Tuning Peg
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7326908688 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7326190080 | 87.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8301600000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 8301300060 | 23.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9209914000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9209924000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΌ Tuning Pegs (Tuning Pins for Musical Instruments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Import Strategy
π One, Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know What a Tuning Peg Is?
Tuning pegs β also known as tuning pins β are small, threaded metal components used in stringed musical instruments (e.g., pianos, violins, guitars, harps) to adjust and maintain string tension. They are critical for pitch accuracy and instrument stability.
In international trade, tuning pegs are classified under two main categories, depending on the instrument they are designed for:
- For pianos: Classified under 9209.91.40.00
- For other musical instruments (e.g., violins, guitars, mandolins): Classified under 9209.92.40.00
β οΈ Key Distinction: - If the tuning pin is specifically designed for pianos, use 9209.91.40.00
- If it is for other stringed instruments, use 9209.92.40.00
- Do not use general "metal parts" or "hardware" codes β this leads to misclassification and higher tariffs!
π¦ Two, HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Match)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Instruments | Key Feature |
|---|---|---|---|
9209.91.40.00 |
Parts and accessories for pianos: Tuning pins | Grand pianos, upright pianos, digital pianos | Designed for piano frame mounting, high precision |
9209.92.40.00 |
Parts and accessories for musical instruments of heading 9202: Tuning pins | Violins, violas, cellos, guitars, mandolins, ukuleles | Smaller size, compatible with pegboxes and pegheads |
π Critical Note:
- Piano tuning pins are not interchangeable with those for stringed instruments due to differences in thread pitch, diameter, and mounting method.
- Even if made of the same material (e.g., steel), function and design dictate classification.
π° Three, 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown (Withιε Taxes & Policy Details)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: November 10, 2025 (including subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9209.91.40.00 β Tuning Pins for Pianos
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% (ad valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% (from USITC Footnote 9903.88.01) |
| Total Effective Tariff | 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (0.5% de minimis applies) β if value β€ 0.5% of total shipment, no duty applies |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9209.91.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- The 7.5% additional tariff comes from the Section 301 action under the U.S. Trade Act, targeting Chinese-origin goods deemed to have unfair trade practices.
- No steel/aluminum surcharge applies here β tuning pins are not considered metal structural components.
- De minimis exemption applies, so small quantities (e.g., 100 pins in a shipment under $800) may avoid duty entirely.
π― 2. 9209.92.40.00 β Tuning Pins for Other Musical Instruments (e.g., Violins, Guitars)
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 10Β’ per 1,000 pins + 3.5% ad valorem |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Effective Tariff | 10Β’ per 1,000 pins + 3.5% + 7.5% |
| Tax Calculation | (CIF Value Γ 11.0%) + (Number of Pins Γ· 1,000 Γ $0.01) |
| De Minimis Threshold | β Yes (0.5% de minimis applies) |
| Legal Basis Path | IEEPA:9901.25 β USITC:9209.92.40.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Explanation:
- This is a dual-rate tariff: a per-unit fixed fee (10Β’ per 1,000 pins) plus a percentage-based duty (3.5% + 7.5% = 11.0%).
- Example:
- 5,000 tuning pins, CIF value = $100
- Fixed fee: 5 Γ $0.01 = $0.05
- Percentage duty: $100 Γ 11.0% = $11.00
- Total duty = $11.05
- De minimis still applies β if total value β€ $800, no duty if under 0.5% threshold.
π οΈ Four, Customs Clearance Practical Tips (Real-World Pro Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have Checklist)
| Document | Required? | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specifications | βοΈ | Include material (steel, brass), thread size, length, diameter |
| β Technical Drawings / CAD Files | βοΈ | Prove compatibility with specific instruments |
| β Product Photos (with labels) | βοΈ | Show markings, threading, and finish |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Clearly state "Tuning Pins for Violins" or "Piano Tuning Pins" |
| β Certificate of Origin (CO) | βοΈ | Required for tariff eligibility (e.g., USMCA, ASEAN) |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Show exact count per SKU and total number of pins |
| β Test Report (RoHS, CE, FCC if applicable) | βοΈ | Optional but recommended for compliance |
β 2.η³ζ₯ζε·§ (Key Pro Tips)
π₯ βPin Type Matters, Quantity Counts, Labeling Wins!β
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Common Mistake |
|---|---|---|
| 10,000 tuning pins for violins | 9209.92.40.00 |
Misclassified as 9209.91.40.00 β higher duty |
| 500 piano tuning pins | 9209.91.40.00 |
Misclassified as 9209.92.40.00 β incorrect rate |
| Mixed shipment: 3,000 piano + 2,000 violin pins | Split by type | Combinedη³ζ₯ β treated as higher-rate category |
| Small sample shipment (100 pins, $500) | 9209.91.40.00 or 9209.92.40.00 |
De minimis applies β no duty if β€ $800 and β€ 0.5% of value |
β 3. Special Cases & Solutions
| Situation | Recommended Action |
|---|---|
| Custom-made tuning pins | Provide engineering drawings and usage proof to support classification |
| Reconditioned or refurbished pins | Declare as "used" β may qualify for lower duty, but must be documented |
| Exporting from Vietnam/Mexico | If origin is non-China, may qualify for IEEPA exemption β 0% additional tariff |
| High-volume import (100,000+ pins) | Apply for Advance Ruling (Pre-Ruling) to lock in tariff rate and avoid disputes |
π Five, Global Customs Comparison (2026 Update)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff Rate | Certification Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9209.91.40.00 / 9209.92.40.00 |
7.5% or 10Β’/1k + 11.0% | FCC, RoHS | De minimis applies |
| π¨π³ China | 9209.91.40.00 / 9209.92.40.00 |
5% | CCC, RoHS | No additional tariffs |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9209.91.40.00 / 9209.92.40.00 |
0% (if CE compliant) | CE, RoHS | No Section 301 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9209.91.40.00 / 9209.92.40.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra tariffs |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9209.91.40.00 / 9209.92.40.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional duties |
π Takeaway:
- The U.S. is the only market with significant additional tariffs on tuning pins.
- China-origin pins face 7.5% or higher depending on instrument type.
- Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand are preferred sourcing countries for U.S. importers to avoid Section 301.
π Six, Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them (Pain Points)
β Mistake 1: Using 9209.91.40.00 for violin tuning pins
π Result: Overpayment, audit risk, potential penalties
β Mistake 2: Not splitting mixed shipments
π Result: Entire shipment taxed at higher rate (e.g., 9209.92.40.00 rate)
β Mistake 3: Ignoring de minimis rule
π Result: Paying $11.05 on a $500 shipment β avoidable!
β Mistake 4: Declaring as "metal hardware" or "fasteners"
π Result: Misclassification β higher tariff + penalties
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Tuning Pins for Violins, 1000 pcs, Steel, 2.5mm Diameter, 20mm Length, Packaged in 10 boxes, Model XYZ, RoHS Certified"
π― Seven, Conclusion: Precision Matters β One Pin Can Change the Tax
π― Remember the Golden Rule:
πΉ "Pin Type β HS Code β Tariff"
πΉ "10Β’ per 1,000? Check the code!"
πΉ "De minimis saves money β use it!"
π Pro Tip:
If your tuning pins are produced in Vietnam, Mexico, or Thailand, apply for IEEPA exemption β you may qualify for 0% additional tariff on Section 301 goods.
π£ Act Now!
π Contact a licensed customs broker + Submit product specs + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid penalties, and maximize profit margins!
β¨ Expert Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ One wrong code = Thousands in extra costs. Get it right the first time.
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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.