HS 920930 Musical instrument strings
Quick Answer: Musical instrument strings imported under HS 920930 enter the UK at 2.00%, the EU at 2.70%, and the US at rates ranging from Free to 40% ad valorem. This Harmonized System (HS) code specifically covers strings for musical instruments, including those made from gut, metal, or synthetic materials, intended for use with instruments such as guitars, pianos, violins, and harps. Importers should be aware of the significant duty rate disparity for this product into the United States, which may necessitate careful sourcing and logistics planning. CustomTariffs aggregates this data, highlighting the importance of verifying specific rates based on origin and destination.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9209300000 | 2.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9209300000 | 2.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9209300000 | Free | — | ["No."] |
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.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 920930 cover?
This subheading covers musical instrument strings, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. This includes strings specifically designed for use with musical instruments, whether made of gut, metal, plastic, or other materials. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses strings sold individually or in sets, intended to produce musical tones when vibrated by a musical instrument.
What falls outside HS 920930?
The following products are excluded from HS 920930: general-purpose strings not specifically manufactured for musical instruments, such as fishing lines, sewing threads, or industrial cords, even if they are made of similar materials. Additionally, complete musical instruments themselves, or parts of musical instruments other than strings (e.g., tuning pegs, bridges), are classified under different headings within Chapter 92 or other relevant chapters of the Harmonized System.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 920930?
A common error is misclassifying strings intended for non-musical applications as musical instrument strings, or vice versa. For instance, high-tensile synthetic cords used in sports equipment might be mistakenly classified here. Adherence to General Interpretative Rule 1 (GIR 1) is crucial, which states that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. If the string is not specifically designed and marketed for musical instruments, it should not be classified under 920930.
How should importers classify products under HS 920930?
The correct procedure for classifying musical instrument strings under HS 920930 involves a detailed examination of the product's intended use and material composition. Importers and customs brokers should consult the official tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to verify the exact wording of the heading and any relevant explanatory notes. Confirming that the strings are specifically manufactured for musical instruments is paramount to accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 920930?
A set of steel guitar strings, declared at a customs value of $15 USD, would attract a US duty of $0.75. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 5.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value. The calculation is: 5.0% × $15 USD = $0.75 USD. This rate is published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for HS code 920930.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 920930?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 920930, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a Free duty rate for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, goods originating from countries benefiting from the US Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) may also receive preferential duty rates, potentially Free. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required by US Customs and Border Protection.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 920930 (Musical instrument strings)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 920930, covering musical instrument strings, can vary significantly by country. For example, in the United States, the MFN rate is Free. In the European Union, under the TARIC system, rates can range from 0% to 4.5% ad valorem depending on the specific type of string and origin. The UK Trade Tariff also shows varied rates, often around 2.7% ad valorem for many origins. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the definitive rate applicable to your goods and origin.
How are musical instrument strings classified under HS code 920930, and what are the key criteria?
HS code 920930 specifically covers 'Sets of musical instrument strings.' The primary classification criterion is that the strings must be intended for use with musical instruments. This includes strings for guitars, pianos, violins, harps, etc. The strings can be made of various materials, such as gut, metal, or synthetic materials. If strings are imported individually and not as sets specifically designed for musical instruments, they may fall under different HS codes based on their material and intended use. For example, plain steel wire might be classified elsewhere.
What documentation is typically required for importing musical instrument strings under HS code 920930?
Standard import documentation for HS code 920930 generally includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a certificate of origin may be required, especially if preferential duty rates are being claimed under a trade agreement. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or manufacturer declarations confirming that the strings are indeed for musical instruments, to substantiate the HS classification.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 920930, and can you provide an example?
The duty calculation for HS code 920930 is typically based on an ad valorem rate, meaning a percentage of the declared customs value of the goods. For instance, if a shipment of musical instrument strings has a declared customs value of $5,000 and the applicable duty rate is 3.5% ad valorem, the duty amount would be calculated as: $5,000 (Customs Value) × 0.035 (Duty Rate) = $175. Some tariffs may also have specific rates (e.g., per kilogram), but ad valorem is most common for this code. Always verify the specific duty calculation method with the importing country's customs authority.
Which major trade agreements might offer preferential duty rates for HS code 920930?
Preferential duty rates for HS code 920930 are often available through various free trade agreements (FTAs) and preferential trade schemes. For example, goods originating from countries that are part of the USMCA (United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement) may qualify for duty-free entry into the United States. Similarly, goods originating from EU member states or countries with specific trade agreements with the EU may benefit from reduced or zero duties under the EU's tariff system. Importers should consult the relevant trade agreement text and origin rules to determine eligibility for preferential treatment.