HS Code: 910891
Vehicle-mounted quartz movement
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📋 Code Structure

Chapter
Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including wrist watches, pocket watches, alarm clocks, wall clocks, instrument panel clocks and similar clocks, as well as clock and watch movements and parts. This chapter does not include toy clocks and watches (Chapter 95) and certain measuring instruments (Chapter 90). The core lies in the timekeeping function, whether used for personal wear, home decoration, or vehicle instruments.
Heading
Heading 9108 specifically refers to complete, assembled clock movements, whether or not fitted with a timekeeping or stopwatch mechanism. It includes electronic movements, quartz movements, mechanical movements, etc., used to drive hands or digital displays. However, it does not include unassembled or partially assembled movement parts (classified under 9110) or finished clocks (classified under 9105).
Digit Breakdown
Code 910891 is a six-digit subheading: the first 2 digits '91' represent Chapter 91, clocks and watches and their parts; digits 3-4 '08' represent heading 9108, namely complete, assembled clock movements; digits 5-6 '91' represent subheading 9108.91, specifically 'quartz movements', distinguished from 9108.11 (electronic movements, usually referring to movements using mains power or batteries but not quartz oscillators) and 9108.20 (mechanical movements). Therefore, 910891 specifically refers to clock movements that use a quartz crystal oscillator as the time base.
Classification Basis
Vehicle quartz movements are complete, assembled clock movements and use a quartz oscillator as the time base, so they are classified under 910891. They are not classified under 9105 (finished clocks) because no case or dial is installed; not under 9109 (clock movement parts) because they are assembled; not under 9108.11 because the latter are electronic movements but not of the quartz type; and not under 9108.20 because they are not mechanically driven.

📝 Declaration Elements

Product name
Declare the commodity name accurately as 'vehicle quartz movement' or 'quartz clock movement for vehicles'; avoid writing only 'movement'.
⚠️ Incorrectly declaring it as 'electronic clock movement' or 'automobile clock', leading to classification deviation.
Brand
Fill in the brand of the movement; if there is no brand, indicate 'no brand'; do not leave blank.
⚠️ Mistakenly filling in the automobile brand as the movement brand, e.g., 'Toyota' should be 'no brand' or the actual movement brand.
Model
Fill in the specific model or specification of the movement to facilitate customs confirmation of technical parameters.
⚠️ Filling in only 'universal type' or 'standard type', lacking uniqueness.
Working principle
Clearly state the 'quartz oscillator' type, distinguishing it from mechanical or ordinary electronic.
⚠️ Writing 'electronic' in general terms without distinguishing quartz from ordinary electronic.
Whether assembled
Declare as 'complete assembled movement', not loose parts or semi-finished products.
⚠️ Declaring unassembled parts as a complete movement, resulting in classification error.
Use
Specifically state that it is used for a vehicle instrument panel clock or vehicle clock, such as 'for automobile instrument panel clock'.
⚠️ Writing only 'vehicle-mounted' without clarifying whether it is a clock or another timekeeping device.
Dimensions
Provide the external dimensions of the movement (length, width, height, or diameter) in millimeters.
⚠️ Omitting dimensions or using incorrect units, affecting customs determination of 'clock movement'.
Whether with calendar
State whether it has a calendar display function, such as 'with calendar' or 'without calendar'.
⚠️ Failing to declare the calendar function, causing confusion with simple movements.
Example:
Product name: vehicle quartz movement; Brand: no brand; Model: QZ-2024; Working principle: quartz oscillator; Whether assembled: complete assembled movement; Use: for automobile instrument panel clock; Dimensions: 50mm×30mm×10mm; Whether with calendar: without calendar.
Common Mistakes:

