Product classification
HS code for Machine guns: 9301.90
Military weapons, other than revolvers, pistols, and arms of heading 9307, n.e.c. in heading 9301.
Classification of machine guns under HS 9301.90
Machine guns are classified under HS code 9301.90, which covers military weapons other than revolvers, pistols, and the arms of heading 9307. This classification is determined by the weapon's design for military use and its fully automatic firing capability. Under the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1, products are classified according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 93 specifically addresses arms and ammunition. Machine guns are distinguished from civilian firearms by their rapid-fire mechanisms and their primary designation for defense or combat operations. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the weapon is tripod-mounted, vehicle-mounted, or man-portable, provided it meets the technical definition of a military-grade automatic weapon. Customs authorities also look at the caliber and the presence of features such as cooling jackets or belt-feed mechanisms to confirm classification under 9301.90 rather than sporting categories.
- Covers
- Fully automatic rifles designed for military use
- Light machine guns (LMG)
- Heavy machine guns (HMG)
- Submachine guns
- Belt-fed automatic weapons
- Crew-served automatic weapons
- Also under 9301.90
- AK-47
- M16
- FN SCAR
- HK MP5
- M2 Browning
- Barrett M82
- PKM machine gun
Codes often confused with 9301.90
Common mistake. Machine guns are frequently misclassified under HS code 9303, which covers other firearms and similar devices that operate by the firing of an explosive charge, such as sporting shotguns and rifles. The primary distinction is the military nature of the weapon; 9303 is reserved for civilian, sporting, or hunting equipment. Another common error is using 9301.10, which is specifically for artillery weapons like guns, howitzers, and mortars. While both are military, machine guns are categorized under the 'other' subcategory 9301.90 because they do not meet the caliber or functional definitions of heavy artillery.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930190 (the code used for machine guns), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930190 (the code used for machine guns) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 69% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, 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 930190, not only machine guns.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $516M 69% of world exports
- 2 United Arab Emirates* ~$81M 11% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 South Korea $31M 4.1% 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: $754M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $131M 21% of world imports
- 2 Ukraine* ~$59M 9.7% of world imports · partner records ↗
- 3 Australia $51M 8.4% of world imports
World total: $609M 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 code for machine guns
Brazil classifies machine guns under NCM 9301.90.00: HS 9301.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about machine guns
What is the HS code for Machine guns?
The HS code for Machine guns is 930190 (Military weapons; other than revolvers, pistols, and arms of heading 9307, n.e.c. in heading 9301). The primary HS code for machine guns is 9301.90, representing military weapons that are not revolvers or pistols.
How do I classify Machine guns for customs?
Machine guns is classified under HS code 930190 — Military weapons; other than revolvers, pistols, and arms of heading 9307, n.e.c. in heading 9301. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are parts for machine guns classified under the same code?
No, parts and accessories for machine guns are generally classified under HS code 9305.91, which is dedicated to parts of military weapons of heading 9301.
Which countries are the top exporters of machine guns (HS 930190)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930190 (the code used for machine guns) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($516M, 69% of world exports), the United Arab Emirates (about $81M) and South Korea ($31M). World exports came to about $754M, 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 machine guns (HS 930190)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930190 (the code used for machine guns) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($131M, 21% of world imports), Ukraine (about $59M) and Australia ($51M). World imports came to about $609M, 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 Machine guns the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930190 for Machine guns 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 machine guns in Brazil?
In Brazil, machine guns (HS 930190) is classified under NCM 9301.90.00.