Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including timepieces worn on the person (such as wristwatches and pocket watches), other clocks (such as alarm clocks, wall clocks, and desk clocks), time recorders, instruments for measuring, recording, or otherwise indicating intervals of time, and clock and watch movements and parts. This chapter does not include toy clocks and watches (Chapter 95), time recorders for medical instruments (Chapter 90), or simple time switches (Chapter 85). Heading 9103 specifically covers all kinds of alarm clocks, including travel alarm clocks, desk clocks, mantel clocks, etc., whether or not they have an alarm mechanism. However, this heading does not include watches (9101/9102), wall clocks and desk clocks (9105), or time switches with clock or watch movements (9107). Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks, as a type of alarm clock, are classified under this heading if their core function is timekeeping and alarming. Code 910310 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "91" represent Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 9103 (alarm clocks); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 9103.10, namely "electrically operated" alarm clocks. Therefore, 910310 specifically refers to electrically operated alarm clocks, including vehicle-mounted alarm clocks. If they are non-electric alarm clocks, they are classified under 9103.90. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are usually driven by vehicle power or batteries, so they are classified under 9103.10. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are classified under 910310 because they are essentially electrically operated alarm clocks and meet the description of heading 9103. They are not classified under 9105 (other clocks) because they have an alarm function; not under 8512 (electrical signaling equipment for vehicles) because their core function is timekeeping rather than signaling; and not under 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) because they are independent of the vehicle system and are standalone timepieces.
Chapter
Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including timepieces worn on the person (such as wristwatches and pocket watches), other clocks (such as alarm clocks, wall clocks, and desk clocks), time recorders, instruments for measuring, recording, or otherwise indicating intervals of time, and clock and watch movements and parts. This chapter does not include toy clocks and watches (Chapter 95), time recorders for medical instruments (Chapter 90), or simple time switches (Chapter 85).
Heading
Heading 9103 specifically covers all kinds of alarm clocks, including travel alarm clocks, desk clocks, mantel clocks, etc., whether or not they have an alarm mechanism. However, this heading does not include watches (9101/9102), wall clocks and desk clocks (9105), or time switches with clock or watch movements (9107). Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks, as a type of alarm clock, are classified under this heading if their core function is timekeeping and alarming.
Digit Breakdown
Code 910310 is a six-digit subheading: the first two digits "91" represent Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts); digits 3-4 "03" represent heading 9103 (alarm clocks); digits 5-6 "10" represent subheading 9103.10, namely "electrically operated" alarm clocks. Therefore, 910310 specifically refers to electrically operated alarm clocks, including vehicle-mounted alarm clocks. If they are non-electric alarm clocks, they are classified under 9103.90. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are usually driven by vehicle power or batteries, so they are classified under 9103.10.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are classified under 910310 because they are essentially electrically operated alarm clocks and meet the description of heading 9103. They are not classified under 9105 (other clocks) because they have an alarm function; not under 8512 (electrical signaling equipment for vehicles) because their core function is timekeeping rather than signaling; and not under 8708 (parts of motor vehicles) because they are independent of the vehicle system and are standalone timepieces.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: Declare the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted alarm clock" or "electric alarm clock (for vehicle use)." Brand: Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand." Brand affects customs intellectual property protection and market value. Model: Fill in the product model to facilitate customs identification of the specific specifications of the goods. Drive Method: Indicate electric (battery or vehicle power) or non-electric. Electric is classified under 910310, and non-electric under 910390. Whether It Has an Alarm Function: Confirm that the product has an alarm function, which is a necessary condition for classification under 9103. Installation Method: State whether it is embedded, attached, or independently placed, which affects whether it belongs to vehicle parts. Supply Voltage: If powered by vehicle power, indicate the voltage (such as 12V/24V) to help customs determine whether it is specially designed for vehicles. Example of customs declaration form:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted alarm clock
Brand: XYZ
Model: CL-2023
Drive Method: Electric (battery)
Whether It Has an Alarm Function: Yes
Installation Method: Attached
Supply Voltage: 3V (coin cell battery)
HS Code: 91031000
Declaration Elements: 1. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted alarm clock; 2. Brand: XYZ; 3. Model: CL-2023; 4. Drive Method: Electric; 5. Whether It Has an Alarm Function: Yes; 6. Installation Method: Attached; 7. Supply Voltage: 3V. Mistakenly classifying vehicle-mounted alarm clocks under 8512 (vehicle signaling equipment), ignoring their core timekeeping function. Failure to distinguish between electric and non-electric, resulting in confusion between subheadings 910310 and 910390. Ignoring the alarm function and mistakenly reporting an ordinary vehicle-mounted clock as an alarm clock; it should actually be classified under 9105.
