Product classification

HS code for Electric guitars: 9207.90

Musical instruments, (other than keyboard), the sound of which is produced or must be amplified electrically.

Classification of electric guitars under HS 9207.90

Electric guitars are classified under HS code 9207.90, which pertains to musical instruments where the sound is produced or must be amplified electrically. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Chapter 92 covers musical instruments, and heading 9207 specifically addresses those that rely on electronic amplification. Unlike acoustic guitars found in heading 9202, electric guitars utilize electromagnetic pickups to convert string vibrations into electrical signals, which are then processed by an external amplifier. This technical distinction is the primary reason for their placement in 9207. Since guitars are not keyboard instruments (which are assigned to 9207.10), they fall into the residual subheading 9207.90. This classification applies to solid-body, semi-hollow, and hollow-body electric guitars, provided their essential character is defined by their electronic sound production capabilities.

Covers
  • Solid-body electric guitars
  • Semi-hollow body electric guitars
  • Electric bass guitars
  • Lap steel guitars with electromagnetic pickups
  • Electric mandolins and violins
Also under 9207.90
  • Fender Stratocaster (electric)
  • Roland V-Drums
  • Akai EWI5000
  • Boss RC-500 Loop Station
  • Line 6 Helix Guitar Processor

Codes often confused with 9207.90

Common mistake. A frequent error is classifying electric guitars under HS code 9202.90. This code is reserved for other string musical instruments that produce sound mechanically, such as standard acoustic guitars. The confusion often arises when dealing with acoustic-electric guitars; however, if the instrument can produce a functional sound without an amplifier, it may stay in 9202. Another common mistake involves HS code 8518.40, which covers audio-frequency electric amplifiers. While guitars are often sold with amplifiers, the guitar itself must be classified in 9207, while the amplifier is classified separately under 8518 unless they meet the strict criteria of a functional unit.

9202.90Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps)92.02Musical instruments; string, n.e.c. in heading no. 9201, (e.g. guitars, violins, harps)8518.40Amplifiers; audio-frequency electric92.07Musical instruments; the sound of which is produced or must be amplified, electrically (e.g. organs, guitars, accordions)85.18Microphones and their stands; loudspeakers, mounted or not in their enclosures; headphones and earphones, combined or not with a microphone, and sets of a microphone and one or more loudspeakers; audio-frequency and electric sound amplifiers and sets

Top exporters and importers of HS 920790 (the code used for electric guitars), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920790 (the code used for electric guitars) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 22% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% 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 920790, not only electric guitars.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $340M
  2. 2 United States $290M
  3. 3 Germany $213M

World total: $1.5B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $349M
  2. 2 Germany $223M
  3. 3 Netherlands $149M

World total: $1.6B 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 codes for electric guitars

Brazil splits HS 9207.90 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about electric guitars

What is the HS code for Electric guitars?

The HS code for Electric guitars is 920790 (Musical instruments; (other than keyboard), the sound of which is produced or must be amplified electrically). The HS code for electric guitars is 9207.90. This code is used globally for stringed musical instruments that require electrical amplification.

How do I classify Electric guitars for customs?

Electric guitars is classified under HS code 920790 — Musical instruments; (other than keyboard), the sound of which is produced or must be amplified electrically. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the guitar case?

If the case is imported with the guitar and is of a kind normally sold with it, it is classified under 9207.90 following GRI 5(a). If imported separately, the case is classified under 4202.

Which countries are the top exporters of electric guitars (HS 920790)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920790 (the code used for electric guitars) in UN Comtrade data were China ($340M, 22% of world exports), the United States ($290M) and Germany ($213M). World exports came to about $1.5B, 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 electric guitars (HS 920790)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 920790 (the code used for electric guitars) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($349M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($223M) and the Netherlands ($149M). World imports came to about $1.6B, 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 Electric guitars the same in all countries?

The base HS code 920790 for Electric guitars 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 electric guitars in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 920790 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for electric guitars depends on the product's details: 9207.90.10 (Electric guitars and basses), 9207.90.90 (Other electric instruments, including accordions).