I was curious to know if there is any recent experience on tariffs/ duties on imported banjos, specifically from Canada. My research indicates that a banjo would be assigned the code of 9202.90.6000 under the Harmonized System, and that as such would not be subject to duties upon import by virtue of the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA). A recent sour experience importing a tone ring from up north makes me wary, however. Has anyone recently imported a banjo or similar stringed instrument from our northern neighbor recently, and if so did Uncle Sam tax the import?
Edited by - SophiaD on 06/01/2026 14:54:21
I imported a Canadian made banjo in April and didn’t have to pay any tariffs / duties.
....depending on the banjo, you may need additional compliance with CITES regulations < not related to tariffs or duties whatsoever.
.....but your responsibility.
I too acquired one from from 12th Fret (music retailer in Canada) back in April and did not have to pay additional import fees/tariffs, though shipping stung a bit.
Depending where in Canada you're purchase comes from it could be to your advantidge to come up here and pick it up yourself.
In case your purchase comes from Rickards Banjo in Aurora then it's only an 8 hr drive from Baltimore.
At the U.S. Customs on the way back you get a great personal excemption ($600 if I'm not mistaken).
In the meantime, Niagara Falls and Toronto are on the way and it being almost summer and all...
I'd be on the way myself and the coffe's always on...
No recent Canadian banjos but I did receive a ukulele in late March. Only had to pay the usual import duties on it.
Driving up to pick up an instrument is something to look at; I suppose the down side is sales taxes, which I believe run @ 15% in Ontario & Quebec. Will do some stubby pencil work. Maybe sales taxes are a wash as against shipping and possible broker fees.
Edited by - SophiaD on 06/02/2026 13:28:17
My friend had a banjo rejected at the border late 2025 because of the mother of pearl. It was shipped with FedEx and he was told he needed an import license with the US Fish and Wildlife in order for it to entry the country. It's the first time I've heard of this happening.
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