Product classification
HS code for Shotgun shells: 9306.21
Ammunition, shotgun cartridges.
Classification of shotgun shells under HS 9306.21
Shotgun shells are classified under HS code 9306.21. This classification follows the structure of Chapter 93, which covers arms and ammunition, parts, and accessories thereof. Heading 9306 specifically includes bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, and similar munitions of war, as well as cartridges and other ammunition and projectiles. Within this heading, the system differentiates between shotgun ammunition and other types of cartridges. Subheading 9306.21 is dedicated to cartridges for shotguns, which are typically characterized by a cylindrical casing containing a primer, propellant, wads, and projectiles such as shot or a slug. The classification is determined by the finished nature of the product; it must be a complete round of ammunition ready for use in a smooth-bore firearm to qualify under this specific code. The Harmonized System prioritizes the specific function of the ammunition, and since shotgun shells are distinct in their design for smooth-bore barrels, they are separated from rifle or pistol ammunition.
- Covers
- 12-gauge shotgun cartridges
- 20-gauge shotgun cartridges
- Birdshot and buckshot shells
- Shotgun slugs
- Non-lethal bean bag rounds for shotguns
- Blank cartridges specifically for shotguns
- Also under 9306.21
- Federal Premium shotgun shells
- Winchester Super-X
- Remington Express
- Fiocchi shotgun cartridges
- Eley Hawk shells
Codes often confused with 9306.21
Common mistake. Shotgun shells are often confused with HS code 9306.30, which covers other cartridges and parts thereof, including those for rifles and pistols. It is critical to distinguish between smooth-bore ammunition (9306.21) and rifled-bore ammunition (9306.30). Another common error is classifying them under 9306.29, which is reserved for parts of shotgun cartridges, such as empty hulls or wads, rather than the complete, loaded shell. Importers must ensure the product is a finished cartridge to use 9306.21.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930621 (the code used for shotgun shells), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930621 (the code used for shotgun shells) in UN Comtrade data was Brazil, with 42% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Indonesia, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 930621, not only shotgun shells.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Brazil $309M 42% of world exports
- 2 Italy $150M 21% of world exports
- 3 Spain $95M 13% of world exports
World total: $732M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Indonesia $100M 19% of world imports
- 2 United States $71M 13% of world imports
- 3 United Arab Emirates* ~$52M 9.8% of world imports · partner records ↗
World total: $531M 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 shells
Brazil splits HS 9306.21 into 4 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9306.21.10Irritant shotgun cartridges, chemical or capsicum
- 9306.21.20Smoke, flare, sound or marking shotgun cartridges
- 9306.21.30Shotgun cartridges with elastomer projectiles
- 9306.21.90Other shotgun cartridges
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about shotgun shells
What is the HS code for Shotgun shells?
The HS code for Shotgun shells is 930621 (Ammunition; shotgun cartridges). The HS code for complete shotgun shells or cartridges is 9306.21.
How do I classify Shotgun shells for customs?
Shotgun shells is classified under HS code 930621 — Ammunition; shotgun cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code include shells for clay pigeon shooting?
Yes, all standard shotgun cartridges, whether used for hunting, sport shooting like clay pigeons, or self-defense, are classified under 9306.21 as long as they are intended for smooth-bore shotguns.
Which countries are the top exporters of shotgun shells (HS 930621)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930621 (the code used for shotgun shells) in UN Comtrade data were Brazil ($309M, 42% of world exports), Italy ($150M) and Spain ($95M). World exports came to about $732M, 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.
Which countries are the top importers of shotgun shells (HS 930621)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930621 (the code used for shotgun shells) in UN Comtrade data were Indonesia ($100M, 19% of world imports), the United States ($71M) and the United Arab Emirates (about $52M). World imports came to about $531M, 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 shells the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930621 for Shotgun shells 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 shells in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 930621 into 4 NCM codes, so the right one for shotgun shells depends on the product's details: 9306.21.10 (Irritant shotgun cartridges, chemical or capsicum), 9306.21.20 (Smoke, flare, sound or marking shotgun cartridges), 9306.21.30 (Shotgun cartridges with elastomer projectiles), 9306.21.90 (Other shotgun cartridges).