Product classification
HS code for Flare gun cartridges: 9306.90
Ammunition, n.e.c. in chapter 93.
Classification of flare gun cartridges under HS 9306.90
Flare gun cartridges are classified under HS code 9306.90. Heading 93.06 covers bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, and similar munitions of war and their parts, as well as cartridges and other ammunition and projectiles. While specific subheadings exist for cartridges for shotguns (9306.21) or rifles, flare gun cartridges—which are essentially pyrotechnic signals launched from a firearm-like device—fall into the residual "other" category of 9306.90. This classification is determined by the fact that these items are cartridges designed to be fired from a weapon (the flare gun), even if the intent is signaling or distress communication rather than combat. It is important to distinguish these from hand-held flares or fireworks, which are classified in Chapter 36. Under GRI 1, the product is identified as ammunition because it contains a propellant and a projectile (the flare) designed to be discharged from a bore. The construction of the cartridge casing and the presence of a primer further support its placement in Chapter 93.
- Covers
- 12-gauge aerial flare cartridges
- 25mm signal flares
- Parachute flare cartridges
- Smoke signal cartridges for flare guns
- Marine distress signal cartridges
- 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. Flare gun cartridges are often misclassified under HS code 3604.90, which covers pyrotechnic signals. However, Chapter 36 is for signaling flares that are not in the form of a cartridge for a gun. They may also be confused with 9306.21 if they are 12-gauge, but that code is specifically for shotgun shells used for sporting or hunting.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930690 (the code used for flare gun cartridges), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930690 (the code used for flare gun cartridges) 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 flare gun cartridges.
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 flare gun cartridges
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 flare gun cartridges
What is the HS code for Flare gun cartridges?
The HS code for Flare gun cartridges is 930690 (Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93). The HS code for flare gun cartridges is 9306.90.
How do I classify Flare gun cartridges for customs?
Flare gun cartridges is classified under HS code 930690 — Ammunition; n.e.c. in chapter 93. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is the flare gun itself classified under the same code?
No, the flare gun (the launcher) is typically classified under HS code 9303.90 as a device designed to fire only signal flares.
Which countries are the top exporters of flare gun cartridges (HS 930690)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930690 (the code used for flare gun cartridges) 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 flare gun cartridges (HS 930690)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930690 (the code used for flare gun cartridges) 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 Flare gun cartridges the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930690 for Flare gun cartridges 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 flare gun cartridges in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 930690 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for flare gun cartridges 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).