Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including various types of clocks, watches, timepieces, time recorders, and their components. The core characteristic of this chapter is that the goods must have a timekeeping function and are usually driven mechanically, by quartz, or electronically. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include instruments mainly used for measuring, recording, or indicating time intervals (such as stopwatches and timers), which may be classified under other chapters. The clocks and watches of this chapter are usually used in daily life, commerce, industry, or military fields, but vehicle-mounted clocks, as clocks for special purposes, also fall within the scope of this chapter. Heading 9105 covers other clocks, that is, clocks other than those of headings 9101, 9102, 9103, and 9104. Specifically, it includes alarm clocks, wall clocks, table clocks, wall clocks, and similar-purpose clocks. These clocks usually have a timekeeping function and are mostly non-portable or for special purposes. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks fall under this heading because they are clocks installed in vehicles for indicating time, are not watches or pocket watches, and are not dashboard clocks (heading 9104). HS code 910591 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 91 represent Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts). Digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 9105 (other clocks). Digits 5-6, 91, represent subheading 910591, which is further subdivided into: 9105.91 - other clocks, electrically operated (including quartz clocks). Therefore, 910591 specifically refers to other clocks, electrically operated, and usually quartz clocks. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks use quartz crystal oscillators, are electrically operated, and therefore fall under this subheading. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks are classified under 910591 because they are electrically operated clocks and do not belong to dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles under heading 9104. Heading 9104 only covers dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels, but 9104 specifically refers to those clocks combined with or designed for dashboards. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, do not meet the definition of 9104, and therefore are classified under 9105. In addition, they are not watches or pocket watches of 9101 or 9102, so they are correctly classified under 910591.
Chapter
Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including various types of clocks, watches, timepieces, time recorders, and their components. The core characteristic of this chapter is that the goods must have a timekeeping function and are usually driven mechanically, by quartz, or electronically. However, it should be noted that this chapter does not include instruments mainly used for measuring, recording, or indicating time intervals (such as stopwatches and timers), which may be classified under other chapters. The clocks and watches of this chapter are usually used in daily life, commerce, industry, or military fields, but vehicle-mounted clocks, as clocks for special purposes, also fall within the scope of this chapter.
Heading
Heading 9105 covers other clocks, that is, clocks other than those of headings 9101, 9102, 9103, and 9104. Specifically, it includes alarm clocks, wall clocks, table clocks, wall clocks, and similar-purpose clocks. These clocks usually have a timekeeping function and are mostly non-portable or for special purposes. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks fall under this heading because they are clocks installed in vehicles for indicating time, are not watches or pocket watches, and are not dashboard clocks (heading 9104).
Digit Breakdown
HS code 910591 is a six-digit subheading. The first two digits 91 represent Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts). Digits 3-4, 05, represent heading 9105 (other clocks). Digits 5-6, 91, represent subheading 910591, which is further subdivided into: 9105.91 - other clocks, electrically operated (including quartz clocks). Therefore, 910591 specifically refers to other clocks, electrically operated, and usually quartz clocks. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks use quartz crystal oscillators, are electrically operated, and therefore fall under this subheading.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks are classified under 910591 because they are electrically operated clocks and do not belong to dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles under heading 9104. Heading 9104 only covers dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels, but 9104 specifically refers to those clocks combined with or designed for dashboards. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, do not meet the definition of 9104, and therefore are classified under 9105. In addition, they are not watches or pocket watches of 9101 or 9102, so they are correctly classified under 910591.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: Declare the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, and they should accurately describe them as vehicle-mounted quartz clocks, avoiding general terms such as clock or car clock. Brand: Fill in the brand name of the goods; if there is no brand, fill in unbranded. Brand is one of the references for determining value and classification. Model: Fill in the model or item number assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish products of the same brand with different specifications. Drive mode: Clearly declare it as electrically operated (quartz), because subheading 910591 requires electrical operation, which is a key classification element. Whether equipped with a clock movement: Declare whether it contains a complete clock movement and the type of movement (such as quartz movement). Use: Declare the specific use, such as for automobile instrument panels, interior decoration, etc., to distinguish it from other clocks. Outer shell material: Declare the main material of the outer shell, such as plastic or metal; the material affects classification and tariff rates. Size: Declare the overall size of the clock (such as diameter or length, width, and height); size may affect whether it is a dashboard clock. Product name: vehicle-mounted quartz clock; Brand: XX brand; Model: QC-123; Drive mode: electrically operated (quartz); Whether equipped with a clock movement: yes, quartz movement; Use: installed on an automobile instrument panel for displaying time; Outer shell material: plastic; Size: diameter 8 cm. Incorrectly classifying a vehicle-mounted quartz clock under 9104 (dashboard clock) because it was not distinguished whether it is combined with the dashboard. Declaring the drive mode as mechanical, resulting in an incorrect subheading; it should be clearly stated as electrically operated. The use description is not specific and does not state vehicle-mounted use, so it may be classified as other clocks.
