HS Code:
The 'Other sporting, hunting or target-shooting rifles' category, classified under HS Code 930330, includes rifles specifically designed for sporting, hunting, or target-shooting purposes, excluding military firearms and air or gas guns. These rifles are typically used for recreational activities, competitive shooting sports, and hunting. This category encompasses a wide range of firearms, including bolt-action, semi-automatic, and lever-action rifles, often tailored to specific calibers and uses. Global trade in this category is influenced by national regulations on firearms, cultural attitudes toward hunting and shooting sports, as well as safety and security concerns.
Total Trade Volume
USD 1.2 billion
Data from 2022
Source
United Nations Comtrade Database
USD 450 million
37.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 200 million
16.7% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 150 million
12.5% of total trade of total trade
Increasing
USD 100 million
8.3% of total trade of total trade
Stable
USD 80 million
6.7% of total trade of total trade
Decreasing
Average Rate
6.5%
Highest Rate
15% (applied by certain developing countries with strict firearm import controls)
Lowest Rate
0% (under free trade agreements like USMCA and EU Single Market)
Rising demand for precision rifles in competitive shooting
Increased exports from countries like the US and Germany, where high-quality precision rifles are manufactured.
2021-2022
Growing interest in hunting as a recreational activity in emerging markets
Moderate growth in imports to countries in Latin America and parts of Africa, though tempered by regulatory hurdles.
2020-2022
Stricter firearm regulations in key markets
Decline in trade volumes to countries like Australia and New Zealand due to tightened gun control laws post-2019.
2019-2022
The United States revised export controls on sporting and hunting rifles, transferring oversight of certain firearms from the State Department to the Commerce Department, simplifying export procedures for manufacturers.
March 2020
Increased export competitiveness for US manufacturers, leading to a rise in trade volume by approximately 10% since implementation.
The European Union updated its firearms directive to enhance traceability and impose stricter controls on the import and export of sporting rifles, requiring detailed documentation and background checks.
June 2021
Slight reduction in intra-EU trade due to compliance costs, though long-term benefits expected in curbing illicit trade.
Australia announced a partial relaxation of import bans on certain categories of sporting rifles for licensed users, following advocacy from hunting and shooting associations.
October 2022
Potential for modest growth in imports, though overall trade remains constrained by strict national policies.