9207.90.00.40 - Fretted stringed instruments

This HTS subheading, 9207.90.00.40, specifically covers fretted stringed musical instruments that produce sound, or must have their sound amplified, electrically. This includes a wide array of instruments where strings are fretted to change pitch, and which are designed for electronic sound amplification. Common examples that would fall under this classification include electric guitars, electric basses, and electric mandolins. The defining characteristic is the combination of a fretted string mechanism and the inherent requirement for electrical amplification to produce audible sound.

While the parent category 9207.90.00 encompasses "Other" electrically amplified musical instruments, this specific subheading (9207.90.00.40) distinguishes itself by narrowing the scope to *fretted stringed* instruments. This separates them from other amplified instruments within the "Other" category, such as amplified keyboards, electronic wind instruments, or amplified percussion instruments which do not utilize frets and strings as their primary sound-producing mechanism. The presence of frets on the fingerboard is a key determinant for classification under this subheading.

As this subheading is a leaf node in the HTS classification, there are no further subcategories. Therefore, the classification hinges entirely on the accurate identification of the instrument as a fretted stringed instrument requiring electrical amplification. Careful consideration should be given to the instrument's construction, specifically the presence of frets and its intended use with amplification systems, to ensure correct classification and avoid misinterpretation with other categories of musical instruments.