Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including timekeepers, clocks, watches, watch movements, and components. The core function of goods in this chapter is timekeeping, indicating time, or controlling time intervals. Vehicle-mounted timer switches, as devices used in vehicles for timed control of circuits, have a timing function that conforms to the characteristics of this chapter. However, note that this chapter does not include purely mechanical switches or switches for non-timing purposes. Heading 9107 covers time switches, i.e., time switches equipped with a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor, capable of automatically making or breaking a circuit at a predetermined time. This heading includes various types of timers, such as washing machine timers, lighting timers, vehicle timer switches, etc. However, purely electronic timers (such as microprocessor-based programmable timers) may be classified under other headings and must be determined based on their operating principle. Code 910700 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 91 indicate Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts); digits 3-4, 07, indicate heading 9107 (time switches); digits 5-6, 00, indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, i.e., all time switches are classified under this code. Therefore, vehicle-mounted timer switches directly correspond to 910700. Note that some countries have further national subheadings beyond the 6 digits, but the internationally harmonized code is 910700. Vehicle-mounted timer switches have a built-in clock or watch movement or synchronous motor to achieve the function of timed making and breaking of circuits, conforming to the definition of heading 9107. They differ from ordinary switches (8536) or vehicle circuit switches (8536) because their core is timing control rather than simple circuit making and breaking. They also differ from electronic timers (such as PLC timer modules), which may be classified under 8537 or 8543. Therefore, 910700 is the correct classification.
Chapter
Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including timekeepers, clocks, watches, watch movements, and components. The core function of goods in this chapter is timekeeping, indicating time, or controlling time intervals. Vehicle-mounted timer switches, as devices used in vehicles for timed control of circuits, have a timing function that conforms to the characteristics of this chapter. However, note that this chapter does not include purely mechanical switches or switches for non-timing purposes.
Heading
Heading 9107 covers time switches, i.e., time switches equipped with a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor, capable of automatically making or breaking a circuit at a predetermined time. This heading includes various types of timers, such as washing machine timers, lighting timers, vehicle timer switches, etc. However, purely electronic timers (such as microprocessor-based programmable timers) may be classified under other headings and must be determined based on their operating principle.
Digit Breakdown
Code 910700 is a 6-digit subheading. The first 2 digits 91 indicate Chapter 91 (clocks and watches and their parts); digits 3-4, 07, indicate heading 9107 (time switches); digits 5-6, 00, indicate that there is no further subdivision under this heading, i.e., all time switches are classified under this code. Therefore, vehicle-mounted timer switches directly correspond to 910700. Note that some countries have further national subheadings beyond the 6 digits, but the internationally harmonized code is 910700.
Classification Basis
Vehicle-mounted timer switches have a built-in clock or watch movement or synchronous motor to achieve the function of timed making and breaking of circuits, conforming to the definition of heading 9107. They differ from ordinary switches (8536) or vehicle circuit switches (8536) because their core is timing control rather than simple circuit making and breaking. They also differ from electronic timers (such as PLC timer modules), which may be classified under 8537 or 8543. Therefore, 910700 is the correct classification.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product Name: The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "vehicle-mounted timer switch" or "vehicle timer." Brand: Fill in the brand of the goods, such as Bosch, Denso, etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand." Model: Fill in the model of the goods to distinguish different specifications. It should be consistent with the actual item. Operating Principle: Explain the timing method of the timer switch, such as mechanical clock or watch movement, synchronous motor, or electronic delay circuit. Use: Clearly state that it is used for vehicles, such as automobiles, motorcycles, etc., and specify the specific controlled object (such as headlights, fans). Rated Voltage: Fill in the operating voltage of the timer switch, such as 12V, 24V, etc., to confirm vehicle applicability. Whether It Contains a Clock or Watch Movement: Confirm whether the timer switch contains a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor, which is key to classification under 9107. Product Name: Vehicle-mounted timer switch; Brand: Denso; Model: DN-TS12; Operating Principle: Built-in quartz clock or watch movement, timed making and breaking via mechanical contacts; Use: For delayed shutdown of automobile headlights; Rated Voltage: 12V; Whether It Contains a Clock or Watch Movement: Yes. Incorrectly classifying a purely electronic timer (without a clock or watch movement) under 9107, when it should actually be classified under 8537 or 8543. Not indicating vehicle-mounted use, leading to confusion with general-purpose timer switches. False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs inspection and classification.
