Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including personal clocks and watches, other clocks and watches, time recorders, timers, and parts. The core feature of this chapter is that the goods have a timekeeping function or are dedicated to timekeeping devices. Heading 9109 specifically refers to other clock movements, including complete, assembled movements, whether or not fitted with dials or hands. Parts of vehicle clock movements, as their dedicated parts, must meet the definition of 'parts' in the Explanatory Notes: dedicated to or mainly used for clock movements and not constituting goods listed in other headings. Heading 9109 covers other clock movements, that is, clock movements other than watch movements (9101, 9102) and assembled complete clock movements (9103-9105). It includes movements for clocks used in vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other means of transport, as well as movements for public building clocks, craft clocks, etc. Movements under this heading are usually larger in size and more complex in structure, and may or may not have dials or hands. Their dedicated parts, if not specifically named in other headings, are also classified under this heading. First 2 digits 91: indicates Chapter 91 'Clocks and watches and their parts', covering all timekeeping instruments and dedicated parts. Digits 3-4 09: indicates heading 9109 'Other clock movements', distinguished from wristwatches, pocket watches, instrument panel clocks, etc. under 9101-9108. Digits 5-6 90: indicates subheading 910990 'Other', that is, other clock movement parts not named in 9109.10 (electrically operated). The complete code 910990 means 'parts of vehicle clock movements', referring to parts dedicated to vehicle clock movements and not specifically named in other subheadings. Parts of vehicle clock movements are dedicated to vehicle timekeeping devices and are not classified under 9101/9102 (watch and pocket watch movements) or 9103-9105 (complete other clock movements), because they are parts rather than complete movements. They are also not classified under 8708 (motor vehicle parts), because Chapter 91 specifically names clock and watch parts, and the notes to Section XVII exclude articles of Chapter 91. Therefore, they are classified as dedicated parts under 9109.90.
Chapter
Chapter 91 covers clocks and watches and their parts, including personal clocks and watches, other clocks and watches, time recorders, timers, and parts. The core feature of this chapter is that the goods have a timekeeping function or are dedicated to timekeeping devices. Heading 9109 specifically refers to other clock movements, including complete, assembled movements, whether or not fitted with dials or hands. Parts of vehicle clock movements, as their dedicated parts, must meet the definition of 'parts' in the Explanatory Notes: dedicated to or mainly used for clock movements and not constituting goods listed in other headings.
Heading
Heading 9109 covers other clock movements, that is, clock movements other than watch movements (9101, 9102) and assembled complete clock movements (9103-9105). It includes movements for clocks used in vehicles, aircraft, ships, and other means of transport, as well as movements for public building clocks, craft clocks, etc. Movements under this heading are usually larger in size and more complex in structure, and may or may not have dials or hands. Their dedicated parts, if not specifically named in other headings, are also classified under this heading.
Digit Breakdown
First 2 digits 91: indicates Chapter 91 'Clocks and watches and their parts', covering all timekeeping instruments and dedicated parts. Digits 3-4 09: indicates heading 9109 'Other clock movements', distinguished from wristwatches, pocket watches, instrument panel clocks, etc. under 9101-9108. Digits 5-6 90: indicates subheading 910990 'Other', that is, other clock movement parts not named in 9109.10 (electrically operated). The complete code 910990 means 'parts of vehicle clock movements', referring to parts dedicated to vehicle clock movements and not specifically named in other subheadings.
Classification Basis
Parts of vehicle clock movements are dedicated to vehicle timekeeping devices and are not classified under 9101/9102 (watch and pocket watch movements) or 9103-9105 (complete other clock movements), because they are parts rather than complete movements. They are also not classified under 8708 (motor vehicle parts), because Chapter 91 specifically names clock and watch parts, and the notes to Section XVII exclude articles of Chapter 91. Therefore, they are classified as dedicated parts under 9109.90.
