Product classification
HS code for Violins: 9202.10
Musical instruments, string, played with a bow (e.g. violins).
Classification of violins under HS 9202.10
Violins are classified under HS code 9202.10 because they are categorized as string musical instruments that are played with a bow. This classification is governed by the General Rules of Interpretation (GRI) of the Harmonized System, specifically GRI 1, which states that classification is determined by the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Heading 9202 is designated for "Other string musical instruments," distinguishing them from keyboard instruments like pianos. The subheading 9202.10 is precise in its application to instruments such as violins, violas, and cellos, provided they are designed to be played with a bow. The classification is determined by the physical structure of the instrument, which includes a resonant wooden body, a neck, and strings. Even if the violin is imported without its bow, it remains under this code because its essential character is that of a bowed instrument. Furthermore, the materials used—whether spruce, maple, or synthetic components—do not change the primary classification, as the functional use as a musical instrument takes precedence over the material composition under the Section Notes for Section XVIII.
- Covers
- Acoustic violins of all sizes (4/4, 3/4, 1/2, etc.)
- Violas played with a bow
- Violoncellos (cellos)
- Double basses played with a bow
- Student and professional grade bowed string instruments
- Also under 9202.10
- Stradivarius violin
- Guarneri del Gesù violin
- Yamaha V7G violin
- Eastman Strings cello
- Stentor Student II violin
Codes often confused with 9202.10
Common mistake. Violins are frequently misclassified under HS code 9207.10, which is reserved for instruments where the sound is produced or must be amplified electrically. If a violin has a built-in pickup or is purely electric, it must move to 9207. Additionally, antique violins over 100 years old may be classified under 9706.00 as antiques of an age exceeding one hundred years, which often carries different duty implications.
Top exporters and importers of HS 920210 (the code used for violins), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 920210 (the code used for violins) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 58% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 24% 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 920210, not only violins.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $86M 58% of world exports
- 2 Germany $18M 12% of world exports
- 3 Italy $8.5M 5.8% of world exports
World total: $148M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 United States $30M 24% of world imports
- 2 Japan $16M 13% of world imports
- 3 Germany $9.6M 7.6% of world imports
World total: $126M 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 violins
Brazil classifies violins under NCM 9202.10.00: HS 9202.10 with 00 added.
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about violins
What is the HS code for Violins?
The HS code for Violins is 920210 (Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins)). The standard HS code for acoustic violins played with a bow is 9202.10.
How do I classify Violins for customs?
Violins is classified under HS code 920210 — Musical instruments; string, played with a bow (e.g. violins). This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are violin bows classified under the same HS code?
If the bow is imported with the violin as a set, it is typically classified under 9202.10. However, if imported separately, bows are classified under HS code 9209.92 as parts and accessories for string musical instruments.
Which countries are the top exporters of violins (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 920210 (the code used for violins) in UN Comtrade data were China ($86M, 58% of world exports), Germany ($18M) and Italy ($8.5M). World exports came to about $148M, 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 violins (HS 920210)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 920210 (the code used for violins) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($30M, 24% of world imports), Japan ($16M) and Germany ($9.6M). World imports came to about $126M, 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 Violins the same in all countries?
The base HS code 920210 for Violins 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 violins in Brazil?
In Brazil, violins (HS 920210) is classified under NCM 9202.10.00.