Product classification
HS code for Bowed string instruments: 9202.10
Musical instruments, string, played with a bow (e.g. violins).
Classification of bowed string instruments under HS 9202.10
Bowed string instruments, such as violins and cellos, are classified under HS code 9202.10. This code is situated within Chapter 92, which encompasses musical instruments and their parts. Heading 9202 specifically covers string musical instruments. The subheading 9202.10 is reserved for those played with a bow, distinguishing them from plucked string instruments like guitars or harps. The classification is based on the mechanical method of sound production—vibrating strings activated by a bow. This category includes both student-grade and professional-grade acoustic instruments. The instruments must produce sound acoustically; if the instrument is primarily electronic and lacks a resonant soundbox, it would be classified elsewhere. This code is essential for customs to differentiate between classical orchestral instruments and other stringed varieties, which often have different duty rates and cultural heritage protections.
- Covers
- Violins (acoustic)
- Violas
- Violoncellos (Cellos)
- Double basses (played with a bow)
- Viola da gamba
- Also under 9202.10
- Stradivarius violin
- Guarneri del Gesù violin
- Yamaha V7G violin
- Eastman Strings cello
- Stentor Student II violin
Codes often confused with 9202.10
Common mistake. Bowed string instruments are often confused with plucked string instruments, which fall under HS code 9202.90 (such as guitars, banjos, or mandolins). Another major area of confusion is electronic instruments; an electric violin that does not have an acoustic sound chamber is classified under 9207.10 or 9207.90. Furthermore, the bows themselves, when sold separately from the instrument, are classified as parts and accessories under HS code 9209.92, rather than under 9202.10.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920210 (the code used for bowed string instruments), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920210 (the code used for bowed string instruments) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 920210, not only bowed string instruments.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $86M 58% of world exports
- 2 Germany $18M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $8.5M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $148M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $30M 24% of world imports
- 2 Japan $16M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.6M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 bowed string instruments
Brazil classifies bowed string instruments under NCM 9202.10.00: HS 9202.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about bowed string instruments
What is the HS code for Bowed string instruments?
The HS code for Bowed string instruments is 920210 (Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins)).
How do I classify Bowed string instruments for customs?
Bowed string instruments is classified under HS code 920210 — Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
What is the HS code for a violin?
The HS code for a standard acoustic violin is 9202.10.
Are antique violins classified under this code?
While they are bowed string instruments, instruments that are over 100 years old may be classified under HS code 9706.00 as antiques, which often grants them different status regarding duties and import restrictions.
Which countries are the top exporters of bowed string instruments (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920210 (the code used for bowed string instruments) in UN Comtrade data were China ($86M, 58% of world exports), Germany ($18M) and Italy ($8.5M). World exports came to about $148M, 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 bowed string instruments (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920210 (the code used for bowed string instruments) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($30M, 24% of world imports), Japan ($16M) and Germany ($9.6M). World imports came to about $126M, 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.
Is the HS code for Bowed string instruments the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920210 for Bowed string instruments is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for bowed string instruments in Brazil?
In Brazil, bowed string instruments (HS 920210) is classified under NCM 9202.10.00.