Product classification
HS code for Shotgun wads: 9306.29
Ammunition, parts of shotgun cartridges.
Classification of shotgun wads under HS 9306.29
Shotgun wads are classified under HS code 9306.29. This classification is applied because wads are considered essential components or parts of shotgun cartridges rather than complete ammunition. Chapter 93 governs the classification of arms and ammunition, and heading 9306 covers cartridges and their parts. While complete shotgun cartridges are classified under 9306.21, the parts of these cartridges—excluding the lead shot or slugs themselves in some jurisdictions—are grouped under the residual subheading 9306.29. Wads play a critical role in the function of a shotgun shell by separating the powder from the shot, providing a seal to prevent gas bypass, and cushioning the shot during acceleration. Whether made of plastic, felt, or paper, their specific design for use in ammunition dictates their placement in Chapter 93. The classification remains consistent regardless of the material, provided the article is identifiable as a part of a shotgun cartridge.
- Covers
- Plastic shot cups and wads
- Felt wads for traditional cartridges
- Fiber or paper wads
- Gas seals for shotgun shells
- Power pistons and cushion wads
- Also under 9306.29
- CCI primers
- Hodgdon shotgun powder
- Claybuster wads
- Cheddite hulls
- Ballistic Products shot
Codes often confused with 9306.29
Common mistake. Shotgun wads are frequently misclassified under Chapter 39 (specifically 3926.90 for other articles of plastics) if they are made of polymer materials. However, according to the Section Notes for Section XIX, parts of ammunition are specifically included in Chapter 93, which takes precedence over general material-based classifications. They may also be confused with HS code 9306.21, but that code is strictly for complete cartridges. Another potential error is 9306.90, which covers other parts of munitions, but 9306.29 is the more specific code for shotgun-related components.
Top exporters and importers of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun wads), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun wads) 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 wads.
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 wads
Brazil classifies shotgun wads 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 wads
What is the HS code for Shotgun wads?
The HS code for Shotgun wads is 930629 (Ammunition; parts of shotgun cartridges). The HS code for shotgun wads, being parts of shotgun cartridges, is 9306.29.
How do I classify Shotgun wads for customs?
Shotgun wads is classified under HS code 930629 — Ammunition; parts of shotgun cartridges. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are empty shotgun hulls classified under the same code?
Yes, empty shotgun cartridge cases (hulls) are also classified under HS code 9306.29 as parts of shotgun ammunition.
Which countries are the top exporters of shotgun wads (HS 930629)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun wads) 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 wads (HS 930629)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 930629 (the code used for shotgun wads) 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 wads the same in all countries?
The base HS code 930629 for Shotgun wads 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 wads in Brazil?
In Brazil, shotgun wads (HS 930629) is classified under NCM 9306.29.00.