📝 Declaration Elements
Product name: The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the function, material, and use of the part, such as 'gear for vehicle clock movement'. Use: Explain that the part is dedicated to vehicle clock movements, such as 'used in the transmission system of an automobile instrument panel clock movement'. Material: Declare the main material of the part, such as metal (copper, steel), plastic, gemstone, etc., which affects classification and regulatory conditions. Brand: Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the part; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'. Model: Fill in the model or part number of the part to facilitate customs identification and inspection. Whether dedicated part: Declare whether the part is dedicated to vehicle clock movements or is a general-purpose part. Processing method: Explain the processing technique of the part, such as casting, stamping, injection molding, etc. Customs declaration example:
Product name: Copper gear for vehicle clock movement
Use: Dedicated to the transmission system of an automobile instrument panel clock movement
Material: Copper alloy
Brand: No brand
Model: G-1234
Whether dedicated part: Yes
Processing method: Stamping
HS code: 9109900090
Declaration elements: 1. Product name: Copper gear for vehicle clock movement; 2. Use: Automobile instrument panel clock movement; 3. Material: Copper alloy; 4. Brand: No brand; 5. Model: G-1234; 6. Whether dedicated part: Yes; 7. Processing method: Stamping. Incorrectly classifying complete clock movements under 910990; complete movements should be classified under 9109.10 or 9109.90? Note: 9109.90 is for parts, complete movements are classified under 9109.10 (electrically operated) or 9109.90? In fact, 9109.90 includes complete movements and parts, and careful distinction is required. Confusing vehicle clock parts with automobile parts and incorrectly classifying them under 8708, ignoring the specific naming in Chapter 91. Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing material, brand, or model, leading to customs rejection or inspection.
Product name
The specific name of the declared commodity, which should accurately reflect the function, material, and use of the part, such as 'gear for vehicle clock movement'.
⚠️ Writing only 'clock part' or 'vehicle clock accessory', which is too general and likely to be questioned by customs regarding classification.
Use
Explain that the part is dedicated to vehicle clock movements, such as 'used in the transmission system of an automobile instrument panel clock movement'.
⚠️ Writing 'used in automobiles' without specifying the clock movement, which may lead to incorrect classification as an automobile part.
Material
Declare the main material of the part, such as metal (copper, steel), plastic, gemstone, etc., which affects classification and regulatory conditions.
⚠️ False declaration of material, such as declaring a metal gear as plastic, resulting in differences in classification or tax rate.
Brand
Fill in the brand or manufacturer name of the part; if there is no brand, fill in 'no brand'.
⚠️ Confusing the brand with the brand of the complete machine, or omitting it, leading to intellectual property risks.
Model
Fill in the model or part number of the part to facilitate customs identification and inspection.
⚠️ Incomplete model filling or inconsistency with the actual item, affecting customs clearance efficiency.
Whether dedicated part
Declare whether the part is dedicated to vehicle clock movements or is a general-purpose part.
⚠️ Declaring general-purpose parts (such as screws) as dedicated parts, leading to classification errors.
Processing method
Explain the processing technique of the part, such as casting, stamping, injection molding, etc.
⚠️ Unclear description of processing method, which may affect origin determination.
Example: Customs declaration example:
Product name: Copper gear for vehicle clock movement
Use: Dedicated to the transmission system of an automobile instrument panel clock movement
Material: Copper alloy
Brand: No brand
Model: G-1234
Whether dedicated part: Yes
Processing method: Stamping
HS code: 9109900090
Declaration elements: 1. Product name: Copper gear for vehicle clock movement; 2. Use: Automobile instrument panel clock movement; 3. Material: Copper alloy; 4. Brand: No brand; 5. Model: G-1234; 6. Whether dedicated part: Yes; 7. Processing method: Stamping.
Common Mistakes:
Incorrectly classifying complete clock movements under 910990; complete movements should be classified under 9109.10 or 9109.90? Note: 9109.90 is for parts, complete movements are classified under 9109.10 (electrically operated) or 9109.90? In fact, 9109.90 includes complete movements and parts, and careful distinction is required.
