Product classification

HS code for Plucked string instruments: 9202.90

Musical instruments, string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps).

Classification of plucked string instruments under HS 9202.90

The classification of plucked string instruments under HS code 9202.90 is determined by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), specifically GRI 1 and 6. Chapter 92 of the Harmonized System covers musical instruments, parts, and accessories. Heading 9202 is dedicated to string musical instruments. The primary distinction within this heading is between instruments that are played with a bow, such as violins or cellos (classified under 9202.10), and those that are played by other means, primarily plucking with fingers or a plectrum. Subheading 9202.90 acts as the specific category for these non-bowed instruments. To qualify for this code, the instrument must produce sound through the vibration of strings and must not be primarily electronic. While many modern acoustic guitars include internal pickups or pre-amplifiers for stage use, they are still classified under 9202.90 as long as they possess a resonant body capable of producing sound without electronic amplification. This distinguishes them from solid-body electric guitars, which fall under heading 9207. The classification also considers the materials used, though 9202.90 is generally material-neutral, covering instruments made of wood, metal, or synthetic composites.

Covers
  • Acoustic guitars (classical, steel-string, and archtop)
  • Harps (including pedal and lever harps)
  • Banjos and mandolins
  • Ukuleles and lutes
  • Zithers and kantele
  • Balalaikas and sitars
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 heading 9207, which covers musical instruments where the sound is produced or must be amplified electrically. Solid-body electric guitars and electric basses must be classified under 9207.10 or 9207.90. Additionally, bowed string instruments like violas or double basses are often confused with this code but belong under 9202.10. Toy instruments that do not meet the standards of professional or student musical instruments may be classified under 9503.00.

92.07Musical instruments; the sound of which is produced or must be amplified, electrically (e.g. organs, guitars, accordions)9207.10Musical instruments; keyboard, (other than accordions), the sound of which is produced or must be amplified electrically9207.90Musical instruments; (other than keyboard), the sound of which is produced or must be amplified electrically9202.10Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins)9503.00Tricycles, scooters, pedal cars and similar wheeled toys; dolls' carriages; dolls; other toys; reduced-size (scale) models and similar recreational models, working or not; puzzles of all kinds

Top exporters and importers of HS 920290 (the code used for plucked string instruments), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920290 (the code used for plucked string instruments) 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 plucked string instruments.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $320M
  2. 2 United States $142M
  3. 3 Germany $73M

World total: $842M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 United States $140M
  2. 2 Germany $84M
  3. 3 United Kingdom $49M

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 plucked string instruments

Brazil classifies plucked string instruments 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 plucked string instruments

What is the HS code for Plucked string instruments?

The HS code for Plucked string instruments is 920290 (Musical instruments; string, played other than with a bow (e.g. guitars and harps)).

How do I classify Plucked string instruments for customs?

Plucked string instruments 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.

What is the HS code for an acoustic guitar?

The HS code for an acoustic guitar is 9202.90, as it is a string instrument played by plucking rather than bowing.

Are electric-acoustic guitars classified here?

Yes, if the guitar has a resonant sound box and can be played without an amplifier, it remains under 9202.90 despite having electronic pickups.

Which countries are the top exporters of plucked string instruments (HS 920290)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920290 (the code used for plucked string instruments) 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 plucked string instruments (HS 920290)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 920290 (the code used for plucked string instruments) 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 Plucked string instruments the same in all countries?

The base HS code 920290 for Plucked string instruments 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 plucked string instruments in Brazil?

In Brazil, plucked string instruments (HS 920290) is classified under NCM 9202.90.00.