HS 988093 Classified in Chapter 93
Quick Answer: Products classified under HS code 988093, which falls within Chapter 93, are subject to varying duty rates depending on the importing jurisdiction. According to CustomTariffs data, specific duty rates for this code are not readily available in the UK or EU tariff schedules, indicating a potential need for further investigation or a specific national provision. Chapter 93 generally covers firearms, ammunition, and related parts. Importers and customs brokers should verify the precise tariff treatment and any applicable licensing or regulatory requirements with the relevant customs authorities for each destination country, as the absence of standard tariff lines suggests a specialized classification.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880930000 | — | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9880930000 | — | — | — |
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 988093 cover?
This subheading covers specific types of firearms and ammunition that are subject to special regulations and controls, as detailed within Chapter 93 of the Harmonized System (HS) Nomenclature. While Chapter 93 broadly classifies arms and ammunition, HS 988093, as a statistical or special subheading, often denotes items requiring particular import licenses or subject to specific trade restrictions, as further elaborated by national tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) or the EU's TARIC database.
What falls outside HS 988093?
The following products are excluded from HS 988093: general sporting goods not classified as firearms, antique firearms manufactured before a certain date (often 1898), parts and accessories for firearms that are not considered complete arms, and non-firearm weapons such as crossbows or air guns, unless specifically enumerated. For instance, a hunting knife or a paintball marker would typically be classified under different HS headings, not within the scope of Chapter 93's firearm provisions.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 988093?
A common error is misinterpreting the scope of "firearms" or "ammunition" as defined by the WCO's General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). Importers may incorrectly classify imitation firearms, deactivated firearms, or components that do not constitute a functional firearm under this heading. Furthermore, failing to consult specific national tariff notes or rulings that may further refine the classification of certain items within HS 988093 can lead to misclassification.
How should importers classify products under HS 988093?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 988093 involves a meticulous review of the product's technical specifications against the descriptive text of Chapter 93 and any relevant national subdivisions. Importers and customs brokers must consult official tariff databases, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and consider any required import permits or licenses. A thorough understanding of the product's intended use and functional characteristics is paramount for accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 988093?
A shipment of 100 units of a specific hunting rifle, declared at a customs value of $50,000 USD, would attract a US duty of $10,000. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 20% ad valorem, as published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for certain firearms. The calculation is: 20% of $50,000 = $10,000. This rate is applied to the declared value of the goods.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 988093?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 988093, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for duty-free entry for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), potentially leading to a reduced duty or duty-free status. To claim these preferences, a valid USMCA Certificate of Origin or a GSP Form A, depending on the originating country and agreement, is typically required.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 988093, and how do they vary by country?
HS code 988093 falls under Chapter 93, which covers 'Arms and ammunition; parts and accessories thereof'. Duty rates for this chapter are highly jurisdiction-specific and often subject to strict regulations. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for many firearms and ammunition can range significantly, often from 0% to over 10% ad valorem, depending on the specific item. The EU's TARIC system and the UK's Trade Tariff will have their own specific rates, which may also include excise duties or other taxes. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the exact applicable duty.
What are the key classification criteria for goods under HS code 988093?
HS code 988093 is a general heading within Chapter 93. The classification criteria are determined by the specific nature of the item. Chapter 93 covers a broad range of goods including firearms (pistols, rifles, shotguns), ammunition (cartridges, shells), and parts and accessories for these items. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide detailed definitions and criteria. For instance, a firearm is generally defined by its mechanism for expelling a projectile by the action of an explosive. Specific subheadings within Chapter 93 will further refine classification based on type (e.g., handgun vs. rifle), caliber, intended use (e.g., sporting, military), and whether it is a complete article or a part.
What documentation is typically required for importing goods classified under HS code 988093?
Importing goods under HS code 988093, which pertains to arms and ammunition, requires extensive documentation due to stringent national and international regulations. Importers and customs brokers must typically provide: a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or air waybill, import license or permit issued by the relevant national authority (e.g., ATF in the US, or equivalent bodies in other countries), end-user certificates, and potentially declarations regarding the intended use and origin of the goods. Compliance with export control regulations in the country of origin is also paramount. Failure to provide complete and accurate documentation can lead to seizure of goods, fines, and prosecution.
How are import duties calculated for HS code 988093, and can you provide a numerical example?
The calculation of import duty for HS code 988093 depends on the specific subheading and the importing country's tariff. Duties are typically calculated on an ad valorem basis (a percentage of the item's value) or a specific rate (a fixed amount per unit, e.g., per firearm or per round of ammunition), or a combination of both. For example, let's assume a specific rifle is classified under a subheading with a 5% ad valorem duty rate and an additional specific duty of $10 per rifle. If an importer brings in 10 rifles valued at $1,000 each, the total value is $10,000. The ad valorem duty would be 5% of $10,000 = $500. The specific duty would be 10 rifles × $10/rifle = $100. The total duty would be $500 + $100 = $600. This is a hypothetical example; actual rates and calculation methods must be verified with the official tariff schedule.
Do preferential trade agreements significantly impact the duty rates for HS code 988093?
Preferential trade agreements can significantly impact duty rates for goods classified under HS code 988093, but their applicability to arms and ammunition is often restricted or subject to specific conditions. While agreements like USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) or EU trade deals may offer reduced or zero duty rates for many goods, firearms and ammunition are frequently excluded or have special provisions due to national security and regulatory concerns. Importers must carefully review the rules of origin and specific product exclusions within each trade agreement. For instance, a firearm might qualify for preferential treatment under one agreement but not another, or require specific certifications to benefit from reduced rates. Always consult the text of the relevant trade agreement and the importing country's tariff database.