HS 920210 Played with a bow
Quick Answer: Stringed musical instruments played with a bow enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 3.20%, and the US at 3.2% (MFN). This HS code specifically covers musical instruments of heading 9202 that are played by drawing a bow across their strings. Examples include violins, violas, cellos, and double basses. Importers should be aware that the US offers preferential duty rates for certain trading partners, as indicated by CustomTariffs data. Exporters should verify specific origin-based duty rates for their destination markets.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9202100000 | — | — | — |
| 9202101000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
| 9202109000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9202100000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 9202101000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
| 9202109000 | 3.20 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9202100000 | 3.2% | Free (17 programs) | ["No."] |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9202.10?
Imports of Played with a bow may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, GSP, and 14 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 920210 cover?
This subheading covers stringed musical instruments of heading 9202 that are played with a bow. According to the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature, this includes instruments such as violins, violas, cellos, and double basses, where the sound is produced by drawing a bow across the strings. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule and the EU TARIC database confirm this scope, focusing on the method of sound production as the primary classification criterion.
What falls outside HS 920210?
The following products are excluded from HS 920210: stringed instruments played by plucking or striking, such as guitars (HS 920290), pianos (HS 9201), and harps (HS 920290). Instruments that do not utilize a bow for sound production, even if they are part of the stringed instrument family, are classified under other subheadings within heading 9202 or other headings entirely, depending on their specific characteristics and mechanism of sound generation.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 920210?
A common error is misclassifying instruments based on material or perceived value rather than their functional method of sound production. For instance, a bowed instrument made from synthetic materials might be incorrectly placed in a general category. Following Section XVI, Note 1 and General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System is crucial, ensuring classification is based on the primary characteristic, which for HS 920210 is being "played with a bow."
How should importers classify products under HS 920210?
The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 920210 involves a thorough examination of the instrument's design and intended use. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the instrument is a stringed instrument and that its primary method of sound production is by drawing a bow across the strings. Consulting the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and referencing the WCO Explanatory Notes will ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 920210?
A cello weighing 5 kg and declared at a customs value of $1,500 USD would attract a US duty of $150.00. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 10% ad valorem, applied to the declared value. The calculation is $1,500 (declared value) × 0.10 (duty rate) = $150.00. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) under subheading 920210.00.00.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 920210?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 920210, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can provide for Free (0%) duty rates for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A may be required, depending on the specific agreement and origin country.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 920210, 'Other string musical instruments, played with a bow'?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 920210 can vary. For instance, the United States applies a 3.20% ad valorem duty. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff also have specific rates, often around 2.00% or 3.20% depending on the specific instrument and origin. It is crucial to consult the latest official tariff schedule for the importing country to determine the exact rate. For example, under the US tariff, the rate is 3.2% ad valorem.
What specific criteria determine if a string musical instrument falls under HS code 920210 ('Played with a bow')?
HS code 920210 covers 'Other string musical instruments, played with a bow'. This classification hinges on two primary criteria: 1) The instrument must be a string instrument, meaning it produces sound primarily through the vibration of strings. 2) The instrument must be designed to be played using a bow to vibrate the strings. Examples include violins, violas, cellos, double basses, and their historical or less common variants. Instruments played by plucking or striking strings (like guitars or pianos) are classified elsewhere.
How is the import duty for HS code 920210 calculated, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 920210 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the item's value. For example, if a cello is imported into the United States with a declared customs value of $1,000 and the MFN duty rate is 3.20%, the import duty would be calculated as: $1,000 (Value) × 0.032 (Duty Rate) = $32.00. Always ensure the declared value used for duty calculation is the CIF (Cost, Insurance, and Freight) value, as per the importing country's regulations.
Which trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 920210, and what documentation is needed?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for instruments classified under HS code 920210. For example, the US tariff schedule indicates 'Free (A,AU,BH,CL,CO,D,E,IL,JO,KR,MA,OM,P,PA,PE,S,SG)' which refers to countries with specific trade agreements or special trade programs (e.g., Australia, Canada, Chile, South Korea, etc.). To claim preferential treatment, importers typically need a valid Certificate of Origin or a declaration of origin from the exporter, compliant with the specific requirements of the relevant trade agreement. Always verify the origin requirements and documentation for the specific agreement applicable to your shipment.
Are there any specific documentation requirements beyond the commercial invoice and packing list for importing instruments under HS 920210?
While a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading are standard, importing musical instruments under HS 920210 may require additional documentation depending on the importing country and the specific type of instrument. For instance, some countries may require proof of origin to claim preferential duty rates. If the instrument contains certain materials (e.g., endangered species parts), CITES (Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora) permits might be necessary. It is advisable to consult the importing country's customs authority or a customs broker to confirm any specific import regulations or documentation beyond the standard set.