Product Name
Declare the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, which should accurately reflect the product's attributes, such as "vehicle-mounted alarm clock" or "electric alarm clock (for vehicle use)."
⚠️ Writing only "alarm clock" without indicating vehicle use, or mistakenly writing "car clock," which may lead to classification disputes.
Brand
Fill in the product brand; if there is no brand, write "no brand." Brand affects customs intellectual property protection and market value.
⚠️ The brand does not match the actual goods, or an authorized brand is not declared, leading to infringement risks.
Model
Fill in the product model to facilitate customs identification of the specific specifications of the goods.
⚠️ Missing model or inconsistency with the actual goods, causing inspection difficulties.
Drive Method
Indicate electric (battery or vehicle power) or non-electric. Electric is classified under 910310, and non-electric under 910390.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting battery-driven as mechanically driven, leading to classification errors.
Whether It Has an Alarm Function
Confirm that the product has an alarm function, which is a necessary condition for classification under 9103.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting a vehicle-mounted clock that only displays time as an alarm clock; it should be classified under 9105.
Installation Method
State whether it is embedded, attached, or independently placed, which affects whether it belongs to vehicle parts.
⚠️ Mistakenly reporting an embedded alarm clock as a vehicle part; it should be classified under 8708.
Supply Voltage
If powered by vehicle power, indicate the voltage (such as 12V/24V) to help customs determine whether it is specially designed for vehicles.
⚠️ Failure to indicate voltage, leading to it being mistaken for a general-purpose alarm clock.
Example： Example of customs declaration form:
Product Name: Vehicle-mounted alarm clock
Brand: XYZ
Model: CL-2023
Drive Method: Electric (battery)
Whether It Has an Alarm Function: Yes
Installation Method: Attached
Supply Voltage: 3V (coin cell battery)
HS Code: 91031000
Declaration Elements: 1. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted alarm clock; 2. Brand: XYZ; 3. Model: CL-2023; 4. Drive Method: Electric; 5. Whether It Has an Alarm Function: Yes; 6. Installation Method: Attached; 7. Supply Voltage: 3V.
Common Mistakes：
Mistakenly classifying vehicle-mounted alarm clocks under 8512 (vehicle signaling equipment), ignoring their core timekeeping function.
Failure to distinguish between electric and non-electric, resulting in confusion between subheadings 910310 and 910390.
Ignoring the alarm function and mistakenly reporting an ordinary vehicle-mounted clock as an alarm clock; it should actually be classified under 9105.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is the product's function, drive method, and use. A vehicle-mounted alarm clock must have timekeeping and alarm functions and be electrically driven. If it only keeps time without an alarm, it is classified under 9105; if it is a vehicle-specific signaling device, it is classified under 8512; if it is a vehicle part, it is classified under 8708. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff regarding heading 9103. 9105 Other clocks: 9105 covers clocks without an alarm function, such as wall clocks and desk clocks. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are classified under 9103 because they have an alarm function. 8512 Electrical signaling equipment for vehicles: 8512 includes vehicle horns, alarms, etc., whose core function is signaling or safety, not timekeeping. The core function of a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is timekeeping, so it is not classified under 8512. 8708 Parts of motor vehicles: 8708 covers vehicle-specific parts, such as dashboard clocks. However, vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are usually independent accessories and do not constitute essential vehicle parts, so they are classified under 9103. 9107 Time switches: 9107 refers to time switches with clock or watch movements, used to control circuits. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks only keep time and sound an alarm; they do not control circuits, so they are not classified under 9107. Does the product have an alarm function? Is the drive method electric? Is it independent of the vehicle system? Is it used only for timekeeping rather than signaling? Are the brand and model fully declared?
Basis
The core basis for classification is the product's function, drive method, and use. A vehicle-mounted alarm clock must have timekeeping and alarm functions and be electrically driven. If it only keeps time without an alarm, it is classified under 9105; if it is a vehicle-specific signaling device, it is classified under 8512; if it is a vehicle part, it is classified under 8708. Reference should also be made to the Explanatory Notes to the Import and Export Tariff regarding heading 9103.
Confused Codes：
9105 - Other clocks
9105 covers clocks without an alarm function, such as wall clocks and desk clocks. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are classified under 9103 because they have an alarm function.
8512 - Electrical signaling equipment for vehicles
8512 includes vehicle horns, alarms, etc., whose core function is signaling or safety, not timekeeping. The core function of a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is timekeeping, so it is not classified under 8512.
