HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9306.21 – Ammunition; shotgun cartridges
HS code 9306.21 is the 6-digit subheading for ammunition, shotgun cartridges. It is used for 12 gauge shotgun shells, 20 gauge shotgun shells, .410 bore cartridges, buckshot shells and birdshot shells.
What HS 9306.21 covers
This HS code specifically covers complete shotgun cartridges, commonly referred to as shotgun shells. These munitions are widely used for hunting, various sport shooting disciplines (such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays), and certain law enforcement applications. The international trade in shotgun cartridges involves a global network of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, serving both civilian and professional markets. Due to their explosive nature and potential for harm, these goods are subject to strict regulations concerning storage, transport, and sale. Importers and exporters must navigate complex national laws, often requiring specific permits, licenses, and adherence to safety standards. Key considerations include caliber, shot size, and intended use, as these factors can influence regulatory requirements and market demand across different countries.
- Covers
- 12 gauge shotgun shells
- 20 gauge shotgun shells
- .410 bore cartridges
- Buckshot shells
- Birdshot shells
- Slug cartridges
- Non-lethal shotgun rounds
- Examples
- Federal Premium shotgun shells
- Winchester Super-X
- Remington Express
- Fiocchi shotgun cartridges
- Eley Hawk shells
Codes often confused with 9306.21
Common mistake. Can be confused with other types of ammunition (e.g., 930630 for rifle/pistol cartridges) if not clearly identified as shotgun-specific. It's also distinct from parts of shotgun cartridges (930629).
Top exporters and importers of HS code 930621, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 930621 in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $309M 42% of world exports
- 2 Italy $150M 21% of world exports
- 3 Spain $95M 13% of world exports
World total: $732M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $100M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $71M 13% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$52M 9.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $531M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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.
Brazil NCM codes for 9306.21 4
Brazil splits HS 9306.21 into 4 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
- 9306.21.10 Irritant shotgun cartridges, chemical or capsicumQue contenham produtos químicos ou oleorresina de Capsicum, com fins irritantes
- 9306.21.20 Smoke, flare, sound or marking shotgun cartridgesOutros, que produzem efeitos fumígenos, de iluminação, de som ou de identificação mediante tintas ou corantes
- 9306.21.30 Shotgun cartridges with elastomer projectilesOutros, com um ou mais projéteis de elastômeros
- 9306.21.90 Other shotgun cartridgesOutros
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 93.06 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9306.21
What is HS code 930621?
HS code 930621 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Ammunition; shotgun cartridges. This HS code specifically covers complete shotgun cartridges, commonly referred to as shotgun shells. These munitions are widely used for hunting, various sport shooting disciplines (such as trap, skeet, and sporting clays), and certain law enforcement applications. The international trade in shotgun cartridges involves a global network of manufacturers, distributors, and retailers, serving both civilian and professional markets. Due to their explosive nature and potential for harm, these goods are subject to strict regulations concerning storage, transport, and sale. Importers and exporters must navigate complex national laws, often requiring specific permits, licenses, and adherence to safety standards. Key considerations include caliber, shot size, and intended use, as these factors can influence regulatory requirements and market demand across different countries.
What products fall under HS code 930621?
12 gauge shotgun shells, 20 gauge shotgun shells, .410 bore cartridges, buckshot shells, birdshot shells, slug cartridges, non-lethal shotgun rounds
What are common misclassifications for HS code 930621?
Can be confused with other types of ammunition (e.g., 930630 for rifle/pistol cartridges) if not clearly identified as shotgun-specific. It's also distinct from parts of shotgun cartridges (930629).
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 930621?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 930621 in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($309M, 42% of world exports), Italy ($150M) and Spain ($95M). World exports came to about $732M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 930621?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 930621 in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($100M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($71M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $52M). World imports came to about $531M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 930621 structured?
HS code 930621 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (93) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (06) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (21) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 930621?
Brazil splits HS code 930621 into 4 NCM codes: 9306.21.10 (Irritant shotgun cartridges, chemical or capsicum), 9306.21.20 (Smoke, flare, sound or marking shotgun cartridges), 9306.21.30 (Shotgun cartridges with elastomer projectiles), 9306.21.90 (Other shotgun cartridges). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.