Product Name
The Chinese and foreign language names of the declared goods should accurately reflect the function of the goods, such as "vehicle-mounted timer switch" or "vehicle timer."
⚠️ Writing only "switch" or "timer" without reflecting the vehicle-mounted use.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the goods, such as Bosch, Denso, etc. If there is no brand, indicate "no brand."
⚠️ Confusing brand with model, or omitting the brand.
Model
Fill in the model of the goods to distinguish different specifications. It should be consistent with the actual item.
⚠️ Incomplete or incorrect model entry.
Operating Principle
Explain the timing method of the timer switch, such as mechanical clock or watch movement, synchronous motor, or electronic delay circuit.
⚠️ Vaguely writing "electronic type" without distinguishing whether it contains a clock or watch movement.
Use
Clearly state that it is used for vehicles, such as automobiles, motorcycles, etc., and specify the specific controlled object (such as headlights, fans).
⚠️ Not indicating vehicle-mounted use, or the use description is too broad.
Rated Voltage
Fill in the operating voltage of the timer switch, such as 12V, 24V, etc., to confirm vehicle applicability.
⚠️ Incorrect voltage unit or not filled in.
Whether It Contains a Clock or Watch Movement
Confirm whether the timer switch contains a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor, which is key to classification under 9107.
⚠️ Mistakenly declaring a purely electronic timer as containing a movement.
Example: Product Name: Vehicle-mounted timer switch; Brand: Denso; Model: DN-TS12; Operating Principle: Built-in quartz clock or watch movement, timed making and breaking via mechanical contacts; Use: For delayed shutdown of automobile headlights; Rated Voltage: 12V; Whether It Contains a Clock or Watch Movement: Yes.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying a purely electronic timer (without a clock or watch movement) under 9107, when it should actually be classified under 8537 or 8543.
Not indicating vehicle-mounted use, leading to confusion with general-purpose timer switches.
False declaration of brand and model, affecting customs inspection and classification.
🎯 Classification Logic
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are equipped with a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor and use it to achieve timed making and breaking of circuits. Vehicle-mounted timer switches usually use a mechanical clock mechanism or synchronous motor to drive contacts, conforming to heading 9107. If a purely electronic delay circuit is used (such as an RC circuit or microprocessor), it does not belong to 9107 and should be classified according to its function under 8537 (electrical control devices) or 8543 (other electrical equipment). 853650 Other circuit switches: 853650 is an ordinary circuit switch without a timing function; 910700 has a timed making and breaking function, and its core is a timing mechanism. 853710 Programmable controllers: 853710 is a programmable controller used for automatic control, usually based on a microprocessor; 910700 is a simple timer switch that relies on a clock or watch movement. 854370 Other electrical equipment: 854370 covers electrical equipment not otherwise specified, including electronic timers; 910700 specifically refers to timer switches containing a clock or watch movement. 910610 Time recorders: 910610 is used to record time and has no circuit control function; 910700 is used for timed control of circuit making and breaking. Does it contain a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor? Is it used for vehicles? Does it achieve timed making and breaking of circuits? Is a purely electronic timer excluded? Are the brand and model consistent with the actual item?
Basis
The core basis for classification is whether the goods are equipped with a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor and use it to achieve timed making and breaking of circuits. Vehicle-mounted timer switches usually use a mechanical clock mechanism or synchronous motor to drive contacts, conforming to heading 9107. If a purely electronic delay circuit is used (such as an RC circuit or microprocessor), it does not belong to 9107 and should be classified according to its function under 8537 (electrical control devices) or 8543 (other electrical equipment).
Confused Codes:
853650 - Other circuit switches
853650 is an ordinary circuit switch without a timing function; 910700 has a timed making and breaking function, and its core is a timing mechanism.
853710 - Programmable controllers
853710 is a programmable controller used for automatic control, usually based on a microprocessor; 910700 is a simple timer switch that relies on a clock or watch movement.
854370 - Other electrical equipment
854370 covers electrical equipment not otherwise specified, including electronic timers; 910700 specifically refers to timer switches containing a clock or watch movement.
910610 - Time recorders
910610 is used to record time and has no circuit control function; 910700 is used for timed control of circuit making and breaking.
