Product classification
HS code for Shotgun primers: 9306.29
Ammunition, parts of shotgun cartridges.
Classification of shotgun primers under HS 9306.29
Shotgun primers are classified under HS code 9306.29. These components are the ignition source for shotgun cartridges, containing a small amount of sensitive explosive material that reacts to the impact of a firing pin. In the Harmonized System, primers are treated as parts of the ammunition they are intended to serve. Heading 9306 covers cartridges and other ammunition and parts thereof. Subheading 9306.29 is the residual category for parts of shotgun cartridges. While primers are explosive in nature, they are specifically designed for use in ammunition, which directs their classification to Chapter 93 rather than Chapter 36 (Explosives) in many jurisdictions, provided they are identified as ammunition parts. The classification follows GRI 1, as the primers are essential parts of the shotgun cartridges classified in 9306.21.
- Covers
- 209 shotgun primers
- Battery cup primers
- Large gauge shotgun primers
- Small gauge shotgun primers
- Primers for shotshell reloading
- Percussion primers for shotgun shells
- Also under 9306.29
- CCI primers
- Hodgdon shotgun powder
- Claybuster wads
- Cheddite hulls
- Ballistic Products shot
Codes often confused with 9306.29
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for shotgun primers is HS code 3603.40, which covers percussion caps. While primers and percussion caps are technically similar, the HS structure often distinguishes between general-use percussion caps and those specifically manufactured as parts of cartridges. If the item is a component of a shotgun shell, 9306.29 is the more specific classification. Another error is using 9306.21, which is for the complete cartridge. Primers are only one component and must be classified as parts. Importers should also be careful not to use 3601.00 (propellant powders), as primers are distinct ignition devices.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun primers), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun primers) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 17% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United Kingdom, with 15% 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. Italy reports $414M of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 930629, not only shotgun primers.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $49M 17% of world exports
- 2 France $49M 17% of world exports
- 3 Türkiye $46M 16% 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: $296M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United Kingdom $44M 15% of world imports
- 2 Italy $44M 15% of world imports
- 3 United States $44M 15% of world imports
Italy reports $414M of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
World total: $296M 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 that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. 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 shotgun primers
Brazil classifies shotgun primers under NCM 9306.29.00: HS 9306.29 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shotgun primers
What is the HS code for Shotgun primers?
The HS code for Shotgun primers is 930629 (Ammunition; parts of shotgun cartridges). Shotgun primers are classified under HS code 9306.29 as parts of shotgun cartridges.
How do I classify Shotgun primers for customs?
Shotgun primers is classified under HS code 930629 — Ammunition; parts of shotgun cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are primers considered hazardous materials for shipping?
Yes, while their HS code is 9306.29, they are regulated as explosives (Class 1.4S) for transportation purposes due to their chemical composition.
Which countries are the top exporters of shotgun primers (HS 930629)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun primers) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($49M, 17% of world exports), France ($49M) and Türkiye ($46M). World exports came to about $296M, 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 primers (HS 930629)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun primers) in UN Comtrade data were the United Kingdom ($44M, 15% of world imports), Italy ($44M) and the United States ($44M). World imports came to about $296M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Italy reports $414M of its chapter 93 imports without product detail (confidential), so its figure here may be too low and it may rank higher.
Is the HS code for Shotgun primers the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930629 for Shotgun primers 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 primers in Brazil?
In Brazil, shotgun primers (HS 930629) is classified under NCM 9306.29.00.