Product classification
HS code for Musical instrument strings: 9209.30
Musical instrument strings.
Classification of musical instrument strings under HS 9209.30
Musical instrument strings are classified under HS code 9209.30. This specific subheading is part of heading 9209, which encompasses parts and accessories for musical instruments. Unlike general-purpose wire or cordage, strings classified here are specifically manufactured, cut to length, or otherwise prepared for use on musical instruments. This includes strings made of metal, synthetic materials, or animal gut. The classification follows the principle that specific descriptions take precedence over general ones. Even if a string is made of steel wire, it is classified here rather than in Chapter 72 (Iron and Steel) because its dedicated function as a musical component is its primary identifying characteristic. The Harmonized System provides this specific code to ensure uniform duty application for the music industry, recognizing that these strings require precise tension and acoustic properties that distinguish them from industrial wires.
- Covers
- Steel and nickel strings for electric and acoustic guitars
- Nylon strings for classical guitars and harps
- Gut strings for violins and violas
- Wound strings for pianos and harpsichords
- Core wire specifically prepared for musical string production
- Strings for banjos, mandolins, and ukuleles
- 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 occurs when musical strings are imported as bulk wire under Chapter 72 (for iron/steel) or Chapter 74 (for copper alloys). For instance, steel wire not cut to length or prepared for an instrument might be classified under 7217. However, once it is prepared for musical use, 9209.30 is mandatory. Another confusion arises with HS code 9209.99, which is for other accessories; strings must always be placed in the more specific 9209.30.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920930 (the code used for musical instrument strings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920930 (the code used for musical instrument 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 musical instrument 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 musical instrument strings
Brazil classifies musical instrument 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 musical instrument strings
What is the HS code for Musical instrument strings?
The HS code for Musical instrument strings is 920930 (Musical instrument strings). The specific HS code for all types of musical instrument strings is 9209.30.
How do I classify Musical instrument strings for customs?
Musical instrument strings is classified under HS code 920930 — Musical instrument strings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 9209.30 include strings for all instruments?
Yes, this code covers strings for any musical instrument, including keyboard instruments like pianos and all varieties of stringed instruments like violins or guitars.
Which countries are the top exporters of musical instrument strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920930 (the code used for musical instrument 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 musical instrument strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920930 (the code used for musical instrument 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 Musical instrument strings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920930 for Musical instrument 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 musical instrument strings in Brazil?
In Brazil, musical instrument strings (HS 920930) is classified under NCM 9209.30.00.