Effective January 1, 2022, a total of 351 amendments were made to the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System by the World Customs Organization (WCO), impacting a substantial number of products/product groups imported and exported and around the world. Reviewed by the WCO every five years, the latest Harmonized System updates were driven by advances in technology, new product streams and various global considerations.

Last month, President Joe Biden issued a proclamation to modify the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTSUS) to conform to the Harmonized System amendments. While none of the 2022 changes affect firearms or ammunition-related codes, importers and companies engaged in international trade should take note of updated tariff descriptions, product descriptions and legal notes and review their product database periodically to determine necessary updates.

Recent changes to Schedule B commodity codes within Chapter 93 used for exporting, Arms and Ammunition; Parts and Accessories Thereof, made in July 2021 added a new code for “sound suppressors, silencers, mufflers and similar devices” of “shotguns or rifles” and “of other military weapons” and changed the code for “parts and accessories of shotguns or rifles of heading 9303 not elsewhere specified or indicated” from 9303.20.9000 to 9303.20.9500.

The preceding codes will continue to be accepted until January 31. The latest HTSUS codes for importing can be viewed here, and HTS Schedule B codes here.

For questions regarding firearm and ammunition importing or exporting, contact Orchid today to speak to our international trade and ATF compliance experts.