Percussion musical instruments (for example, drums, xylophones, cymbals, castanets, maracas)
4 declarable lines
Heading 9206 covers percussion musical instruments, meaning instruments played by striking or shaking, such as drums, cymbals, xylophones, castanets and maracas. The heading is split by instrument type: drums, cymbals, sets of tuned bells known as chimes, peals or carillons, and a residual other line. Most percussion items that are not drums, cymbals or tuned bell sets fall in the residual line.
Products in this heading
- Acoustic drum kit shells and drums
- Hand cymbals and drum kit cymbals
- Xylophones and metallophones
- Castanets
- Maracas and shakers
- Tambourines
- Sets of tuned bells sold as chimes or carillons
- Triangle and similar struck percussion instruments
How to choose the right subheading
- Identify the instrument type first: drums, cymbals, tuned bell sets, or other percussion.
- Confirm the sound is made by striking or shaking, not by electrical amplification.
- Confirm the item is a complete instrument, not a part or accessory such as a drumhead or beater.
- Confirm the item is a real instrument, not a toy for play.
- For anything that is not a drum, cymbal or tuned bell set, use the residual other line.
Often confused with
- Heading 9207Electronic drum kit
Sound is produced or must be amplified electrically, so it is not in 9206.
- Heading 9209Drumheads, drum shells sold as parts, and drumsticks
Parts and accessories of musical instruments are classified in 9209, not with the finished instrument.
- Heading 9503Toy drum or toy xylophone for play
Toy instruments of a kind used for play are classified as toys.
- Heading 9208Whistle or call horn
Mouth-blown signaling instruments are named in 9208.
- Heading 9202Guitar or violin
String instruments are classified in 9202.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HTS code for drums?
Drums are classified under 9206.00.20.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 4.8%.
What is the duty on cymbals?
Cymbals are classified under 9206.00.40.00, which carries a general (MFN) rate of Free.
How do I classify a xylophone or maracas?
Xylophones, maracas and other percussion instruments not covered by the drum, cymbal or tuned bell lines fall under 9206.00.80.00, with a general (MFN) rate of 5.3%.
Guide written from the official schedule text. Rates quoted are general (MFN) rates; check the line page for trade agreement rates and the classification of your exact product.