In the United States In 1993, the import of most
Norinco firearms and
ammunition into the
United States was blocked under new trade rules when China's
permanent normal trade relations status was renewed. The prohibition did not apply to sporting
shotguns or
shotgun ammunition, however. Longer barreled versions (18" minimum) are also available for purchase in the US, where ownership of
short barreled shotguns requires a $200
tax stamp. In the United States, where other Norinco products are specifically non-importable, this gun is imported and sold under the names
Norinco Hawk 982 and
Interstate Hawk 982.
In Canada The Norinco HP9 can be legally purchased and owned in Canada, as it falls under the "non-restricted" firearm class. The rules and regulations in regard to storage, transportation and handling of non-restricted firearms apply. Non-restricted firearms are classified as ordinary rifles and shotguns. As defined by the
Criminal Code of Canada, a firearm is classified as: • "prohibited" if the barrel has been shortened to less than 18-inches (457mm), after leaving the factory, "by sawing, cutting or any other alteration or modification" that forces the firearm into the "prohibited firearm" class. • "restricted" if it left the factory with the barrel at or below 18 inches (457mm) in length and the overall dimensions of the firearm maintain a length shorter than 26 inches (660mm). • "non-restricted" if it left the factory with the barrel at or below 18 inches (457mm) in length but the overall dimensions of the firearm maintain a length of 26 inches (660mm) or longer and the firearm action is not semi-automatic. ==Variants==