HS 930621 Shotgun cartridges and parts thereof; air gun pellets
Quick Answer: Shotgun cartridges and parts thereof, and air gun pellets imported under HS 930621 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US with a Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of Free, though some specific items may face a 30% duty. This classification specifically covers ammunition designed for shotguns and air guns, including the pellets themselves and any components of shotgun cartridges. Importers and customs brokers should be aware that regulations surrounding firearms and ammunition are stringent in most jurisdictions, often requiring specific licenses or permits beyond standard customs declarations. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the varying duty structures across major trading blocs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9306210000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9306210000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9306210000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 930621 cover?
This subheading covers shotgun cartridges and parts thereof, as well as air gun pellets, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Specifically, it encompasses complete shotgun cartridges designed for use in firearms, including the casing, primer, propellant, and projectile. Parts of shotgun cartridges, such as empty casings or wads, also fall under this classification. Air gun pellets, typically made of lead or other materials and designed for use in air-powered weapons, are also included, as per the definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 930621?
The following products are excluded from HS 930621: complete firearms (which are classified under heading 9301 to 9304), ammunition for other types of firearms such as rifles or pistols (classified under 930630), fireworks and other pyrotechnic articles (classified under 3604), and inert projectiles or training ammunition not designed for actual firing. For instance, dummy rounds for ceremonial purposes or purely decorative replicas of ammunition would not be classified here, and their classification would depend on their specific nature and intended use, potentially falling under other headings based on their material composition or function.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 930621?
A common error is misclassifying components or related items. For example, classifying empty shotgun shells intended for reloading by the end-user under this subheading when they are intended for sale as components for reloading might be incorrect if they are considered parts of reloading equipment. Additionally, confusing air gun pellets with ammunition for firearms is a frequent mistake. Adherence to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes, is crucial to avoid such errors.
How should importers classify products under HS 930621?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 930621 involves a thorough examination of the product's exact nature and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must consult the official tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and refer to the Explanatory Notes of the WCO. Key considerations include whether the item is a complete shotgun cartridge, a part thereof, or an air gun pellet. If unsure, seeking a binding ruling from the customs authority is the most reliable method to ensure accurate classification and avoid potential penalties.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 930621?
A shipment of 10,000 .22 caliber air gun pellets, declared at a customs value of $500 USD, would attract a US duty of $25.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $500 USD = $25.00 USD. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 9306.21.0000.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 930621?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 930621, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, eligible goods originating from Canada or Mexico may receive a duty-free rate. For example, Canadian-origin shotgun cartridges could be imported into the US duty-free, provided a valid Certificate of Origin is presented. The United States also has preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) for certain developing countries, which could offer reduced duties, though specific eligibility and documentation requirements, such as a GSP Form A, must be met.
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FAQ
What are the import duty rates for HS code 930621 (Shotgun cartridges and parts thereof; air gun pellets) into the United States?
For imports into the United States, HS code 930621 is subject to a Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem. This rate applies to shotgun cartridges and parts thereof, and air gun pellets. It is crucial to consult the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS), published by the US International Trade Commission (USITC), for the most current and precise duty rates, as these can be subject to change. Preferential duty rates may apply under certain trade agreements, but these are less common for this specific classification.
How is the import duty for HS code 930621 calculated for a shipment of air gun pellets to the UK?
The import duty calculation for HS code 930621 into the United Kingdom is based on the ad valorem (AV) system. For example, if a shipment of 10,000 air gun pellets has a declared value of £5,000, and the duty rate is 2.7% ad valorem, the calculation would be: £5,000 (value) × 0.027 (duty rate) = £135 (duty amount). This calculation is performed on the customs value of the goods. Always refer to the UK Trade Tariff for the definitive duty rates and any applicable taxes like VAT.
What specific criteria determine if a product falls under HS code 930621 for shotgun cartridges?
HS code 930621 specifically covers 'Shotgun cartridges and parts thereof; air gun pellets'. For shotgun cartridges, this includes complete rounds designed for use in shotguns, typically containing shot, wadding, and propellant. Parts thereof would include components like empty casings, primers, or wads specifically manufactured for shotgun cartridges. Air gun pellets are projectiles designed for use in air guns. The key is the intended use and design of the item. Items not fitting these descriptions, such as blank cartridges or components not exclusively for shotguns, may be classified elsewhere. Consult the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System (WCO) for detailed classification guidance.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond a commercial invoice and packing list for importing shotgun cartridges under HS 930621?
Yes, importing goods classified under HS 930621, which pertains to firearms ammunition, often requires additional documentation due to the sensitive nature of these products. Importers typically need to obtain relevant licenses or permits from national authorities responsible for firearms and ammunition control (e.g., the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) in the US). A Certificate of Origin may also be required, especially if preferential duty rates are claimed under a trade agreement. Customs brokers should verify the specific import regulations and licensing requirements of the destination country with the relevant government agencies before shipment.
Do trade agreements like USMCA or EU trade deals offer preferential duty rates for HS code 930621?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 930621 under major trade agreements such as the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA) or agreements involving the European Union are generally limited or not applicable to firearms ammunition. These types of goods are often excluded from preferential treatment due to national security and regulatory concerns. Importers should always verify the specific rules of origin and the preferential status of goods under any applicable trade agreement by consulting the text of the agreement and the relevant customs authority's guidance. For the EU, the TARIC database is the official source for duty rates and trade measures.