Xylophone
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9206008000 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000073 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420190000 | 13.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4420908000 | 38.2% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9206002000 | 22.3% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9503000090 | 10.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π΅ Xylophone (Wooden Percussion Instrument)
π HS Code Classification & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Breakdown | Expert-Level Import Strategy
π One Product, Five Paths: Why Your Xylophone Could Be Taxed at 10% or 38.2%!
π₯ Warning: The same wooden xylophone can be taxed at 10% or 38.2% depending on how you classify it.
β This guide reveals the real-world logic behind each HS Code β no guesswork, no surprises.
π¦ δΈγHS Code Classification Overview (2026 U.S. Tariff Schedule)
| HS Code | Product Description | Tax Rate | Key Classification Reason |
|---|---|---|---|
9206.00.80.00 |
Xylophones (wooden percussion instruments) | 22.8% | Matches specific category of "xylophones" under musical instruments |
9503.00.00.73 |
Miniature models or similar playthings | 10.0% | Treated as a toy due to recreational use |
4420.19.00.00 |
Wooden sculptures & decorative items | 13.2% | Based on material (wood) and non-musical function |
4420.90.80.00 |
Other wooden articles (including musical instruments) | 38.2% | "Other" catch-all category with highιε taxes |
9206.00.20.00 |
Other struck percussion instruments | 22.3% | Matches broad category of "percussion" instruments |
9503.00.00.90 |
Other toys & games (unspecified) | 10.0% | Fits "other" toy category under model/entertainment rules |
π Critical Insight:
- Same product, different fate β itβs not about what it is, but how you describe it in customs. - Tax rate varies by 28.2 percentage points β a $10,000 shipment could cost $2,820 more based on classification alone.
π° δΊγDetailed Tariff Breakdown (U.S. Import Rules | China Origin)
π― 1. 9206.00.80.00 β Xylophones (Musical Instruments)
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 5.3% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Tariff (USITC) | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not eligible (denied under 19 CFR Β§181.12) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:9206.00.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies:
- The HTSUS (Harmonized Tariff Schedule) explicitly lists "xylophones" under 9206.00.80.00. - Matches form, function, and classification explanation β this is the most accurate code for a real musical instrument.
π― 2. 9503.00.00.73 β Miniature Models / Playthings
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible (if value β€ $800) |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 9503.00.00.73 |
π Why This Applies:
- If marketed as a "toy", "children's instrument", or "play model", it falls under "similar entertainment models". - No base duty, but IEEPA 10% still applies to Chinese-origin goods.
π― 3. 4420.19.00.00 β Wooden Sculptures & Decorative Items
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 13.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 13.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 4420.19.00.00 |
π Why This Applies:
- If the xylophone is not sold as a musical instrument, but as a decorative wooden art piece, this code applies. - Material-based classification: "wooden" + "decorative" = this category.
π― 4. 4420.90.80.00 β Other Wooden Articles (Catch-All)
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 3.2% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 38.2% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 38.2% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β USITC:4420.90.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:9903.88.01 |
π Why This Applies (And Why Itβs Dangerous):
- This is the "other" category for wooden items not specifically listed. - Highest risk: If the customs officer sees no clear musical instrument classification, they may default to this. - 25% Section 301 tariff β this is the worst-case scenario.
π― 5. 9206.00.20.00 β Other Struck Percussion Instruments
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 4.8% |
| Section 301 Tariff | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 22.3% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 22.3% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 9206.00.20.00 |
π Why This Applies:
- Matches broad category of "struck percussion instruments" β includes xylophones, glockenspiels, etc. - Slightly lower than 9206.00.80.00, but still high.
π― 6. 9503.00.00.90 β Other Toys & Games
| Component | Detail |
|---|---|
| Base Duty | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff (IEEPA) | +10.0% |
| Total Effective Rate | 10.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Γ 10.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Eligible |
| Legal Basis | IEEPA:9903.01.25 β 9503.00.00.90 |
π Why This Applies:
- If the product is marketed as a toy, "children's musical toy", or "educational play item", this applies. - Lowest tax rate β but only if you can prove it's not a real instrument.
