Heading 9303

Other firearms and similar devices which operate by the firing of an explosive charge (for example, sporting shot- guns and rifles, muzzle-loading firearms, Very pistols and other devices designed to project only signal flares, pistols and revolvers for firing blank ammunition, captive-bolt humane killers, line-throwing guns)

17 declarable lines

Heading 9303 covers firearms and similar devices that fire an explosive charge, such as shotguns, sporting rifles, muzzle-loading guns, blank-firing pistols and line-throwing guns. It splits first by type: muzzle-loading firearms (9303.10), shotguns and combination guns (9303.20), other sporting rifles (9303.30), and a residual other group (9303.90). Rifle lines split further by value and action type, and rates are often assessed partly on the value of any telescopic sight imported with the rifle.

Products in this heading

Muzzle-loading black powder rifle
Autoloading 12 gauge hunting shotgun
Pump action shotgun
Over and under target shotgun
Bolt action centerfire hunting rifle
Rimfire sporting rifle
Pistol that fires only blank cartridges
Line-throwing gun

How to choose the right subheading

Whether the firearm loads at the muzzle (9303.10) or fires fixed cartridges.
Whether the item is a shotgun or combination gun (9303.20), a rifle (9303.30), or another device (9303.90).
For rifles, the value per unit, since the lines split at over $25 but not over $50 versus other values.
The action type: autoloading, pump action, over and under, bolt action single shot, bolt action other, or other.
Whether ignition is centerfire or rimfire, and whether a telescopic sight is imported with the rifle.

Often confused with

Military rifles and machine guns
Military weapons are classified in heading 9301, not with sporting firearms.
Heading 9301
Stocks, barrels and other gun parts
Parts and accessories of 9301 to 9304 firearms go to heading 9305.
Heading 9305
Shotgun shells and cartridges
Ammunition and projectiles are classified in heading 9306, not as firearms.
Heading 9306
Airsoft, BB and pellet guns
Guns that fire by spring, air or gas rather than an explosive charge fall in heading 9304.
Toy guns and replica firearms
Non-firing toys are classified as toys, not as firearms.

Frequently asked questions

What is the HTS code for a pump action shotgun?

Pump action shotguns are classified under 9303.20.00.30. The general (MFN) rate is 2.6%.

What is the duty on a bolt action centerfire rifle?

A bolt action centerfire rifle other than a single shot falls under 9303.30.80.17. The general (MFN) rate is 3.1% on the value of the rifle plus 13% on the value of the telescopic sight, if any.

How do I classify a muzzle-loading firearm?

Muzzle-loading firearms go in 9303.10.00.00. The general (MFN) rate is Free.

Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.