Product classification
HS code for Guitars: 9202.90
Musical instruments, string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps).
Classification of guitars under HS 9202.90
Guitars are classified under HS code 9202.90, which specifically covers string musical instruments that are played other than with a bow. This classification is determined by the instrument's primary method of sound production—vibrating strings—and the manual technique used to excite those strings, such as plucking or strumming. According to the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) 1, classification is determined by the heading texts and Section or Chapter Notes. Chapter 92 specifically covers musical instruments and their parts. Heading 9202 distinguishes between instruments played with a bow, such as violins (9202.10), and all others (9202.90). It is important to note that this code specifically applies to acoustic instruments. If the guitar relies primarily on electronic amplification to produce sound, it may be diverted to heading 9207. However, traditional acoustic guitars, including those with pick-ups for reinforcement, often remain here if their acoustic properties are significant and the instrument can be played without the electronic component. The classification remains consistent regardless of whether the guitar is intended for professional use, student practice, or hobbyist performance, provided it meets the technical definition of a string instrument played without a bow.
- Covers
- Acoustic guitars with steel or nylon strings
- Classical and flamenco guitars
- Acoustic bass guitars
- Twelve-string acoustic guitars
- Ukuleles and mandolins
- Harps and other non-bowed string instruments
- Resonator guitars
- Also under 9202.90
- Fender Stratocaster
- Gibson Les Paul
- Martin D-28
- Taylor GS Mini
- Ibanez RG Series
Codes often confused with 9202.90
Common mistake. The most frequent misclassification occurs with electric guitars, which fall under HS code 9207.10. While both are guitars, 9207 covers instruments where the sound is produced or must be amplified electrically. Another common error involves bowed instruments like violins or cellos, which are classified under 9202.10. Additionally, toy guitars that do not have the characteristics of a real musical instrument may be classified under 9503.00 as toys, provided they are not capable of being tuned or played as a standard instrument.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920290 (the code used for guitars), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920290 (the code used for guitars) 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.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 920290, not only guitars.
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 guitars
Brazil classifies guitars under NCM 9202.90.00: HS 9202.90 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about guitars
What is the HS code for Guitars?
The HS code for Guitars is 920290 (Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps)). The HS code for acoustic guitars is 9202.90, representing string instruments played without a bow.
How do I classify Guitars for customs?
Guitars is classified under HS code 920290 — Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are electric guitars included in 9202.90?
No, electric guitars are classified under HS code 9207.10 because their sound is electrically produced or amplified.
Which countries are the top exporters of guitars (HS 920290)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920290 (the code used for guitars) 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 guitars (HS 920290)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920290 (the code used for guitars) 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.
Is the HS code for Guitars the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920290 for 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 guitars in Brazil?
In Brazil, guitars (HS 920290) is classified under NCM 9202.90.00.