Product classification
HS code for Violin strings: 9209.30
Musical instrument strings.
Classification of violin strings under HS 9209.30
Violin strings are classified under HS code 9209.30. This classification is unique because the Harmonized System provides a specific subheading for "Musical instrument strings" regardless of the instrument they are intended for. While most parts and accessories are grouped by the type of instrument (e.g., string, wind, or percussion), strings are consolidated into 9209.30. This is due to the specialized manufacturing process required for musical strings, which distinguishes them from ordinary wire or cordage. Whether the strings are made of steel, synthetic materials, or gut, and whether they are plain or wound with precious or base metals (like silver, aluminum, or chrome), they fall under this code if they are prepared for use on a musical instrument. The classification follows GRI 1, as the heading and subheading specifically describe the product. The technical requirement for this code is that the strings must be recognizable as musical instrument strings, often indicated by their packaging, length, and the presence of loops or ball ends for attachment to the instrument.
- Covers
- Steel core violin strings
- Synthetic core (perlon) violin strings
- Gut strings for baroque violins
- Silver-wound G strings
- Aluminum-wound A and D strings
- E strings (plain steel or plated)
- 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. Violin strings are often misclassified under 9209.92, which is the general code for string instrument accessories. However, because 9209.30 is a more specific description for "strings," it must be used according to the rules of specificity. Another misclassification occurs when bulk wire is imported; if the wire is not cut to length or prepared with ends for a violin, it may be classified by its material (e.g., Chapter 73 for steel wire) rather than as a musical part. Additionally, strings for non-musical applications, even if made of similar materials, cannot use this code.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920930 (the code used for violin strings), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920930 (the code used for violin 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 violin 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 violin strings
Brazil classifies violin 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 violin strings
What is the HS code for Violin strings?
The HS code for Violin strings is 920930 (Musical instrument strings). The specific HS code for violin strings is 9209.30.
How do I classify Violin strings for customs?
Violin strings is classified under HS code 920930 — Musical instrument strings. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Does 9209.30 cover strings for other instruments?
Yes, this HS code covers strings for all musical instruments, including guitars, pianos, and cellos.
Which countries are the top exporters of violin strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920930 (the code used for violin 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 violin strings (HS 920930)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920930 (the code used for violin 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 Violin strings the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920930 for Violin 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 violin strings in Brazil?
In Brazil, violin strings (HS 920930) is classified under NCM 9209.30.00.