HS 920810 Musical boxes

Quick Answer: Musical boxes imported under HS 920810 enter the UK duty-free, the EU at 2.70% ad valorem, and the US at 3.2% ad valorem under the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate. This HS code specifically covers musical boxes, including those that are also toys, and other mechanical sound devices. Importers should be aware that the US offers preferential duty rates for certain trading partners, potentially resulting in duty-free entry for eligible goods. According to CustomTariffs data, understanding these jurisdictional differences is crucial for accurate customs declarations and cost management.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9208100000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9208100000 2.70 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9208100000 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 9208.10?

Imports of Musical boxes 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, and 15 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?

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What products does HS 920810 cover?

This subheading covers musical boxes, which are mechanical devices designed to play a melody when opened or activated. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature, this category includes devices that produce music through a mechanism, typically a rotating cylinder or disc with pins that pluck tuned metal teeth. The USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and EU TARIC database confirm that this classification applies to standalone musical boxes, irrespective of their material construction, as long as their primary function is musical reproduction via a mechanical means.

What falls outside HS 920810?

The following products are excluded from HS 920810: electronic musical instruments, toys that produce musical sounds but are not primarily musical boxes (e.g., electronic keyboards for children), music boxes integrated into other functional items where music is a secondary feature (e.g., a clock with a musical alarm), and devices that play music electronically via digital storage or speakers. For instance, a digital music player or a battery-operated toy piano would be classified elsewhere, typically under headings for sound recording or electronic toys.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 920810?

A common error is misclassifying electronic musical toys or devices that play pre-recorded digital music as mechanical musical boxes. General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) of the Harmonized System states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If a product has a dual function, classification is generally based on its essential character. For example, a battery-powered toy that plays a melody via a speaker is not a mechanical musical box under 920810.

How should importers classify products under HS 920810?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 920810 involves a thorough examination of the product's design and primary function. Importers and customs brokers must determine if the item operates mechanically to produce music, typically through a comb and cylinder mechanism. Consulting the official WCO HS Explanatory Notes and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country (e.g., USITC HTS, EU TARIC) is crucial. If the product is electronic or its musical function is secondary, it should be classified under a different heading.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 920810?

A decorative wooden musical box weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $50.00 USD would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) ad valorem duty rate of 7.0% published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS 9208.10 (7.0% × $50.00 = $3.50). This calculation demonstrates the application of an ad valorem duty based on the declared value of the imported goods.

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 920810?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 920810, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). Under USMCA, qualifying musical boxes originating from Canada or Mexico can be imported duty-free. To claim this preference, a self-certified origin statement is typically required. Additionally, certain developing countries may benefit from preferential rates under the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP), often requiring a GSP Form A. The specific preferential rate and documentation requirements vary by agreement and origin country.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 920710 HS 920510 HS 920210 HS 920110 HS 920120 HS 920890

Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.

FAQ

What is the standard import duty rate for musical boxes (HS code 920810) into the United States?

The standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for musical boxes, classified under HS code 920810, into the United States is 3.2% ad valorem. This rate is applied to the customs value of the imported goods. For example, if a shipment of musical boxes has a customs value of $10,000, the import duty would be $10,000 \times 0.032 = $320. This information is based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS) maintained by the US International Trade Commission (USITC).

Are there preferential duty rates available for musical boxes (HS code 920810) under trade agreements?

Yes, preferential duty rates may be available for musical boxes (HS code 920810) depending on the country of origin and applicable trade agreements. For instance, under certain agreements, countries like Australia (AU), Canada (CA), Chile (CL), and South Korea (KR) may benefit from duty-free entry (0.00% or Free). Importers and customs brokers must verify the specific terms of the relevant Free Trade Agreement (FTA) and ensure compliance with rules of origin to claim preferential treatment. This often requires a valid Certificate of Origin.

What are the key classification criteria for goods to be classified under HS code 920810 (Musical boxes)?

To be classified under HS code 920810, goods must be musical boxes. This typically refers to devices that produce musical sounds by means of a mechanical or electronic mechanism, often incorporated into a decorative or functional object such as a box or figurine. The primary function must be the production of music, rather than being a musical instrument itself. The World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes provide further guidance, emphasizing the 'musical box' aspect as the defining characteristic.

What documentation is typically required for importing musical boxes (HS code 920810)?

When importing musical boxes under HS code 920810, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the country of import and origin, a Certificate of Origin may be necessary to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Some countries may also require specific product safety or compliance declarations. Customs brokers should ensure all documentation accurately reflects the product description, value, and origin to facilitate smooth customs clearance.

How is the duty calculated for musical boxes (HS code 920810) if the rate is a combination of ad valorem and specific duty?

While HS code 920810 primarily carries an ad valorem duty rate (a percentage of the value), some countries might have additional duties or taxes. However, for the standard classification, the calculation is typically based on the customs value. For example, if a shipment of musical boxes from a country with a 2.70% ad valorem duty rate has a customs value of $5,000, the duty would be $5,000 \times 0.0270 = $135. Importers should always consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff or EU TARIC database, for the exact duty calculation method and any applicable taxes or fees.