9301.10.00 - Artillery weapons (for example, guns, howitzers and mortars)

This HTS category, 9301.10.00, specifically covers artillery weapons, which are heavy-caliber projectile weapons designed for indirect fire or direct fire from fortified positions. This includes a broad range of armaments such as guns, howitzers, and mortars. The defining characteristic is their size, power, and intended use in large-scale military engagements, typically mounted on carriages, vehicles, or fixed emplacements.

It is important to distinguish this category from its siblings. While 9301.20.00.00 encompasses other types of projectors like rocket launchers and flame-throwers, and 9301.90 covers "other" military weapons not falling into the preceding subheadings, 9301.10.00 is exclusively dedicated to traditional artillery pieces. The primary distinction lies in the inherent design and primary function: artillery focuses on launching large projectiles at significant ranges, whereas other categories might involve different propulsion systems or purposes.

Within the artillery weapons classification, further subcategories exist to refine the classification based on mobility. The subcategory 9301.10.00.10 is reserved for artillery weapons that are self-propelled, meaning they are integrated onto a mobile chassis and can move independently. Conversely, 9301.10.00.80 encompasses all other artillery weapons that are not self-propelled, requiring external means for transport and deployment. This distinction is crucial for import and export documentation, reflecting differences in logistical considerations and military roles.