Product name
Declare the Chinese and foreign-language names of the goods, and they should accurately describe them as vehicle-mounted quartz clocks, avoiding general terms such as clock or car clock.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring them as automobile instruments or vehicle clocks, resulting in classification under 9104.
Brand
Fill in the brand name of the goods; if there is no brand, fill in unbranded. Brand is one of the references for determining value and classification.
⚠️ Omitting the brand or filling it in incompletely, such as writing only the English brand without translating it into Chinese.
Model
Fill in the model or item number assigned by the manufacturer, used to distinguish products of the same brand with different specifications.
⚠️ Incorrect model entry or inconsistency with the actual product, leading to customs questioning.
Drive mode
Clearly declare it as electrically operated (quartz), because subheading 910591 requires electrical operation, which is a key classification element.
⚠️ Misreporting it as mechanically driven, resulting in classification under other subheadings such as 910599.
Whether equipped with a clock movement
Declare whether it contains a complete clock movement and the type of movement (such as quartz movement).
⚠️ Failing to state the movement type, or misreporting it as an electronic movement (actually quartz).
Use
Declare the specific use, such as for automobile instrument panels, interior decoration, etc., to distinguish it from other clocks.
⚠️ Vague description of use, such as writing only for timekeeping, making it impossible to distinguish vehicle-mounted use.
Outer shell material
Declare the main material of the outer shell, such as plastic or metal; the material affects classification and tariff rates.
⚠️ Untrue declaration of material, such as reporting plastic as metal.
Size
Declare the overall size of the clock (such as diameter or length, width, and height); size may affect whether it is a dashboard clock.
⚠️ Incorrect size unit or failure to provide it, making judgment impossible.
Example： Product name: vehicle-mounted quartz clock; Brand: XX brand; Model: QC-123; Drive mode: electrically operated (quartz); Whether equipped with a clock movement: yes, quartz movement; Use: installed on an automobile instrument panel for displaying time; Outer shell material: plastic; Size: diameter 8 cm.
Common Mistakes：
Incorrectly classifying a vehicle-mounted quartz clock under 9104 (dashboard clock) because it was not distinguished whether it is combined with the dashboard.
Declaring the drive mode as mechanical, resulting in an incorrect subheading; it should be clearly stated as electrically operated.
