Mechanical Singing Bird Box
An ornate 19th-century style automaton featuring a mechanical bird that flaps wings, moves beak, and produces bird calls via bellows and pipes. Classified under HTS 9208.90.00.80 for mechanical singing birds as specified in the heading. Typically cased in gold-plated brass with enamel decoration.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If simplified version sold as desk toy for children
Basic toy automatons shift to Chapter 95 toys classification.
If predominantly imitation jewelry without functional mechanism
Non-functional decorative bird boxes are classified as imitation jewelry.
If mechanism imported separately as parts
Individual mechanical components without housing fall under machinery taps and valves.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right HTS code — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Declare all precious metal content accurately; may require hallmark certification
• Ensure automata mechanisms are secured during shipping to prevent damage to delicate bellows
• Provide restoration history if refurbished to avoid undervaluation penalties
Related Products under HTS 9208.90.00.80
Antique Swiss Music Box
A handcrafted wooden music box from Switzerland featuring a metal cylinder mechanism that plays melodies when wound. It falls under HTS 9208.90.00.80 as a mechanical musical instrument not classified elsewhere in Chapter 92. Decorative inlays and intricate engravings make it a collector's item.
Musical Saw
A specialized handsaw with a tempered steel blade designed to be played by bending and striking to produce musical tones. Falls under HTS 9208.90.00.80 explicitly as a musical saw not fitting other instrument categories. Often includes a bow and carrying case.
Duck Decoy Call
A wooden or acrylic reed duck call producing quacks and feeding sounds when blown by hunters. Classified under HTS 9208.90.00.80 for decoy calls of all kinds. Custom-tuned reeds offer various duck species sounds.
Coachman's Whistle
Traditional pea whistle used by carriage drivers, made of brass with wooden mouthpiece producing piercing signal tone. Falls under HTS 9208.90.00.80 as mouth-blown sound signaling instrument. Historically significant for traffic control.
Fairground Calliope Whistle
Steam-powered steam whistle replica for carnival use, producing distinctive calliope tones via tuned pipes. Classified under HTS 9208.90.00.80 as fairground organ component or standalone signaling instrument. Often chromed metal construction.
Handmade Goose Call
Artisan-crafted goose hunting call from hardwood with latex reed mimicking honks and clucks. Under HTS 9208.90.00.80 for decoy calls. Friction-fit barrel allows pitch adjustment.