Confusing vehicle clock parts with automobile parts and incorrectly classifying them under 8708, ignoring the specific naming in Chapter 91.
Incomplete declaration elements, such as missing material, brand, or model, leading to customs rejection or inspection.
🎯 Classification Logic
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the commodity is dedicated to clock movements; 2. Whether it falls within the scope of parts of Chapter 91; 3. Whether it is specifically named in other headings. According to the Explanatory Notes, clock and watch parts, if dedicated to or mainly used for clocks and watches and not constituting goods of other headings, should be classified under Chapter 91. Parts of vehicle clock movements meet the description of heading 9109, so they are classified under 910990. 9109.10 Electrically operated clock movements: 9109.10 is for complete electrically operated clock movements, while 910990 is for parts. If a complete movement is imported, it should be classified under 9109.10; if it is a movement part, it is classified under 910990. 8708.99 Parts and accessories of motor vehicles: 8708 is for motor vehicle parts, but Chapter 91 specifically names clock and watch parts, and the notes to Section XVII exclude articles of Chapter 91, so vehicle clock parts are not classified under 8708. 9114.90 Other clock or watch parts: 9114 is for other clock and watch parts, but heading 9109 already includes clock movements and their parts, so movement parts are preferentially classified under 9109, not 9114. 9105.99 Other clocks: 9105 is for complete clocks, while 910990 is for movement parts. If a complete vehicle clock is imported, it should be classified under 9105; if it is a movement part, it is classified under 910990. Is it dedicated to vehicle clock movements? Is it a complete movement or a part? Is it specifically named in other headings? Are material, brand, and model declared completely? Is it confused with automobile parts?
Basis
Core basis for classification: 1. Whether the commodity is dedicated to clock movements; 2. Whether it falls within the scope of parts of Chapter 91; 3. Whether it is specifically named in other headings. According to the Explanatory Notes, clock and watch parts, if dedicated to or mainly used for clocks and watches and not constituting goods of other headings, should be classified under Chapter 91. Parts of vehicle clock movements meet the description of heading 9109, so they are classified under 910990.
Confused Codes:
9109.10 - Electrically operated clock movements
9109.10 is for complete electrically operated clock movements, while 910990 is for parts. If a complete movement is imported, it should be classified under 9109.10; if it is a movement part, it is classified under 910990.
8708.99 - Parts and accessories of motor vehicles
8708 is for motor vehicle parts, but Chapter 91 specifically names clock and watch parts, and the notes to Section XVII exclude articles of Chapter 91, so vehicle clock parts are not classified under 8708.
9114.90 - Other clock or watch parts
9114 is for other clock and watch parts, but heading 9109 already includes clock movements and their parts, so movement parts are preferentially classified under 9109, not 9114.
9105.99 - Other clocks
9105 is for complete clocks, while 910990 is for movement parts. If a complete vehicle clock is imported, it should be classified under 9105; if it is a movement part, it is classified under 910990.
Self-Check:
✓ Is it dedicated to vehicle clock movements?
✓ Is it a complete movement or a part?
✓ Is it specifically named in other headings?
✓ Are material, brand, and model declared completely?
✓ Is it confused with automobile parts?
