Carillon
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9206006000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9206008000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9105295000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9105294000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9208100000 | 13.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9208900040 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
AI Analysis
ποΈ Carillons & Tuned Bells (Chimes, Peals, Carillons)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: What Exactly is a "Carillon"?
A Carillon is a musical instrument played by a keyboard (clavier) and struck by hammers attached to swinging bells. In international trade, it falls under Chapter 92: Musical Instruments. Specifically, it is categorized not as a generic percussion instrument, but as a specialized "set of tuned bells."
β οΈ Key Distinction:
- Carillons/Chimes/Peals: Specifically defined as "Sets of tuned bells" known as chimes, peals, or carillons. These are distinct from individual percussion instruments (like drums or xylophones).
- Other Percussion Instruments: Items like drums, cymbals, castanets, maracas, and xylophones fall under a different subheading.
- Mechanical Instruments: Musical boxes, fairground organs, and mechanical singing birds are separate categories under Heading 9208.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority)
Based on the provided data, the specific HS Code for Carillons is identified under the percussion category, but with a specific description for "tuned bells."
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Key Classification Point |
|---|---|---|---|
9206.00.60.00 |
Sets of tuned bells known as chimes, peals or carillons | Church carillons, tower bells, tuned wind chimes, orchestral tubular bells | β Specific Tuned Bells |
9206.00.80.00 |
Other percussion musical instruments | Drums, xylophones, cymbals, maracas, castanets (Non-tuned bell sets) | β Not Carillons |
9105.29.50.00 |
Other clocks: Wall clocks: Other: Valued over $5 each | Decorative wall clocks (Non-musical) | β Not Musical |
9105.29.40.00 |
Other clocks: Wall clocks: Other: Valued not over $5 each | Cheap decorative wall clocks | β Not Musical |
9208.10.00.00 |
Music boxes | Mechanical music boxes | β Different Mechanism |
9208.90.00.40 |
Other Musical instruments (Fairground organs, etc.) | Mechanical street organs, singing birds | β Different Mechanism |
π Crucial Reminder:
- Do not classify carillons under9206.00.80.00("Other percussion"). This is a common error.
- Carillons, chimes, and peals are explicitly defined as "Sets of tuned bells" and must be classified under9206.00.60.00.
- If the item is a single decorative bell or a non-musical wind chime, it might fall under Clocks or General Articles, but a musical carillon is strictly9206.00.60.00.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: USA (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current (2026)
π― 1. 9206.00.60.00 ββ Sets of tuned bells known as chimes, peals or carillons
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff (MFN) | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge (Additional Tariff) | +7.5% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Applicable (General rule applies; no specific de minimis exemption for this HS in high-tariff scenarios) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9206.00.60.00 β SECTION_301:7.5% |
π Explanation:
- The Base Tariff is 0% for musical instruments of this type.
- However, due to the Section 301 Trade Action, an additional 7.5% is imposed on Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Cost Impact: You pay 7.5% of the declared value.
- Contrast: If misclassified as "Other Percussion" (9206.00.80.00), the tax would be 12.8% (5.3% base + 7.5% surcharge). Correct classification saves 5.3%!
βοΈ Comparison with Similar Items (Why Precision Matters)
| HS Code | Description | Total Tax | Savings by Correct Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
9206.00.60.00 |
Carillons / Tuned Bells | 7.5% | Baseline |
9206.00.80.00 |
Other Percussion (Drums, etc.) | 12.8% | +5.3% Overpayment |
9105.29.50.00 |
Wall Clocks (> $5) | 30Β’ + 11.8% | β Wrong Category |
9208.10.00.00 |
Music Boxes | 3.2% | β Wrong Category |
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Field Pitfall Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (Must-Have)
| Document | Mandatory? | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Musical Instrument," "Tuned Bells," or "Carillon." |
| β Photos of the Product | βοΈ | Show the bells, the clavier/keyboard mechanism, and the frame. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Description: "Carillon Set" or "Tuned Bell Chimes," not just "Bells." |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | List individual bell weights and total package weight. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify China origin for Section 301 application. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mnemonic)
π₯ "Bells are Musical, Not Just Metal! Use 9206.60, Not 80!"
