HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9202.90 – Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps)
HS code 9202.90 is the 6-digit subheading for musical instruments, string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps). It is used for acoustic guitars, electric guitars, bass guitars, ukuleles and mandolins.
What HS 9202.90 covers
This HS code covers string musical instruments played without a bow, a vast category dominated by guitars, but also including harps, mandolins, and banjos. The international trade in these instruments is substantial, ranging from mass-produced entry-level models to high-end, handcrafted pieces. Major exporters are often countries with robust manufacturing capabilities and a strong musical heritage, such as China, Indonesia, the USA, and Japan. Importers are globally distributed, driven by consumer demand, music education programs, and professional musicians across all genres. Key trends influencing this trade include the rise of online retail, the demand for sustainable materials, and the increasing integration of digital features into acoustic and electric instruments. Understanding market preferences for specific wood types, electronics, and craftsmanship is crucial for traders in this segment.
- Covers
- Acoustic guitars
- Electric guitars
- Bass guitars
- Ukuleles
- Mandolins
- Harps
- Banjos
- Zithers
- Examples
- Fender Stratocaster
- Gibson Les Paul
- Martin D-28
- Taylor GS Mini
- Ibanez RG Series
Codes often confused with 9202.90
Common mistake. This code can be confused with bowed string instruments (920210) or parts and accessories for string instruments (920992). The key distinction is the method of sound production – plucking or strumming versus bowing.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 920290, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 920290 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 38% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 19% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $320M 38% of world exports
- 2 United States $142M 17% of world exports
- 3 Germany $73M 8.7% of world exports
World total: $842M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $140M 19% of world imports
- 2 Germany $84M 11% of world imports
- 3 United Kingdom $49M 6.5% of world imports
World total: $752M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 9202.90
Brazil does not split HS 9202.90: its NCM code is 9202.90.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 92.02 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9202.90
What is HS code 920290?
HS code 920290 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps). This HS code covers string musical instruments played without a bow, a vast category dominated by guitars, but also including harps, mandolins, and banjos. The international trade in these instruments is substantial, ranging from mass-produced entry-level models to high-end, handcrafted pieces. Major exporters are often countries with robust manufacturing capabilities and a strong musical heritage, such as China, Indonesia, the USA, and Japan. Importers are globally distributed, driven by consumer demand, music education programs, and professional musicians across all genres. Key trends influencing this trade include the rise of online retail, the demand for sustainable materials, and the increasing integration of digital features into acoustic and electric instruments. Understanding market preferences for specific wood types, electronics, and craftsmanship is crucial for traders in this segment.
What products fall under HS code 920290?
Acoustic guitars, Electric guitars, Bass guitars, Ukuleles, Mandolins, Harps, Banjos, Zithers
What are common misclassifications for HS code 920290?
This code can be confused with bowed string instruments (920210) or parts and accessories for string instruments (920992). The key distinction is the method of sound production – plucking or strumming versus bowing.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 920290?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 920290 in UN Comtrade data were China ($320M, 38% of world exports), the United States ($142M) and Germany ($73M). World exports came to about $842M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 920290?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 920290 in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($140M, 19% of world imports), Germany ($84M) and the United Kingdom ($49M). World imports came to about $752M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 920290 structured?
HS code 920290 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (92) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (02) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (90) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 920290?
In Brazil, HS code 920290 is NCM 9202.90.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.