❓ FAQ
What is the difference in HS codes between parts of vehicle clock movements and complete vehicle clocks? Complete vehicle clocks are usually classified under 9105 (other clocks), while parts of vehicle clock movements are classified under 910990. A complete clock is a complete timekeeping device, while a part is a component dedicated to the movement; the two are classified differently. How to determine whether a part is a dedicated part for clock movements or a general-purpose part? Dedicated parts refer to parts dedicated to or mainly used for clock movements and cannot be used for other equipment. General-purpose parts such as standard screws and springs, if usable for other products, are classified according to material. Reference should be made to the definition of 'dedicated parts' in the Explanatory Notes. What declaration elements are required for importing parts of vehicle clock movements? Product name, use, material, brand, model, whether dedicated part, processing method, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China'. How to check the tax rate for parts of vehicle clock movements classified under 910990? Tax rates are adjusted according to policy. They can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a professional customs broker. Note the differences between MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc. If the part of a vehicle clock movement is made of plastic, will the classification change? Classification depends on whether it is dedicated to clock movements, not on material. As long as it is dedicated to clock movements, it is still classified under 910990. However, material affects declaration elements and regulatory conditions and must be declared truthfully. Are parts of vehicle clock movements and parts of automobile instrument panel clocks the same code? Automobile instrument panel clocks belong to 9105 or 9109? Instrument panel clocks are usually classified under 9105, and their movement parts, if dedicated to that clock, are classified under 910990. However, if the instrument panel clock is combined with other automobile functions, it may be classified under other headings. When exporting parts of vehicle clock movements to the EU, is the HS code the same? The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, both 910990. However, the last 4 digits may differ, and the specific subheading should be checked according to the EU TARIC. When exporting, confirm the requirements of the destination country. What are the consequences of incorrectly classifying parts of vehicle clock movements under 8708 during declaration? It may lead to customs determining a classification error, requiring payment of additional taxes, fines, and even affecting the enterprise's credit. It is recommended to obtain an advance classification ruling or consult a professional agency in advance.
Q: What is the difference in HS codes between parts of vehicle clock movements and complete vehicle clocks?
A: Complete vehicle clocks are usually classified under 9105 (other clocks), while parts of vehicle clock movements are classified under 910990. A complete clock is a complete timekeeping device, while a part is a component dedicated to the movement; the two are classified differently.
Q: How to determine whether a part is a dedicated part for clock movements or a general-purpose part?
A: Dedicated parts refer to parts dedicated to or mainly used for clock movements and cannot be used for other equipment. General-purpose parts such as standard screws and springs, if usable for other products, are classified according to material. Reference should be made to the definition of 'dedicated parts' in the Explanatory Notes.
Q: What declaration elements are required for importing parts of vehicle clock movements?
A: Product name, use, material, brand, model, whether dedicated part, processing method, etc. are required. Specific requirements are subject to customs; it is recommended to refer to the 'Catalogue of Specifications for Declaration of Import and Export Commodities of the Customs of the People's Republic of China'.
Q: How to check the tax rate for parts of vehicle clock movements classified under 910990?
A: Tax rates are adjusted according to policy. They can be checked through the official website of the General Administration of Customs, the Chinese Customs Import and Export Tariff, or by consulting a professional customs broker. Note the differences between MFN rate, general rate, VAT, etc.
Q: If the part of a vehicle clock movement is made of plastic, will the classification change?
A: Classification depends on whether it is dedicated to clock movements, not on material. As long as it is dedicated to clock movements, it is still classified under 910990. However, material affects declaration elements and regulatory conditions and must be declared truthfully.
Q: Are parts of vehicle clock movements and parts of automobile instrument panel clocks the same code?
A: Automobile instrument panel clocks belong to 9105 or 9109? Instrument panel clocks are usually classified under 9105, and their movement parts, if dedicated to that clock, are classified under 910990. However, if the instrument panel clock is combined with other automobile functions, it may be classified under other headings.
Q: When exporting parts of vehicle clock movements to the EU, is the HS code the same?
A: The first 6 digits of the EU HS code are the same as those of China, both 910990. However, the last 4 digits may differ, and the specific subheading should be checked according to the EU TARIC. When exporting, confirm the requirements of the destination country.
Q: What are the consequences of incorrectly classifying parts of vehicle clock movements under 8708 during declaration?
A: It may lead to customs determining a classification error, requiring payment of additional taxes, fines, and even affecting the enterprise's credit. It is recommended to obtain an advance classification ruling or consult a professional agency in advance.
⚠️ 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.