Ukulele
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9202904000 | 26.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9202906000 | 14.6% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9207900040 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9207900080 | 22.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9209928000 | 22.1% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9209300000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
πΈ Ukulele (Stringed Musical Instruments)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Strategy for Guitars & Ukuleles
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Know Your "Ukulele" From Your "Guitar"?
The Ukulele, a small four-stringed guitar-like instrument originating from Hawaii, is classified under Chapter 92 of the Harmonized System (HS). In international trade, the classification hinges heavily on two factors: Sound Production Method (Acoustic vs. Electric) and Component State (Instrument vs. Parts/Accessories).
β οΈ Key Distinction Points:
- Acoustic Ukulele: Sound is produced mechanically without electrical amplification β Classified under 9202.90.
- Electric/Electronic Ukulele: Sound is produced or must be amplified electrically β Classified under 9207.90.
- Parts/Accessories: Strings, cases, tuners β Classified under 9209.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (Latest 2026 Tariff Alignment)
| HS Code | Product Description | Applicable Scenario | Tax Rate (Total) |
|---|---|---|---|
9202.90.40.00 |
Other string musical instruments: Guitars: Other | Acoustic Ukuleles, Acoustic Guitars (Non-electric) | 16.2% |
9202.90.60.00 |
Other string musical instruments: Other: Other | Non-guitar acoustic strings (e.g., Viols, Harps) | 4.6% |
9207.90.00.40 |
Musical instruments... electrically: Other Fretted stringed instruments | Electric Ukuleles, Electric Guitars | 0.0% |
9207.90.00.80 |
Musical instruments... electrically: Other: Other | Electronic organs, accordions, other non-fretted electric instruments | 12.5% |
9209.30.00.00 |
Parts... of musical instruments: Musical instrument strings | Strings for Ukulele/Guitar | 7.5% |
9209.92.80.00 |
Parts... of musical instruments: Parts and accessories for heading 9202: Other | Cases, tuners, straps for Acoustic instruments | 12.1% |
π Critical Note:
- If your Ukulele has no internal pickup, amplifier, or requires electrical amplification to be heard properly, it is an Acoustic Instrument β 9202.90.40.00.
- If it has an active pickup/preamp or is strictly electric (plug-in only), it falls under 9207.90.00.40.
- Strings sold separately are classified under 9209.30.00.00, not as part of the instrument.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Detailed Tax Clauses)
β Applicable Market: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: Current trade policies (Including Section 301 & IEEPA supplements)
π― 1. 9202.90.40.00 ββ Acoustic Ukulele/Guitar
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 8.7% (Ad Valorem) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 16.2% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 16.2% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible for duty-free entry under $800 if subject to Section 301 additions in certain contexts (check specific CBP enforcement trends); generally, full duty applies. |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9202.90.40 β USITC Footnote 88 (Section 301) |
π Explanation:
- The "Base Tariff" is the standard Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate.
- The "Additional Tariff" (7.5%) is imposed under U.S. Trade Law Section 301 on specific Chinese-origin goods.
- Total Cost Impact: A $100 Ukulele incurs $16.20 in duties.
π― 2. 9207.90.00.40 ββ Electric Ukulele
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Calculation Basis | $0 |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Eligible for de minimis (if value < $800) under general trade rules (though verify current CBP strictness on "electronic" components). |
| Legal Basis Path | HTSUS:9207.90.00.40 |
π Strategic Advantage:
- Electric Ukuleles benefit from a 0% tariff on both base and additional rates.
- This is a significant cost-saving advantage for manufacturers exporting active/electric instruments compared to acoustic ones.
π― 3. 9209.92.80.00 ββ Parts & Accessories (Acoustic)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 4.6% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 12.1% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 12.1% |
π― 4. 9209.30.00.00 ββ Musical Instrument Strings
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +7.5% |
| Total Tax Rate | 7.5% |
| Calculation Basis | CIF Value Γ 7.5% |
π Note: Strings are taxed at 7.5% total. This is lower than the accessory rate (12.1%) but higher than electric instruments (0%).
