Product classification
HS code for Blank ammunition: 9306.90
Ammunition, n.e.c. in chapter 93.
Classification of blank ammunition under HS 9306.90
Blank ammunition, primarily utilized for training exercises, theatrical performances, signaling purposes, or with starting pistols, is appropriately classified under HS code 930690. This specific code is designated for "Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93," serving as a comprehensive residual category for various types of ammunition not explicitly detailed in other subheadings within Chapter 93 (Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof). Despite the absence of a projectile, blank ammunition is fundamentally designed and constructed as a cartridge for a firearm, containing a primer and propellant. Its function, while not lethal, aligns with the broader definition of ammunition, making 930690 the most suitable classification for these specialized cartridges.
- Covers
- Blank cartridges for various firearms (e.g., rifles, pistols, shotguns)
- Starter pistol blanks used in sporting events
- Training ammunition designed for non-lethal practice
- Signaling cartridges without a projectile, used for distress signals or pyrotechnics
- Industrial blank cartridges for power tools
- Also under 9306.90
- Javelin anti-tank missile (components/rounds)
- M67 hand grenade (components)
- specific artillery rounds from Rheinmetall
- Raytheon missiles
Codes often confused with 9306.90
Common mistake. 930621 (Cartridges for shotguns): This code is specifically for complete shotgun cartridges that contain a projectile (e.g., shot or a slug). Blank ammunition, by its very nature, is devoid of a projectile, which is a fundamental distinction preventing its classification under 930621. The absence of a projectile means it does not serve the same ballistic purpose as a live shotgun cartridge. 930630 (Cartridges for revolvers or pistols): Similar to shotgun cartridges, this code is reserved for live ammunition intended for revolvers or pistols, which includes a bullet or projectile. Blank ammunition, lacking this critical component, cannot be classified under 930630. The primary function of a blank is to produce sound or gas pressure, not to propel a projectile. 930690 (Other ammunition): While blank ammunition falls here, sometimes other specialized ammunition might be mistakenly placed here if its specific characteristics are overlooked. However, for blank ammunition, this is the correct residual category.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930690 (the code used for blank ammunition), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930690 (the code used for blank ammunition) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 46% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Poland, with 21% of world imports. Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 930690, not only blank ammunition.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $5.4B 46% of world exports
- 2 Poland $1.2B 10% of world exports
- 3 South Korea $974M 8.3% of world exports
Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $11.8B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Poland $2.1B 21% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$1.8B 18% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$1.1B 11% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $10.1B 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 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 blank ammunition
Brazil splits HS 9306.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9306.90.10Irritant grenades with chemicals or capsicum
- 9306.90.20Smoke, illuminating, sound or marking grenades
- 9306.90.90Bombs, missiles, mines and other munitions
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about blank ammunition
What is the HS code for Blank ammunition?
The HS code for Blank ammunition is 930690 (Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93). The HS code for blank ammunition is 930690. This code is used for "Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93," which accurately describes blank cartridges that function as ammunition but lack a projectile, distinguishing them from live rounds.
How do I classify Blank ammunition for customs?
Blank ammunition is classified under HS code 930690 — Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
How does blank ammunition differ from live ammunition for classification purposes?
The primary distinction for classification lies in the presence or absence of a projectile. Live ammunition, which includes a projectile (e.g., bullets, shot), is typically classified under more specific codes like 930621 (shotgun cartridges) or 930630 (revolver/pistol cartridges). Blank ammunition, by contrast, is designed without a projectile and therefore falls into the broader residual category 930690, reflecting its specialized, non-projectile function within the ammunition classification framework.
Which countries are the top exporters of blank ammunition (HS 930690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930690 (the code used for blank ammunition) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($5.4B, 46% of world exports), Poland ($1.2B) and South Korea ($974M). World exports came to about $11.8B, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of blank ammunition (HS 930690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930690 (the code used for blank ammunition) in UN Comtrade data were Poland ($2.1B, 21% of world imports), Ukraine (about $1.8B) and the United Arab Emirates (about $1.1B). World imports came to about $10.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Blank ammunition the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930690 for Blank ammunition is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for blank ammunition in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 930690 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for blank ammunition depends on the product's details: 9306.90.10 (Irritant grenades with chemicals or capsicum), 9306.90.20 (Smoke, illuminating, sound or marking grenades), 9306.90.90 (Bombs, missiles, mines and other munitions).