HS-2 · Chapter 91
HS chapter 91: Clocks and watches
Section XVIII — Optical, 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 phrases describe how this chapter is discussed in trade, customs, and search—they stay on this page for context; they are not search shortcuts.
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
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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 are typical trade descriptions. Questions below are how people often frame classification for this chapter—use them as reading context, then confirm against your tariff book and legal notes.
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?
- How to classify clocks for import?
- Are pocket-watches under HS Chapter 91?
- What are the parts of a watch classified as?
- Do I need to declare clock movements separately?
- How to determine HS-6 for time switches?
- What is the difference between HS-4 codes in this chapter?
- Can I import unassembled watch movements?
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.
| HS-4 | WCO heading text | Browse |
|---|---|---|
| 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 | |
| 9105 | Clocks, other, n.e.c. | |
| 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 |
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.