The use description is not specific and does not state vehicle-mounted use, so it may be classified as other clocks.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the goods are clocks (with a timekeeping function); 2. Whether they are electrically operated (especially quartz); 3. Whether they belong to dashboard clocks under heading 9104. Heading 9104 only covers dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels; these clocks are usually combined with or designed for dashboards. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, do not meet the definition of 9104. Therefore, if a vehicle-mounted quartz clock is standalone and not combined with a dashboard, it is classified under 9105. In addition, it is also necessary to consider whether it is a watch or pocket watch (9101, 9102); obviously, a vehicle-mounted clock is not. 910400 Dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels: 9104 specifically refers to clocks combined with or designed for dashboards, usually embedded in the dashboard; while the vehicle-mounted quartz clock of 910591 may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, is not dedicated to the dashboard. 910599 Other clocks: 910599 refers to other clocks under 9105 that are not electrically operated, such as mechanical clocks; while 910591 is electrically operated, and the drive mode is the key difference. 910310 Electrically operated alarm clocks: 910310 refers to alarm clocks with an alarm function; vehicle-mounted quartz clocks usually do not have an alarm function and have a different use. 910521 Electronic wall clocks: 910521 refers to wall clocks designed to be hung; vehicle-mounted quartz clocks are designed for vehicles, and the installation method is different. 902920 Speedometers and tachometers: 902920 refers to instruments for measuring speed or rotational speed; although used in vehicles, their function is different and they are not clocks or watches. Do the goods have a timekeeping function? Are they electrically operated (quartz)? Are they installed independently rather than combined with a dashboard? Are they not watches or pocket watches? Is the use clearly vehicle-mounted?
Basis
The core criteria for classification are: 1. Whether the goods are clocks (with a timekeeping function); 2. Whether they are electrically operated (especially quartz); 3. Whether they belong to dashboard clocks under heading 9104. Heading 9104 only covers dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels; these clocks are usually combined with or designed for dashboards. Vehicle-mounted quartz clocks may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, do not meet the definition of 9104. Therefore, if a vehicle-mounted quartz clock is standalone and not combined with a dashboard, it is classified under 9105. In addition, it is also necessary to consider whether it is a watch or pocket watch (9101, 9102); obviously, a vehicle-mounted clock is not.
Confused Codes：
910400 - Dashboard clocks and similar clocks for vehicles, aircraft, and vessels
9104 specifically refers to clocks combined with or designed for dashboards, usually embedded in the dashboard; while the vehicle-mounted quartz clock of 910591 may be installed independently, or although located in a vehicle, is not dedicated to the dashboard.
910599 - Other clocks
910599 refers to other clocks under 9105 that are not electrically operated, such as mechanical clocks; while 910591 is electrically operated, and the drive mode is the key difference.
910310 - Electrically operated alarm clocks
910310 refers to alarm clocks with an alarm function; vehicle-mounted quartz clocks usually do not have an alarm function and have a different use.
910521 - Electronic wall clocks
910521 refers to wall clocks designed to be hung; vehicle-mounted quartz clocks are designed for vehicles, and the installation method is different.
902920 - Speedometers and tachometers
902920 refers to instruments for measuring speed or rotational speed; although used in vehicles, their function is different and they are not clocks or watches.
Self-Check：
✓ Do the goods have a timekeeping function?
✓ Are they electrically operated (quartz)?
✓ Are they installed independently rather than combined with a dashboard?
✓ Are they not watches or pocket watches?
✓ Is the use clearly vehicle-mounted?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference between a vehicle-mounted quartz clock and an automobile dashboard clock? A vehicle-mounted quartz clock usually refers to a clock independently installed in a vehicle, possibly located on the instrument panel, rearview mirror, etc., and is not necessarily part of the dashboard. An automobile dashboard clock is a clock specially designed to be embedded in the dashboard, usually combined with the dashboard, and is classified under HS code 9104. The key difference is whether it is combined with the dashboard or specially designed for the dashboard. How can the drive mode of a vehicle-mounted quartz clock be determined? The drive mode can be determined from product specifications or the movement type. Quartz clocks use quartz crystal oscillators and are electrically operated; mechanical clocks are driven by springs or weights. When declaring, it should be clearly stated as electrically operated (quartz), which is the key to classification under 910591. Is it possible for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock's HS code to be classified under other chapters? It is usually classified under Chapter 91, but if the vehicle-mounted quartz clock has other functions, such as temperature display, reversing radar, and other combined functions, it may be classified according to the principal function. If the timekeeping function is the principal