9205.90.40.20 - Clarinets

This HTS classification covers clarinets, a type of woodwind musical instrument. Clarinets are characterized by a single-reed mouthpiece and a cylindrical bore, which produce a rich and varied tone. They are typically constructed from wood, such as grenadilla or ebony, although some student models may be made from plastic or other synthetic materials. This category encompasses all types of clarinets, regardless of size or specific key, as long as they fall within the general definition of a clarinet and are not otherwise specified.

This category is distinguished from its siblings by the specific type of woodwind instrument. While 9205.90.40.40 specifically covers saxophones, which utilize a double reed and have a conical bore, and 9205.90.40.60 covers flutes and piccolos (excluding bamboo), this category is reserved solely for clarinets. The primary differentiator lies in the acoustic principle and the presence of a single-reed mouthpiece unique to the clarinet family.

As this is a leaf node, there are no further subcategories. Classification at this level is based on the definitive characteristics of a clarinet. The preceding levels in the HTS structure have established that the instrument is a wind instrument, not from a fairground organ or mechanical street organ, and falls under the "other" wind instruments category, further refined to "woodwind instruments" and then "other" within that sub-grouping. Therefore, an instrument fitting the description of a clarinet, and not specifically a saxophone, flute, or piccolo, will be classified here.