HS Code 93.04 – Firearms; (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307

HS code 9304 is a 4-digit heading in the Harmonized System that covers: Firearms; (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307. Heading 9304 covers a distinct category of firearms that operate without an explosive charge, primarily encompassing spring, air, or gas-powered guns and pistols, as well as truncheons. This classification is crucial for distinguishing recreational and less lethal projectile devices from traditional firearms of heading 9303 and military-grade weapons of 9301. The scope includes items like airsoft guns, BB guns, pellet guns, and paintball markers, which are widely used for sport, recreation, and training purposes. These devices propel projectiles using compressed air, CO2 cartridges, or mechanical springs, rather than gunpowder. Also included are truncheons and batons, which are non-projectile defensive or offensive weapons. This heading specifically excludes swords, cutlasses, bayonets, and similar items classified under 9307. Accurate classification under 9304 is vital for compliance professionals because, while generally less regulated than conventional firearms, these items are still subject to import/export controls, age restrictions, and specific national laws regarding their power output, design, and use. For instance, some countries regulate high-powered air rifles similarly to firearms. The trade significance lies in the global popularity of airsoft and paintball sports, creating a substantial market for these products. Misclassification could lead to incorrect duties, delays, or even legal issues, especially if a high-powered airgun is mistakenly declared as a toy or a conventional firearm. This heading is a key part of Chapter 93, reinforcing its connection to arms, albeit of a less lethal nature.

Airsoft rifles, airsoft pistols, BB guns, pellet rifles, CO2 pistols, spring-powered airguns, paintball markers, paintball guns, truncheons, batons, police batons, tactical batons, compressed air rifles, gas-powered pistols, replica firearms (non-firing, if gas/spring operated), stun batons (if primarily a truncheon), training airguns, target practice pellet guns.

A common misclassification error involves confusing items under 9304 with actual firearms (9303) or toys (9503). The distinction from 9303 is the propulsion method (air/gas/spring vs. explosive charge). For example, a high-powered pellet gun is 9304, not 9303, even if it has a similar appearance. Conversely, items like toy guns that do not propel a projectile, or propel very weak ones, should be classified under 9503. Additionally, parts and accessories for these items belong to 9305, not 9304 itself. Incorrectly classifying a powerful airgun as a toy can lead to severe penalties.

In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 9304 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($1.0B, 62% of world exports), China ($141M) and Taiwan (about $119M). World exports came to about $1.7B, 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 it may also belong among the top exporters.

In 2025, the top importers of HS code 9304 in UN Comtrade data were Czechia ($3.3B, 82% of world imports), the United States ($171M) and France ($61M). World imports came to about $4.0B, 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.

HS code 9304 is a 4-digit heading under Chapter 93 of the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (93) identify the chapter, and digits 3-4 (04) specify the heading. This code contains multiple 6-digit subheadings for precise product classification.