Self-Check:
✓ Does it contain a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor?
✓ Is it used for vehicles?
✓ Does it achieve timed making and breaking of circuits?
✓ Is a purely electronic timer excluded?
✓ Are the brand and model consistent with the actual item?
❓ FAQ
Are vehicle-mounted timer switches always classified under 910700? Not necessarily. If the timer switch uses a purely electronic circuit (such as a microprocessor) for timing and does not contain a clock or watch movement, it may be classified under 8537 or 8543. Only timer switches containing a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor are classified under 910700. How can one determine whether a timer switch contains a clock or watch movement? You can check the product specification sheet or disassemble the actual item. Timer switches containing a clock or watch movement usually have mechanical gears, a spring, or a quartz oscillator and emit a ticking sound; purely electronic timers do not have these features. Is it necessary to provide an operating principle description when declaring? It is recommended, especially when the goods may involve multiple headings. The operating principle is an important basis for customs classification, and a product manual or circuit diagram may be attached. How can the tax rate for vehicle-mounted timer switches be checked? The tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country. You can visit the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use an HS code query tool, enter 910700 to view import tax rates, export tax rebates, etc. Note that tax rates change, and the latest announcement shall prevail. If the timer switch is used for motorcycles, is the classification different? Classification depends on the goods themselves rather than the type of vehicle. As long as it contains a clock or watch movement and is used for timing control, it is classified under 910700. However, the specific vehicle type must be indicated when declaring. What is the difference between 910700 and 910610? 910610 is a time recorder, used to record time or time intervals, such as an attendance machine; 910700 is a timer switch, used to make or break a circuit at a predetermined time. Their functions are different. What should be noted when declaring vehicle-mounted timer switches sold via cross-border e-commerce? It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, brand, model, operating principle, and use to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. It is recommended to check the destination country's HS code in advance to confirm whether it is consistent with the domestic one. If a timer switch can be both manual and timed, how should it be classified? The main function determines classification. If the timing function is achieved by a clock or watch movement, it is classified under 910700; if manual switching is primary and timing is an auxiliary electronic function, it may be classified under 8536.
Q: Are vehicle-mounted timer switches always classified under 910700?
A: Not necessarily. If the timer switch uses a purely electronic circuit (such as a microprocessor) for timing and does not contain a clock or watch movement, it may be classified under 8537 or 8543. Only timer switches containing a clock or watch movement or synchronous motor are classified under 910700.
Q: How can one determine whether a timer switch contains a clock or watch movement?
A: You can check the product specification sheet or disassemble the actual item. Timer switches containing a clock or watch movement usually have mechanical gears, a spring, or a quartz oscillator and emit a ticking sound; purely electronic timers do not have these features.
Q: Is it necessary to provide an operating principle description when declaring?
A: It is recommended, especially when the goods may involve multiple headings. The operating principle is an important basis for customs classification, and a product manual or circuit diagram may be attached.
Q: How can the tax rate for vehicle-mounted timer switches be checked?
A: The tax rate must be checked according to the customs tariff of the destination country. You can visit the website of the General Administration of Customs of China or use an HS code query tool, enter 910700 to view import tax rates, export tax rebates, etc. Note that tax rates change, and the latest announcement shall prevail.
Q: If the timer switch is used for motorcycles, is the classification different?
A: Classification depends on the goods themselves rather than the type of vehicle. As long as it contains a clock or watch movement and is used for timing control, it is classified under 910700. However, the specific vehicle type must be indicated when declaring.
Q: What is the difference between 910700 and 910610?
A: 910610 is a time recorder, used to record time or time intervals, such as an attendance machine; 910700 is a timer switch, used to make or break a circuit at a predetermined time. Their functions are different.
Q: What should be noted when declaring vehicle-mounted timer switches sold via cross-border e-commerce?
A: It is necessary to accurately declare the product name, brand, model, operating principle, and use to avoid customs clearance delays caused by classification errors. It is recommended to check the destination country's HS code in advance to confirm whether it is consistent with the domestic one.
Q: If a timer switch can be both manual and timed, how should it be classified?
A: The main function determines classification. If the timing function is achieved by a clock or watch movement, it is classified under 910700; if manual switching is primary and timing is an auxiliary electronic function, it may be classified under 8536.
⚠️ 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.