Product classification
HS code for Guitar strings: 9209.30
Musical instrument strings.
Classification of guitar strings under HS 9209.30
Guitar strings are classified under HS code 920930. While they are technically parts of a musical instrument, the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for \"Musical instrument strings\" under heading 9209. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1 and 6, a specific description takes precedence over a general one. Therefore, even though 920992 covers parts for string instruments, 920930 is the more specific and correct code for the strings themselves. This code covers strings of all materials, including gut, nylon, or metal wire, provided they are identifiable as being intended for musical instruments. This identification is usually based on their length, the presence of loops or ball ends for attachment, or their specialized packaging for retail sale as musical accessories.
- Covers
- Acoustic guitar strings (steel or bronze)
- Electric guitar strings (nickel or steel)
- Classical guitar strings (nylon)
- Bass guitar strings
- Individual replacement strings for guitars
- Also under 9209.30
- D'Addario EXL110 Electric Guitar Strings
- Elixir Nanoweb Acoustic Strings
- Ernie Ball Slinky Bass Strings
- Pirastro Evah Pirazzi Violin Strings
- Thomastik-Infeld Dominant Violin Strings
Codes often confused with 9209.30
Common mistake. The most common misclassification for guitar strings is HS code 920992, which is the general category for string instrument parts. While strings are parts, the existence of the specific 920930 code mandates its use. Additionally, bulk wire that has not been cut to length or fitted with ends might be misclassified under Chapter 72 (iron/steel) or Chapter 74 (copper), but once it is prepared for use as a musical string, it must be classified in 920930.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920930 (the code used for guitar strings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920930 (the code used for guitar strings) in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 40% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 11% 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 920930, not only guitar strings.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 United States $101M 40% of world exports
- 2 Germany $54M 21% of world exports
- 3 France $25M 9.7% of world exports
World total: $255M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Germany $31M 11% of world imports
- 2 France $27M 10.0% of world imports
- 3 Japan $25M 9.4% of world imports
World total: $271M 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 guitar strings
Brazil classifies guitar strings under NCM 9209.30.00: HS 9209.30 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about guitar strings
What is the HS code for Guitar strings?
The HS code for Guitar strings is 920930 (Musical instrument strings). The HS code for all musical instrument strings, including those for guitars, is 920930.
How do I classify Guitar strings for customs?
Guitar strings is classified under HS code 920930 — Musical instrument strings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does this code cover strings for other instruments like violins?
Yes, HS code 920930 covers strings for all musical instruments, including violins, harps, and pianos, not just guitars.
Which countries are the top exporters of guitar strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920930 (the code used for guitar strings) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($101M, 40% of world exports), Germany ($54M) and France ($25M). World exports came to about $255M, 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 guitar strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920930 (the code used for guitar strings) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($31M, 11% of world imports), France ($27M) and Japan ($25M). World imports came to about $271M, 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 Guitar strings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920930 for Guitar strings 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 guitar strings in Brazil?
In Brazil, guitar strings (HS 920930) is classified under NCM 9209.30.00.