code · 4-digit heading
HS Code 93.02 – Revolvers and pistols; other than those of heading no. 9303 or 9304
What HS 93.02 covers
Heading 9302 of the Harmonized System specifically classifies "Revolvers and pistols; other than those of heading no. 9303 or 9304." This category is dedicated to modern, functional handguns, encompassing both revolvers (multi-chambered cylinder firearms) and pistols (typically semi-automatic or single-shot firearms where the chamber is integral with the barrel). The critical exclusion clauses clarify that antique firearms, those firing only blank cartridges, or other non-firearm devices (like air pistols or signal pistols) fall into other headings (9303 or 9304, respectively). This distinction is vital for customs and trade compliance, as it targets operational firearms designed for self-defense, law enforcement, military service (if not meeting the specific military-grade criteria of 9301), or sport shooting. The scope of 9302 is therefore focused on projectile-firing handguns that utilize an explosive charge for propulsion. For international trade, products under 9302 are subject to rigorous controls, including import/export licenses, background checks for recipients, and adherence to national firearms acts and international agreements. Misclassification can lead to severe legal repercussions due to the inherent danger and regulatory sensitivity of firearms. Historically, handguns have been crucial tools for personal protection, law enforcement, and military operations, evolving significantly in design and technology over centuries. This heading provides a precise classification for these modern instruments, enabling governments to monitor and control their cross-border movement effectively within Section XIX (Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof).
- Covers
- Semi-automatic pistols (e.g., Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, Beretta 92FS)
- Revolvers (e.g., Smith & Wesson Model 686, Colt Python, Ruger SP101)
- Single-shot pistols (modern)
- Derringers
- Target pistols (for sport)
- Service pistols (for police/military, if not fully automatic)
- Concealed carry pistols
- Compact pistols
- Subcompact pistols
- Full-size pistols
- Competition pistols
- Magnum revolvers
- Rimfire pistols
- Centerfire pistols
- Double-action revolvers
- Single-action revolvers
- Polymer-frame pistols
- Steel-frame pistols.
- Examples
Glock GmbH exports thousands of semi-automatic pistols from Austria to law enforcement agencies and licensed distributors in the United States, requiring stringent import permits from the ATF and compliance with state-specific firearms laws. A high-end Italian firearms manufacturer, Beretta, ships a consignment of its pistols to a Canadian police force for duty use, navigating Canada's strict firearms import regulations and federal licensing requirements. Brazilian arms manufacturer Taurus exports revolvers and pistols to licensed dealers in various South American countries, often through regional trade agreements, while still adhering to national firearms laws. A specialized dealer in the USA imports antique-style but modern-production single-action revolvers from Italy for the collector and sport shooting market, ensuring all necessary federal and state import documentation is in order.
Subheadings under 93.02 1
Codes often confused with 93.02
Common mistake. A frequent misclassification is confusing revolvers and pistols (9302) with other firearms of 9303, particularly antique firearms or those designed to fire only blank cartridges. If a pistol is primarily a collector's item due to age or uses only non-lethal blanks, it would fall under 9303. Another common error is placing non-firearm devices like air pistols, gas pistols, or signal pistols (which do not fire projectiles by means of an explosive charge) under 9302 instead of 9304. Furthermore, military-grade pistols with fully automatic capabilities, though rare, might be misclassified here instead of the more restrictive 9301. The key distinction relies on the method of projectile propulsion (explosive charge), the item's age/antique status, and its primary function (lethal projectile vs. non-lethal/signaling).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 9302, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 9302 in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 21% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 60% of world imports. Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher. The United Kingdom reports $1.2B of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $189M 21% of world exports
- 2 Türkiye $181M 20% of world exports
- 3 Czechia $144M 16% of world exports
Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $911M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $660M 60% of world imports
- 2 Türkiye $34M 3.1% of world imports
- 3 Poland $31M 2.9% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $1.2B of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $1.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Questions about HS 93.02
What is HS code 9302?
HS code 9302 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Revolvers and pistols; other than those of heading no. 9303 or 9304. Heading 9302 of the Harmonized System specifically classifies "Revolvers and pistols; other than those of heading no. 9303 or 9304." This category is dedicated to modern, functional handguns, encompassing both revolvers (multi-chambered cylinder firearms) and pistols (typically semi-automatic or single-shot firearms where the chamber is integral with the barrel). The critical exclusion clauses clarify that antique firearms, those firing only blank cartridges, or other non-firearm devices (like air pistols or signal pistols) fall into other headings (9303 or 9304, respectively). This distinction is vital for customs and trade compliance, as it targets operational firearms designed for self-defense, law enforcement, military service (if not meeting the specific military-grade criteria of 9301), or sport shooting. The scope of 9302 is therefore focused on projectile-firing handguns that utilize an explosive charge for propulsion. For international trade, products under 9302 are subject to rigorous controls, including import/export licenses, background checks for recipients, and adherence to national firearms acts and international agreements. Misclassification can lead to severe legal repercussions due to the inherent danger and regulatory sensitivity of firearms. Historically, handguns have been crucial tools for personal protection, law enforcement, and military operations, evolving significantly in design and technology over centuries. This heading provides a precise classification for these modern instruments, enabling governments to monitor and control their cross-border movement effectively within Section XIX (Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof).
What products fall under HS code 9302?
Semi-automatic pistols (e.g., Glock 19, Sig Sauer P320, Beretta 92FS), revolvers (e.g., Smith & Wesson Model 686, Colt Python, Ruger SP101), single-shot pistols (modern), derringers, target pistols (for sport), service pistols (for police/military, if not fully automatic), concealed carry pistols, compact pistols, subcompact pistols, full-size pistols, competition pistols, magnum revolvers, rimfire pistols, centerfire pistols, double-action revolvers, single-action revolvers, polymer-frame pistols, steel-frame pistols.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 9302?
A frequent misclassification is confusing revolvers and pistols (9302) with other firearms of 9303, particularly antique firearms or those designed to fire only blank cartridges. If a pistol is primarily a collector's item due to age or uses only non-lethal blanks, it would fall under 9303. Another common error is placing non-firearm devices like air pistols, gas pistols, or signal pistols (which do not fire projectiles by means of an explosive charge) under 9302 instead of 9304. Furthermore, military-grade pistols with fully automatic capabilities, though rare, might be misclassified here instead of the more restrictive 9301. The key distinction relies on the method of projectile propulsion (explosive charge), the item's age/antique status, and its primary function (lethal projectile vs. non-lethal/signaling).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 9302?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9302 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($189M, 21% of world exports), Türkiye ($181M) and Czechia ($144M). World exports came to about $911M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 9302?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9302 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($660M, 60% of world imports), Türkiye ($34M) and Poland ($31M). World imports came to about $1.1B, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). The United Kingdom reports $1.2B of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
How is HS code 9302 structured?
HS code 9302 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 93 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (93) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (02) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.