Product classification
HS code for Pepper-spray gun: 9304.00
Firearms, (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307.
Classification of pepper-spray gun under HS 9304.00
The classification of a pepper-spray gun is determined by its mechanical function and its designation as a non-lethal weapon. Under the Harmonized System, this product is classified under HS code 9304.00, which covers "Other arms." This heading is specifically designed for weapons that do not utilize an explosive charge to discharge a projectile or substance. Pepper-spray guns typically operate using compressed gas canisters (such as CO2 or nitrogen) or spring-loaded mechanisms to propel an irritating chemical agent, such as oleoresin capsicum (OC). Because they lack the combustion chamber and explosive propellant characteristic of firearms, they are excluded from heading 93.03. Classification follows General Interpretative Rule (GRI) 1, which prioritizes the terms of the headings. Chapter 93, Note 1(e) excludes certain items like bows and arrows, but gas-powered defense tools that are not toys are firmly situated in 9304.00. The device is viewed as a complete unit; while the chemical canister itself might be classified elsewhere if imported separately, the gun-shaped housing and trigger mechanism define the essential character of the product as an arm.
- Covers
- Gas-powered pepper spray pistols
- Spring-actuated irritant launchers
- Compressed air self-defense guns
- Non-lethal gas-discharge devices for personal protection
- Pneumatic irritant sprayers shaped like firearms
- Also under 9304.00
- Crosman air rifle
- Umarex BB gun
- Tippmann paintball marker
- ASP truncheon
- Gamo pellet pistol
Codes often confused with 9304.00
Common mistake. Pepper-spray guns are frequently misclassified under HS code 9303.90, which covers other firearms and similar devices that operate by the firing of an explosive charge. This is incorrect because pepper-spray guns are pneumatic or mechanical. Another common error is using HS code 3824.99 for chemical products not elsewhere specified. While the irritant liquid is a chemical preparation, the device as a whole is a mechanical weapon. Additionally, some importers mistakenly use 9304.00.10 for air guns intended for sport, but pepper-spray guns are generally categorized as self-defense weapons rather than sporting equipment.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930400 (the code used for pepper-spray gun), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930400 (the code used for pepper-spray gun) in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 62% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Czechia, with 82% 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. The United Kingdom reports $1.2B of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 930400, not only pepper-spray gun.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Czechia $1.0B 62% of world exports
- 2 China $141M 8.4% of world exports
- 3 Taiwan* ~$119M 7.1% of world exports · partner records ↗
Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top exporters.
World total: $1.7B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Czechia $3.3B 82% of world imports
- 2 United States $171M 4.3% of world imports
- 3 France $61M 1.5% of world imports
The United Kingdom reports $1.2B of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so it may also belong among the top importers.
World total: $4.0B 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 pepper-spray gun
Brazil splits HS 9304.00 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9304.00.10Pepper spray and irritant aerosol containers
- 9304.00.90Air guns, spring guns, truncheons and other arms
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about pepper-spray gun
What is the HS code for Pepper-spray gun?
The HS code for Pepper-spray gun is 930400 (Firearms; (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307). The primary HS code for a pepper-spray gun is 9304.00, covering non-explosive arms such as gas, air, or spring-operated pistols.
How do I classify Pepper-spray gun for customs?
Pepper-spray gun is classified under HS code 930400 — Firearms; (e.g. spring, air or gas guns and pistols, truncheons), excluding those of heading no. 9307. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Is a pepper-spray gun classified as a firearm?
No, for customs purposes, it is not a firearm because it does not use an explosive propellant. It is classified as an "Other arm" under heading 9304.
Which countries are the top exporters of pepper-spray gun (HS 930400)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930400 (the code used for pepper-spray gun) 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.
Which countries are the top importers of pepper-spray gun (HS 930400)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930400 (the code used for pepper-spray gun) 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.
Is the HS code for Pepper-spray gun the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930400 for Pepper-spray gun 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 pepper-spray gun in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 930400 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for pepper-spray gun depends on the product's details: 9304.00.10 (Pepper spray and irritant aerosol containers), 9304.00.90 (Air guns, spring guns, truncheons and other arms).