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Documentation Checklist (Essential)
| Document | Required | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Must specify: Acoustic vs. Electric, Number of Strings, Material (Wood/Synthetic). |
| Photos | βοΈ | Clear images showing: Body shape, Headstock, Pickups/Preamp (if electric), Brand, Model. |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Describe item as "Ukulele, Acoustic" or "Ukulele, Electric". Avoid vague terms like "Musical Toy". |
| Material Declaration | βοΈ | If made of Rosewood/Ebony, may require CITES permits. |
| FCC/CE Certs | βοΈ | Mandatory for Electric Ukuleles (contains electronic circuits). |
β 2. Classification Strategy (Key Tips)
π₯ "Acoustic = 9202, Electric = 9207, Strings = 9209.30"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Incorrect Approach | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acoustic Ukulele | 9202.90.40.00 |
Misclassified as 9207 (Electric) |
Overpayment (16.2% vs 0%) |
| Electric Ukulele | 9207.90.00.40 |
Misclassified as 9202 (Acoustic) |
Underpayment Penalty + Back Taxes |
| Ukulele + Case + Tuner | Instrument + Parts Separate | Lump sum under 9202.90.40.00 |
Parts (9209) taxed at 12.1% if mixed incorrectly? No, usually instrument is primary. However, declare accurately. |
| Strings Only | 9209.30.00.00 |
Lumped with Instrument | Tax calculation error. |
β 3. Special Considerations
| Issue | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| CITES Protection | If the Ukulele uses Rosewood (Dalbergia spp.) or Ebony, ensure you have CITES export/import certificates. CBP strictly enforces this. |
| "Toy" Ukuleles | Small, cheap plastic Ukuleles for children still fall under HS 9202/9207 if they are functional musical instruments. Do not misclassify as "Toys" (Chapter 95) unless they are clearly non-functional play items. Misclassification leads to severe penalties. |
| Kit Assembly | If importing a kit (DIY), parts may be classified differently (e.g., 9209.92.80.00). Assemble before final export if possible to classify as finished instrument. |
π V. Global Market Comparison (2026)
| Market | Recommended HS Code | Tariff (CN Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9202.90.40.00 (Acoustic) / 9207.90.00.40 (Electric) |
16.2% (Acoustic) / 0% (Electric) | Section 301 applies. Electric is tariff-free. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9202.90.40 / 9207.90.00 |
Varies (Often 0-6%) | No Section 301. Standard EU Common Customs Tariff. |
| π¨π³ China | 9202.90.40 / 9207.90.00 |
8-12% | Import duties apply. |
| π¬π§ UK | 9202.90.40 / 9207.90.00 |
0-10% | Post-Brexit tariffs apply. No US-style Section 301. |
π Conclusion:
- The US market is the most complex due to Section 301 tariffs.
- Electric Ukuleles have a clear cost advantage (0% tariff) in the US compared to Acoustic ones (16.2%).
- CITES compliance is critical for both markets if exotic woods are used.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling an Electric Ukulele "Acoustic" to avoid taxes.
π Result: CBP inspection reveals preamp/pickup β 16.2% duty + penalties + back taxes.
β Mistake 2: Not declaring CITES status for Rosewood Ukuleles.
π Result: Seizure of goods by CBP, fines, and potential legal action.
β Mistake 3: Packing Strings with the Instrument under one invoice line.
π Result: Confusion in duty calculation. Declare Strings Separately (9209.30.00.00) if shipped separately or clearly itemized.
β Mistake 4: Using "Toy" classification for functional Ukuleles.
π Result: Misclassification error. If it produces music, itβs HS 92, not Chapter 95.
β Correct Declaration Example:
"Acoustic Ukulele, 21-inch Soprano, Mahogany Body, No Electronics, Model UK-21"
HS Code:9202.90.40.00"Electric Ukulele, 23-inch Tenor, with Preamp and Pickup, Model EUK-23"
HS Code:9207.90.00.40
π― VII. Conclusion: Strategic Importing for Profit
π― Key Takeaway:
πΉ Acoustic Ukuleles: Expect 16.2% total duty in the US. Factor this into your pricing.
πΉ Electric Ukuleles: Benefit from 0% duty in the US. This is a major competitive advantage.
πΉ CITES: Always verify wood species. Use FSC-certified woods if possible to simplify clearance.
π Pro Tip:
If you are exporting to the US, consider shifting product focus towards Electric/Ukuleles or Hybrid models (with pickup) to leverage the 0% tariff rate. For Acoustic models, ensure your margin can absorb the 16.2% duty.
π£ Action Item:
π Consult a Customs Broker for pre-classification review.
π Prepare CITES Documentation for any exotic wood products.
π Optimize Product Line: Highlight Electric Ukuleles for US markets to minimize tax burden.
β¨ Accurate Classification, Maximized Profit, Smooth Clearance!
πΌ Your Musical Journey Starts with Precise Compliance!
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.