TradeTools

HS-2 · Chapter 91

HS chapter 91: Clocks and watches

Section XVIIIOptical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; clocks and watches; musical instruments; parts and accessories thereof

Clocks, watches, and their parts are classified under HS Chapter 91. This includes items like wrist-watches made of precious metals or standard clocks used in homes and offices. For example, if you import wrist-watches with metal cases, you will likely reference this chapter for accurate classification.

To determine the correct HS-4 code, start by identifying the specific type of watch or clock. For instance, if your product is a wrist-watch made of precious metal, you would look at 9101. If it’s a standard wrist-watch, you would check 9102. Understanding the material and function is crucial to avoid misclassification.

Next, when drilling down to HS-6 codes, examine the additional details such as the movement type or whether the item is assembled or unassembled. For example, if you have a clock with a watch movement, you would refer to 9103. Pay attention to the notes in the headings to clarify any overlaps or exclusions.

Terms & reference phrasing

These are common trade terms used for this chapter. Use them as context, not as a substitute for legal wording.

clocks · watches · watch movements · clock parts · wrist-watches · pocket-watches · stop-watches · instrument panel clocks · time switches · watch cases · clock cases · time recording apparatus · assembled movements · unassembled movements · watch straps · clock mechanisms

Continue classification

Next best action

Pick one of these actions to move from reading to a defensible classification decision.

Related topics

Longer phrases that come up when you're comparing codes or talking to a broker.

  • classification of wrist-watches with precious metals
  • how to classify pocket-watches for export
  • understanding HS codes for clocks and watches
  • differentiating between assembled and unassembled watch movements
  • importing time recording apparatus under HS Chapter 91
  • requirements for clock parts in international trade
  • choosing the right HS-4 code for time switches
  • navigating HS codes for instrument panel clocks

Examples & common questions

Example products reflect typical trade descriptions. The questions below mirror practical doubts teams raise during filing.

Example products

  • Wrist-watches with gold cases
  • Pocket-watches made of stainless steel
  • Stop-watches used in sports events
  • Clocks for home use with quartz movements
  • Instrument panel clocks for vehicles
  • Time switches for industrial applications
  • Watch movements for manufacturing
  • Clock parts like gears and springs

Common classification questions

What HS code for wrist-watches?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How to classify clocks for import?

Confirm composition, processing stage, and end-use in your documents before mapping to country digits.

Are pocket-watches under HS Chapter 91?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

What are the parts of a watch classified as?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

Do I need to declare clock movements separately?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

How to determine HS-6 for time switches?

Use it as a chapter cue, then verify the final choice against heading and subheading legal wording.

Questions & answers

For orientation only—the binding text is your national tariff and the WCO nomenclature your country uses.

What is the correct HS code for a wrist-watch?
If the wrist-watch has a case of precious metal, use **9101**. For other wrist-watches, refer to **9102**.
How do I classify a clock for export?
Identify the type of clock; for standard clocks with watch movements, use **9103**. For vehicle clocks, use **9104**.
Are watch movements classified separately?
Yes, watch movements are classified under **9108** for complete and assembled movements, and **9110** for unassembled or partly assembled movements.
What should I check before selecting a code?
Review the product's material, functionality, and whether it's assembled or unassembled. Refer to the notes in the headings for clarity.
Can I import clock parts without a specific HS code?
No, all clock parts must be classified under the appropriate HS code, typically under **9114** for parts not elsewhere classified.

All HS-4 headings in chapter 91 (14)

Each HS-4 links to a dedicated page with plain-English explanation, HS-6 subheadings, and FAQs. Use Browse to open the lookup in heading mode for that line.

9101
Wrist-watches, pocket-watches, stop-watches and other watches; with case of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal
9102
Wrist-watches, pocket-watches, stop-watches and other watches, other than those of heading no. 9101
9103
Clocks; with watch movements, excluding clocks of heading no. 9104
9104
Instrument panel clocks and clocks of a similar type for vehicles, aircraft, spacecraft or vessels
9106
Time of day recording apparatus and apparatus for measuring, recording or otherwise indicating intervals of time, with clock, watch movement or synchronous motor
9107
Time switches; with clock, watch movement or synchronous motor
9108
Watch movements; complete and assembled
9109
Clock movements; complete and assembled
9110
Watch or clock movements, complete, unassembled or partly assembled (movement sets); incomplete watch or clock movements, assembled; rough watch or clock movements
9111
Watch cases and parts thereof
9112
Clock cases and cases of a similar type for other goods of this chapter and parts thereof
9113
Watch straps, watch bands, watch bracelets and parts thereof
9114
Clock or watch parts; n.e.c. in chapter 91

HS-4 directory (chapter 91)

Browse first heading (HS-4 9101)

Opens the lookup in heading browse for the first HS-4 block in this chapter (9101). Prefer the table above for a specific HS-4 page with full copy.

Before you file customs documents

Chapter pages on TradeTools are educational summaries, not legal classification determinations. Cross-check candidate codes with official notes, advance rulings where available, and your broker for high-value or borderline goods.

How we classify products explains what TradeTools does (and does not) automate.

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