Product classification
HS code for Cellos: 9202.10
Musical instruments, string, played with a bow (e.g. violins).
Classification of cellos under HS 9202.10
Cellos are classified under HS code 9202.10. This code is part of Chapter 92, which encompasses musical instruments, and specifically falls under the category of string musical instruments played with a bow. The classification is determined by the instrument's method of sound production—vibrating strings—and the specific mechanical action required to play it, which is the use of a bow (arco). This distinguishes the cello from plucked string instruments like guitars or harps. The HS code 9202.10 includes all variations of the acoustic cello, regardless of the level of craftsmanship, from mass-produced student models to professional-grade luthier-crafted instruments. The size of the cello (e.g., 4/4, 3/4, or 1/2) does not affect the four-digit or six-digit classification, as long as the fundamental nature of the instrument remains a bowed string instrument.
- Covers
- Acoustic violoncellos (cellos)
- Student cellos (fractional sizes)
- Professional orchestral cellos
- Baroque cellos (with gut strings)
- Carbon fiber acoustic cellos
- 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. Cellos are often confused with HS code 9202.90, which covers other string instruments that are plucked, such as guitars or mandolins. Another frequent error is classifying electric cellos under 9202.10; however, instruments where the sound is produced or amplified electrically must be classified under 9207.10 or 9207.90. Additionally, cello bows imported separately are classified under 9209.92.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920210 (the code used for cellos), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920210 (the code used for cellos) 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 cellos.
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 cellos
Brazil classifies cellos 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 cellos
What is the HS code for Cellos?
The HS code for Cellos is 920210 (Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins)). The HS code for acoustic cellos played with a bow is 9202.10.
How do I classify Cellos for customs?
Cellos is classified under HS code 920210 — Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric cellos covered under this code?
No, electric cellos are classified under HS code 9207.90, as they rely on electronic amplification rather than a purely acoustic sound box.
Which countries are the top exporters of cellos (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920210 (the code used for cellos) 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 cellos (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920210 (the code used for cellos) 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 Cellos the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920210 for Cellos 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 cellos in Brazil?
In Brazil, cellos (HS 920210) is classified under NCM 9202.10.00.