8708 - Parts of motor vehicles
8708 covers vehicle-specific parts, such as dashboard clocks. However, vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are usually independent accessories and do not constitute essential vehicle parts, so they are classified under 9103.
9107 - Time switches
9107 refers to time switches with clock or watch movements, used to control circuits. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks only keep time and sound an alarm; they do not control circuits, so they are not classified under 9107.
Self-Check：
✓ Does the product have an alarm function?
✓ Is the drive method electric?
✓ Is it independent of the vehicle system?
✓ Is it used only for timekeeping rather than signaling?
✓ Are the brand and model fully declared?
❓ FAQ
Is there a difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted alarm clocks and ordinary alarm clocks? There is no difference. As long as they are both electric alarm clocks, whether vehicle-mounted or not, they are classified under 910310. However, if a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is a vehicle-specific part, 8708 may need to be considered, but usually an independent accessory is still classified under 9103. How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is electric or non-electric? Electric alarm clocks are driven by batteries or vehicle power, while non-electric ones are driven by mechanical springs. This can be distinguished by checking the product specifications or drive method. Electric is classified under 910310, and non-electric under 910390. If a vehicle-mounted alarm clock has a radio function, which code should it be classified under? If the radio is the main function, it is classified under 8527; if the alarm clock is the main function, it is classified under 9103. Classification is based on the principle of principal function. What elements need to be declared for a vehicle-mounted alarm clock during customs declaration? It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, drive method, whether it has an alarm function, installation method, supply voltage, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements. How can the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted alarm clocks be checked? It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff. Rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest publication. You may also consult a professional customs broker. If a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is an original factory accessory for a vehicle, will the code be different? If it is imported as a vehicle part and meets the description of 8708, it may be classified under 8708. However, if it is independently packaged and highly versatile, it is still classified under 9103. Judgment should be based on the actual state. Does a vehicle-mounted alarm clock exported to the EU require CE certification? Yes. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are electronic devices and must comply with CE certification (such as EMC, LVD, and other directives). For details, consult a certification body. How is HS code 910310 applied in cross-border e-commerce? Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to provide an HS code when declaring, and 910310 is used for electric alarm clocks. Note that the destination country's code may differ (such as U.S. HTS), so it is recommended to use the destination country's code lookup tool.
Q: Is there a difference in HS codes between vehicle-mounted alarm clocks and ordinary alarm clocks?
A: There is no difference. As long as they are both electric alarm clocks, whether vehicle-mounted or not, they are classified under 910310. However, if a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is a vehicle-specific part, 8708 may need to be considered, but usually an independent accessory is still classified under 9103.
Q: How can one determine whether a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is electric or non-electric?
A: Electric alarm clocks are driven by batteries or vehicle power, while non-electric ones are driven by mechanical springs. This can be distinguished by checking the product specifications or drive method. Electric is classified under 910310, and non-electric under 910390.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted alarm clock has a radio function, which code should it be classified under?
A: If the radio is the main function, it is classified under 8527; if the alarm clock is the main function, it is classified under 9103. Classification is based on the principle of principal function.
Q: What elements need to be declared for a vehicle-mounted alarm clock during customs declaration?
A: It is necessary to declare the product name, brand, model, drive method, whether it has an alarm function, installation method, supply voltage, etc. The specific requirements are subject to customs requirements.
Q: How can the tariff rate for vehicle-mounted alarm clocks be checked?
A: It can be checked through the General Administration of Customs website or the Import and Export Tariff. Rates may change, so it is recommended to refer to the latest publication. You may also consult a professional customs broker.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted alarm clock is an original factory accessory for a vehicle, will the code be different?
A: If it is imported as a vehicle part and meets the description of 8708, it may be classified under 8708. However, if it is independently packaged and highly versatile, it is still classified under 9103. Judgment should be based on the actual state.
Q: Does a vehicle-mounted alarm clock exported to the EU require CE certification?
A: Yes. Vehicle-mounted alarm clocks are electronic devices and must comply with CE certification (such as EMC, LVD, and other directives). For details, consult a certification body.
Q: How is HS code 910310 applied in cross-border e-commerce?
A: Cross-border e-commerce sellers need to provide an HS code when declaring, and 910310 is used for electric alarm clocks. Note that the destination country's code may differ (such as U.S. HTS), so it is recommended to use the destination country's code lookup tool.
⚠️ Disclaimer: HS code classification, declaration elements, tariff rates and regulatory conditions on this page are for reference only and do not constitute legal advice on customs classification. Tariff rates and regulations are subject to change; the latest announcements from the General Administration of Customs and on-site determinations shall prevail. Please consult professional customs brokers or customs authorities before import/export.