Product classification
HS code for Shotgun: 9303.90
Firearms, n.e.c. in heading no. 9303.
Classification of shotgun under HS 9303.90
The classification of shotguns under HS code 9303.90 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6. This code is designated for firearms that operate by the firing of an explosive charge but do not fall under the more specific categories of muzzle-loading firearms (9303.10) or sporting, hunting, or target-shooting shotguns (9303.20). Chapter 93 of the Harmonized System covers arms and ammunition, and heading 9303 specifically addresses other firearms and similar devices which operate by the firing of an explosive charge. The 9303.90 subheading acts as a residual category for firearms that are not elsewhere classified (n.e.c.). This includes specialized shotguns used for security, tactical purposes, or certain industrial applications. Proper classification requires an analysis of the firearm's technical specifications, its intended use, and its firing mechanism to ensure it does not meet the criteria for the more specific sporting or military headings.
- Covers
- Tactical shotguns
- Security-grade shotguns
- Non-sporting smooth-bore firearms
- Industrial line-throwing guns
- Signal flare guns using explosive charges
- Antique shotgun replicas (functional)
- Also under 9303.90
- Webley & Scott flare pistol
- Schermuly line thrower
- Accles & Shelvoke captive-bolt stunner
- specific black powder signal guns
Codes often confused with 9303.90
Common mistake. Shotguns are most frequently misclassified under HS code 9303.20, which is reserved specifically for sporting, hunting, or target-shooting shotguns. The distinction depends on the firearm's design and marketing; if it is not clearly for sport, it falls into 9303.90. Another common error is classification under 9301.90, which covers military weapons. If a shotgun is not of a type used by armed forces as a standard-issue weapon, it should remain in 9303. Finally, some importers mistakenly use 9304.00, which is for air, gas, or spring guns that do not use explosive charges.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930390 (the code used for shotgun), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930390 (the code used for shotgun) in UN Comtrade data was Qatar, with about 30% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 33% of world imports. Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 930390, not only shotgun.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Qatar* ~$36M 30% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 2 Thailand $16M 13% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $15M 12% of world exports
Türkiye reports $4.0B of its chapter 93 exports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $122M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $37M 33% of world imports
- 2 Thailand $18M 16% of world imports
- 3 Spain $7.8M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $112M 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 shotgun
Brazil splits HS 9303.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9303.90.10Launchers for less-lethal shotgun cartridges
- 9303.90.90Other firearms, e.g. flare or blank-firing pistols
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shotgun
What is the HS code for Shotgun?
The HS code for Shotgun is 930390 (Firearms; n.e.c. in heading no. 9303). The HS code for a shotgun not elsewhere classified is 9303.90, while sporting shotguns are classified under 9303.20.
How do I classify Shotgun for customs?
Shotgun is classified under HS code 930390 — Firearms; n.e.c. in heading no. 9303. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are antique shotguns classified under this code?
Functional replicas of antique shotguns that use an explosive charge are classified here, but non-functional decorative pieces may fall under Chapter 97 as collectors' items.
Which countries are the top exporters of shotgun (HS 930390)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930390 (the code used for shotgun) in UN Comtrade data were Qatar (about $36M, 30% of world exports), Thailand ($16M) and Türkiye ($15M). World exports came to about $122M, 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 its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Which countries are the top importers of shotgun (HS 930390)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930390 (the code used for shotgun) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($37M, 33% of world imports), Thailand ($18M) and Spain ($7.8M). World imports came to about $112M, 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 Shotgun the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930390 for Shotgun 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 shotgun in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 930390 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for shotgun depends on the product's details: 9303.90.10 (Launchers for less-lethal shotgun cartridges), 9303.90.90 (Other firearms, e.g. flare or blank-firing pistols).