Skip to main content

Not sure about the classification?

Intelligent search
93

Tariff Chapter 93

Bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles and similar munitions of war and parts thereof; cartridges and other ammunition and projectiles and parts thereof, including shot and cartridge wads

What does heading 9306 of the customs tariff cover?

Heading 9306 covers bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition. Chapter 93 covers arms and ammunition, their parts and accessories. Import of arms and ammunition into the EU is subject to one of the strictest licensing regimes in international trade. EU duty rates range from 0% to 3.2%. However, arms and ammunition import requires strict licensing under Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. Import licences from national arms trade control authorities are required. Heading 9306 is part of Chapter 93 (arms, ammunition and parts thereof) of the Combined Nomenclature (CN) used in the European Union. This classification is based on the Harmonized System (HS) developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO), which is used in over 200 countries worldwide. The EU Combined Nomenclature extends the HS with additional 8-digit subheadings, while the TARIC system adds 10-digit codes for identifying specific trade measures. Each 4-digit heading such as 9306 is subdivided into 6-digit (HS), 8-digit (CN) and 10-digit (TARIC) subheadings that specify the type of goods for the purpose of applying the correct duty rates, trade measures and regulatory requirements. Correct determination of the 10-digit code is essential for establishing the amount of customs duties and taxes, as well as required permits and certificates. Classification of goods under heading 9306 must follow the General Rules for the Interpretation (GRI) of the Combined Nomenclature. Rule 1 states that classification is determined primarily by the terms of the headings and the relevant section or chapter notes. The Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the Combined Nomenclature clarify the scope of each heading and are essential references for importers and customs brokers.

Duty rates and import requirements for heading 9306

Import of arms and ammunition into the EU is subject to one of the strictest licensing regimes in international trade. EU duty rates range from 0% to 3.2%. However, arms and ammunition import requires strict licensing under Council Common Position 2008/944/CFSP. Import licences from national arms trade control authorities are required. Arms import requires licences from national arms trade control authorities. UN and EU arms embargoes apply. Weapons transport is subject to special security regulations. Check current sanctions and arms embargo lists. When importing goods under heading 9306 into the European Union, attention must be paid to applicable duty rates, which depend on the specific subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN (Most Favoured Nation) duty rates apply to imports from countries with which the EU does not have preferential trade agreements. Current rates can be checked in the EU TARIC database on the European Commission website. Import of goods under heading 9306 may benefit from preferential duty rates under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) concluded by the EU with third countries, the Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) for developing countries, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Claiming preferences requires presentation of appropriate proof of origin (EUR.1 certificate, origin declaration, REX certificate or statement on origin under the registered exporter system). Goods under heading 9306 are subject to arms and ammunition trade controls. Required documentation includes: arms import permits, export licences, End-User Certificates. In addition to customs duty, imports are subject to VAT at the rate applicable in the country of destination. The VAT taxable amount at import is the customs value plus duty and any countervailing or anti-dumping duties. The importer must file an electronic customs declaration in the national import system.

Classification of goods under heading 9306 — key considerations

Heading 9306 covers bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, cartridges, and other ammunition, and their parts. Key: military and civilian ammunition — hunting, sport, signal. Includes shotgun shells, military rockets, and pellets. Common mistake: explosives (powder) are 3601-3603; detonators are 3603.

Frequently asked questions

What duty rates apply to bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition under heading 9306?
Customs duty rates for bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition under heading 9306 depend on the specific tariff subheading (8- or 10-digit code) and the country of origin. MFN rates apply to imports from countries without preferential trade agreements. Preferential rates may be available under Free Trade Agreements (FTAs), the GSP scheme, or autonomous tariff suspensions. Current rates for heading 9306 should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database. Standard VAT rate in Poland is 23%.
What documents are required when importing bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition into the EU?
Importing bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition under heading 9306 into the EU requires a customs declaration with the correct CN classification and the importer's EORI number. Standard documentation includes a commercial invoice, transport document and product specification. A certificate of origin is needed for preferential rates. Additional regulatory requirements depend on the product type and may include safety, conformity or quality control certificates. Imports are governed by the Union Customs Code (UCC).
What should be considered when classifying bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition under heading 9306?
Classification of goods under heading 9306 requires applying the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Combined Nomenclature (CN). Key factors include the product's composition, intended use and level of processing. Heading 9306 covers bombs, grenades, torpedoes, mines, missiles, ammunition — exact classification to the 6-, 8- or 10-digit subheading depends on the specific characteristics of the goods. In case of doubt, it is recommended to apply for a Binding Tariff Information (BTI) from the competent customs authority. The EBTI database on the European Commission website can help with classifying similar goods. Current duty rates should be verified in the European Commission's TARIC database.