🎯 Classification Logic

Basis
The core of classification lies in confirming that the commodity is a 'complete, assembled clock movement' and uses a 'quartz oscillator' as the time base. According to the notes to Chapter 91 of the Import and Export Tariff, heading 9108 includes complete, assembled clock movements, whether or not fitted with a timekeeping mechanism. Quartz movements use the piezoelectric effect of quartz crystals to generate an oscillation frequency, which is then divided to drive a motor. Vehicle-mounted use does not affect classification, as long as its essence is a clock movement. If the movement is unassembled or is only parts, it should be classified under 9110; if it has been installed in a case to become a finished clock, it should be classified under 9105.
Confused Codes:
910811 - Electronic clock movements
Electronic movements usually refer to those using mains power or battery power, but whose time base is not a quartz oscillator (such as tuning fork or balance wheel), whereas quartz movements specifically refer to those with a quartz oscillator time base.
910820 - Mechanical clock movements
Mechanical movements are driven by a spring or weight and have no quartz oscillator; they are classified under 9108.20 and differ in principle from quartz movements.
910910 - Clock movement parts
9109 covers unassembled clock movement parts, whereas 9108 covers complete assembled movements; the difference lies in the assembly state.
910519 - Other clocks
9105 covers finished clocks, already fitted with a case and dial, whereas 9108 covers only movements and does not constitute a finished clock.
903289 - Other automatic regulating instruments
If a vehicle quartz movement is used for non-timekeeping purposes (such as timing control), it may be classified under 9032, but for timekeeping use it is generally still classified under 9108.
Self-Check:

❓ FAQ

Q: Is there a difference in HS code between vehicle quartz movements and ordinary quartz movements?
A: There is no difference. HS code classification is based on the characteristics of the commodity itself, not the end use. As long as both are assembled quartz clock movements, they are classified under 910891. Vehicle-mounted use is only stated as the use in the declaration elements and does not change the code.
Q: How can quartz movements and electronic movements be distinguished?
A: Quartz movements use a quartz crystal oscillator as the time base and are usually marked with 'QUARTZ' or a frequency (such as 32.768kHz). Electronic movements may use a tuning fork or balance wheel, or may be driven directly by alternating current. When declaring, the working principle must be clearly stated to avoid confusion.
Q: If the movement has an alarm function, will the code change?
A: No. 9108 includes assembled clock movements, whether or not fitted with a timekeeping or alarm mechanism. As long as the core is a quartz movement, it is still classified under 910891. However, 'with alarm' must be noted in the declaration elements.
Q: What documents are required to import vehicle quartz movements?
A: Usually a packing list, invoice, contract, bill of lading, and product manual or technical parameters are required. If customs requires it, a certificate of origin may also be needed. It is recommended to prepare detailed declaration elements in advance to ensure accurate classification.
Q: Are the tax rates for quartz movements and mechanical movements the same?
A: The tax rates may differ; specifically, the current year's Import and Export Tariff should be consulted. Generally speaking, the MFN tax rates for quartz movements (910891) and mechanical movements (910820) may be the same, but VAT and consumption tax must be determined according to actual circumstances. It is recommended to verify through the customs tariff inquiry system.
Q: What code applies to cross-border e-commerce retail imports of vehicle quartz movements?
A: 910891 also applies, but cross-border e-commerce retail imports must comply with the positive list requirements. If the movement is a commodity on the list, it may be declared as a personal item or under the cross-border e-commerce model, with tax rates and limits implemented according to relevant policies.
Q: What should be noted when filling in the brand and model during declaration?
A: The brand should be the actual movement brand; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. The model must be specific and cannot be general. If it is OEM without a brand, 'no brand' may be filled in and the manufacturer noted. The model helps customs confirm the uniqueness of the commodity and avoid classification disputes.
Q: If the movement is in a semi-knocked-down state, which code should it be classified under?
A: Semi-knocked-down or unassembled movements should be classified under 9110 (clock movement parts), not 910891. The key to classification is whether assembly has been completed. If only a small number of parts are missing but it is basically complete, it may still be classified as a complete movement; it is recommended to consult customs or obtain advance 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.