π οΈ δΈγCustoms Clearance Best Practices (Pro Tips)
β 1. Required Documentation (Must-Have)
| Document | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| β Product Photos (Clear & Full View) | Show instrument form, keys, tuning, and construction |
| β Technical Specs (Material, Size, Tuning Range) | Prove itβs a real xylophone, not a toy |
| β Commercial Invoice (Accurate Description) | Use: "Wooden Xylophone, 4-octave, Tuned Percussion Instrument, for Musical Performance" |
| β Manufacturerβs Certificate | Confirm itβs built for music, not play |
| β Labeling & Packaging | Avoid "toy" or "childrenβs" labels |
| β FCC/CE/RoHS (if applicable) | For electronics or accessories |
β 2.η³ζ₯ηη₯οΌCritical Classification RulesοΌ
π₯ "If it sounds like music, classify it as music. If itβs sold as a toy, itβs a toy."
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Risk of Over-Taxation |
|---|---|---|
| Sold as musical instrument (e.g., in music stores, schools) | 9206.00.80.00 or 9206.00.20.00 |
β Low |
| Marketed as childrenβs toy or educational play item | 9503.00.00.73 or 9503.00.00.90 |
β Low (only 10%) |
| Labeled as wooden art, decor, or home accent | 4420.19.00.00 or 4420.90.80.00 |
β οΈ High Risk (38.2%) |
| No clear description, vague invoice | Default to 4420.90.80.00 |
β Danger Zone |
β 3. Avoid These 4 Deadly Mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence | How to Fix |
|---|---|---|
| β Using "toy" in product name or description | Taxed at 10% β but only if it's truly a toy | Use "musical instrument" in all docs |
| β No photos or specs | Customs may assume itβs a decorative item | Attach detailed images and specs |
| β Selling to a school or music teacher | May trigger "instrument" classification | Keep records of purchase purpose |
| β No distinction between "toy" and "real instrument" | Risk of 38.2% tax | Label clearly and justify function |
π εγGlobal Customs Comparison (2026)
| Country | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate | Certification | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9206.00.80.00 |
22.8% | None (FCC if electronics) | IEEPA 10% applies to China origin |
| π¨π³ China | 9206.00.80.00 |
5% | CCC | No extra tariffs |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9206.00.80.00 |
0% (if CE) | CE | No 301/IEEPA tariffs |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9206.00.80.00 |
5% | RCM | No extra duties |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9206.00.80.00 |
0% | PSE | No additional tariffs |
π Insight:
- Only the U.S. applies highιε taxes on Chinese-origin musical instruments. - EU, Japan, Australia are much friendlier β consider re-routing if possible.
π― δΊγFinal Verdict: What Should You Do?
β Best Case:
- Classify as9206.00.80.00β 22.8% but accurate and defensible. - Use "wooden xylophone", "percussion instrument", "tuned keys", "musical performance" in all docs.β Best Value (if toy-like):
- Classify as9503.00.00.90β 10.0%, de minimis eligible. - But only if it's truly marketed as a toy.β Avoid at All Costs:
-4420.90.80.00β 38.2% tax, no de minimis, high audit risk.
π Six Key Takeaways (Remember This!)
- πΉ Same product, different tax β your description defines your rate.
- πΉ "Musical instrument" = 22.8%, "toy" = 10%, "wooden art" = 38.2%.
- πΉ Never label it as a "toy" if it's a real instrument β unless you want 10%.
- πΉ Photos and specs are your armor β always include them.
- πΉ U.S. is the only market with highιε taxes β plan accordingly.
- πΉ De minimis applies only to toy codes β not to musical instrument codes.
π Pro Tip: Get a Pre-Ruling (Advance Ruling)
π Contact a U.S. Customs Broker and request an HS Code Pre-Approval for your xylophone.
β Cost: $500β$1,500
β Benefit: Guaranteed classification, no surprise taxes, zero audit risk.
π£ Act Now:
π Call your customs broker today
π Submit photos, specs, invoice, and labeling
π Avoid 38.2% tax β secure your profit margin!
β¨ Precision Classification = Profit Protection
πΌ Your next shipment shouldnβt cost 3x more than it should.
π― Get it right β the first time.
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.