function, it is still classified under 9105; if other functions are principal, it may be classified under other chapters. What technical parameters need to be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted quartz clock? Drive mode, movement type, outer shell material, size, brand, model, and use, etc., need to be provided. In particular, the drive mode and use directly affect classification. It is recommended to keep the product manual or specification sheet for customs inspection. If a vehicle-mounted quartz clock is a gift or sample, does it still need to be declared? Yes, all imported and exported goods need to be declared, and gifts or samples are no exception. However, lower-value items may be eligible for simplified declaration or tax exemption policies, depending on customs regulations. Complete information, including the HS code, still needs to be provided at declaration. How can the tariff rate for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock be checked? Tariff rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, country of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the customs official website, tariff query system, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that this answer does not provide specific tariff rate values, only guidance on how to check them. For cross-border e-commerce sales of vehicle-mounted quartz clocks, how should the correct HS code be selected? Cross-border e-commerce sellers may choose 910591, but must ensure that the goods meet the conditions of being electrically operated and not dashboard clocks. If the goods are smart clocks or have other functions, reassessment is required. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service. Among the declaration elements for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock, how should 'Use' be filled in properly? The use should be described specifically, such as 'installed on an automobile instrument panel for displaying time,' avoiding the general term 'timekeeping.' This helps customs distinguish it from other clocks and watches and ensures correct classification.
Q: What is the difference between a vehicle-mounted quartz clock and an automobile dashboard clock?
A: A vehicle-mounted quartz clock usually refers to a clock independently installed in a vehicle, possibly located on the instrument panel, rearview mirror, etc., and is not necessarily part of the dashboard. An automobile dashboard clock is a clock specially designed to be embedded in the dashboard, usually combined with the dashboard, and is classified under HS code 9104. The key difference is whether it is combined with the dashboard or specially designed for the dashboard.
Q: How can the drive mode of a vehicle-mounted quartz clock be determined?
A: The drive mode can be determined from product specifications or the movement type. Quartz clocks use quartz crystal oscillators and are electrically operated; mechanical clocks are driven by springs or weights. When declaring, it should be clearly stated as electrically operated (quartz), which is the key to classification under 910591.
Q: Is it possible for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock's HS code to be classified under other chapters?
A: It is usually classified under Chapter 91, but if the vehicle-mounted quartz clock has other functions, such as temperature display, reversing radar, and other combined functions, it may be classified according to the principal function. If the timekeeping function is the principal function, it is still classified under 9105; if other functions are principal, it may be classified under other chapters.
Q: What technical parameters need to be provided when declaring a vehicle-mounted quartz clock?
A: Drive mode, movement type, outer shell material, size, brand, model, and use, etc., need to be provided. In particular, the drive mode and use directly affect classification. It is recommended to keep the product manual or specification sheet for customs inspection.
Q: If a vehicle-mounted quartz clock is a gift or sample, does it still need to be declared?
A: Yes, all imported and exported goods need to be declared, and gifts or samples are no exception. However, lower-value items may be eligible for simplified declaration or tax exemption policies, depending on customs regulations. Complete information, including the HS code, still needs to be provided at declaration.
Q: How can the tariff rate for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock be checked?
A: Tariff rates vary depending on the country, trade agreements, country of origin, and other factors. It is recommended to obtain the latest rates through the customs official website, tariff query system, or by consulting a customs broker. Note that this answer does not provide specific tariff rate values, only guidance on how to check them.
Q: For cross-border e-commerce sales of vehicle-mounted quartz clocks, how should the correct HS code be selected?
A: Cross-border e-commerce sellers may choose 910591, but must ensure that the goods meet the conditions of being electrically operated and not dashboard clocks. If the goods are smart clocks or have other functions, reassessment is required. It is recommended to consult a professional customs broker or use the customs advance classification service.
Q: Among the declaration elements for a vehicle-mounted quartz clock, how should 'Use' be filled in properly?
A: The use should be described specifically, such as 'installed on an automobile instrument panel for displaying time,' avoiding the general term 'timekeeping.' This helps customs distinguish it from other clocks and watches and ensures correct classification.
⚠️ 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.