| Situation | Correct Declaration | Wrong Declaration | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carillon/Chimes | 9206.00.60.00 (Tuned Bells) |
9206.00.80.00 (Other Percussion) |
Overpay 5.3% |
| Musical Box | 9208.10.00.00 |
9206.00.60.00 |
Wrong Category (Different Tax: 3.2% vs 7.5%) |
| Decorative Wind Chime (Non-Musical) | Check if Clocks (9105) or Other |
9206.00.60.00 |
Risk of Rejection (Not a musical instrument) |
| Wall Clock with Bell Mechanism | 9105.29.50.00 |
9206.00.60.00 |
Wrong Category (Clock vs Instrument) |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Case | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| Large Tower Carillons | Provide detailed dimensions and weight. Ensure it's declared as a musical instrument, not construction material. |
| Orchestral Tubular Bells | Classified as 9206.00.60.00 (Sets of tuned bells). |
| Single Decorative Bell | If not part of a tuned set for music, it may be classified under Chapter 91 (Clocks) or Chapter 83 (Misc. Articles). Do not auto-classify as 9206. |
| Mechanical Carillon | If it has a mechanism to play itself (fairground organ style), it might fall under 9208.90.00.40 (12.8%). Check if it requires a clavier keyboard. |
π V. Global Market Customs Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9206.00.60.00 |
7.5% | No specific FDA/CE | High scrutiny on "Musical" vs "Decorative" |
| π¨π³ China | 9206.00.60.00 |
0% | CCC (if applicable) | Export-friendly |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9206.00.60 |
0% | CE (if electronic components) | No Section 301 equivalent |
| π¬π§ UK | 9206.00.60 |
0% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules |
| π¨π¦ Canada | 9206.00.60 |
0% | No major barriers | CUSMA benefits may apply |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most complex market due to the 7.5% Section 301 surcharge.
- EU/UK/Canada offer 0% tariff for this item, making it a more attractive destination for high-value carillons if tariffs are a major cost factor.
- Misclassification risk in the USA is high (12.8% if wrong), so precision is key.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Guide (Lessons Learned)
β Error 1: Classifying Carillons as "Other Percussion" (9206.00.80.00)
π Consequence: Paying 12.8% instead of 7.5%.
π Fix: Use "Sets of tuned bells" in the description.
β Error 2: Declaring as "Clocks" (9105) if it's a musical carillon
π Consequence: 11.8% tax (30Β’ + 4.3% + 7.5%) or more.
π Fix: Emphasize "Musical Instrument" and "Chord/Bell Set."
β Error 3: Not distinguishing between "Music Box" and "Carillon"
π Consequence: Music Boxes are 3.2% tax. Carillons are 7.5%.
π Fix: Ensure description matches the mechanism (keyboard vs. winding key).
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 301 on Chinese goods
π Consequence: Underpaying duties, leading to penalties and back taxes.
π Fix: Always account for the +7.5% surcharge for CN origin.
β Correct Practice:
"Musical Carillon, Sets of Tuned Bells, Played by Keyboard, Model XYZ, Origin: China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Precise Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mnemonic:
πΉ "Bells are Musical, Use 9206.60!"
πΉ "Don't call them Drums, or you'll Pay 12.8%!"
πΉ "Carillons are Tuned, Not Just Tones!"
π Pro Tip:
If you are importing mechanical carillons (self-playing), verify if they fall under 9208 (12.8%) instead of 9206 (7.5%). The presence of a human-played keyboard is the key differentiator for 9206.00.60.00.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker + Provide Photos + Apply for Advance Ruling
π Ensure your carillons clear US Customs smoothly with the correct 7.5% rate!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every 5.3% Saved is Pure Profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.