HS 910812 With opto-electronic display only
Quick Answer: Wrist-watches with opto-electronic display only imported under HS 910812 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.70% ad valorem, and the US at 3.1% ad valorem plus 4.2% ad valorem on the battery, with a potential 35% duty for certain origins. This classification specifically covers wrist-watches where the time is displayed solely through an opto-electronic means, such as an LCD or LED screen, excluding those with mechanical or analog displays. Importers should verify specific origin-based duty rates, as the US offers duty-free entry for numerous Free Trade Agreement partners. CustomTariffs aggregates this data to assist trade professionals.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9108120000 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9108120000 | 4.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 91081200 | 3.1% on the movement + 4.2% on the battery | Free (17 programs) | — |
Special rates available under trade agreements including USMCA, KORUS, GSP.
Duty rates sourced from the USITC (US International Trade Commission) Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) (accessed 2/22/2026), EU TARIC – DG TAXUD (Directorate-General for Taxation and Customs Union) (accessed 2/22/2026), and UK Trade Tariff – HMRC (His Majesty's Revenue and Customs) (accessed 2/22/2026).
Data compiled and presented by HSRates.
Which Trade Agreements Reduce Duties for HS 9108.12?
Imports of With opto-electronic display only may qualify for reduced or zero duty rates under free trade agreements and preferential programs. The overview below shows available preferential arrangements by jurisdiction, compiled by HSRates from official tariff and trade agreement data.
United States (HTSUS)
Free for USMCA, KORUS, and 15 other programs
European Union (TARIC)
Preferential rate data not yet available.
United Kingdom
Preferential rate data not yet available.
Preferential rates require proof of origin and may be subject to quotas or conditions. Always verify eligibility with a licensed customs broker.
Data compiled by HSRates.
Which Preferential Rates Apply to Your Origin Country?
Select an origin country to see if preferential rates apply.
Preferential rates based on available trade agreements. Actual rates may vary.
How to Classify This HS Code?
What products does HS 910812 cover?
This subheading covers wrist-watches and pocket-watches with an opto-electronic display only, as defined by the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Nomenclature. This specifically includes watches where the time is displayed solely through light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs), without any mechanical or electro-mechanical display elements. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that the defining characteristic is the exclusive use of an opto-electronic display for time indication.
What falls outside HS 910812?
The following products are excluded from HS 910812: watches that incorporate any mechanical or electro-mechanical display components alongside an opto-electronic display, such as analog hands driven by a motor. Also excluded are digital calculators or other devices with an opto-electronic display that are not primarily watches. For instance, a digital alarm clock with an opto-electronic display would be classified under heading 8543, not 9108.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 910812?
A common error is misinterpreting "opto-electronic display only" to include watches with hybrid displays. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), when goods are classifiable by virtue of being composed of different materials or components, the classification is determined by the essential character. If a watch has both an opto-electronic display and mechanical hands, its essential character may lie elsewhere, potentially leading to classification under a different subheading of 9108 or even a different heading entirely.
How should importers classify products under HS 910812?
The correct procedure for classifying watches under HS 910812 involves a thorough examination of the watch's display mechanism. Importers and customs brokers must verify that the time is displayed exclusively through electronic means, such as LEDs or LCDs, and that no mechanical or electro-mechanical components are present for time indication. Consulting the detailed Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System and the specific tariff schedules of the importing country, such as the UK Trade Tariff, is crucial for accurate determination.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 910812?
A digital watch with an opto-electronic display, weighing 0.05 kg and declared at a customs value of $50 USD, would attract a US duty of $1.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.0% ad valorem, applied to the declared value ($50 USD × 0.03 = $1.50). This calculation is based on the rate published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule for subheading 910812.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 910812?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 910812, including the United States-Mexico-Canada Agreement (USMCA), which can result in a duty rate of Free for qualifying goods originating from Canada or Mexico. Additionally, the Generalized System of Preferences (GSP) allows for preferential duty rates, often Free, for eligible products from developing countries. To claim these preferences, importers typically require a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries, depending on the specific agreement and importing country's requirements.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
Not the right code? Search all HS codes to find the correct tariff classification.
FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 910812 (Watches, with opto-electronic display only)?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 910812 can vary. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, the MFN rate is 4.70% ad valorem. However, preferential rates under various Free Trade Agreements (FTAs) can significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For instance, goods originating from Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), Colombia (CO), Dominican Republic (D), Ecuador (E), Israel (IL), Jordan (JO), South Korea (KR), Morocco (MA), Oman (OM), Panama (PA), Peru (PE), Rwanda (R), and Singapore (SG) may be eligible for duty-free entry. It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify the country of origin to determine the applicable duty rate.
What specific criteria define a watch under HS code 910812, 'with opto-electronic display only'?
HS code 910812 specifically covers wrist-watches and pocket-watches, with cases of base metal or of metal clad with precious metal, where the watch has an opto-electronic display only. This means the display relies on light-emitting diodes (LEDs) or liquid crystal displays (LCDs) and does not incorporate any mechanical or electromechanical watch movements for timekeeping. The primary time indication must be solely through the opto-electronic display. Watches with combined displays (e.g., analog hands and digital display) would be classified elsewhere.
How is the import duty calculated for HS code 910812, and can you provide an example?
The duty for HS code 910812 is typically calculated on an ad valorem basis, meaning it's a percentage of the declared value of the goods. For instance, if the MFN duty rate is 4.70% and you import watches valued at $10,000 USD, the duty would be calculated as: $10,000 (Value) × 0.0470 (Duty Rate) = $470 USD. Some specific tariff lines might have additional duties or taxes, such as excise duties on batteries (e.g., 4.2% on the battery component), which would be calculated separately based on the battery's value or quantity. Always refer to the specific tariff schedule for the definitive calculation method.
What documentation is typically required for importing watches classified under HS code 910812?
When importing watches under HS code 910812, standard import documentation is required, including a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Crucially, importers must provide a declaration of origin to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Depending on the importing country's regulations, a certificate of origin might be necessary. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets to substantiate the classification, especially regarding the 'opto-electronic display only' feature, if requested by customs authorities. Compliance with any applicable marking requirements (e.g., 'Made in...') is also essential.
Which major trade agreements offer preferential duty rates for HS code 910812, and how can importers verify eligibility?
Several trade agreements can provide preferential duty rates for HS code 910812. Examples include agreements with Australia (AU), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), which may offer duty-free entry. The European Union's TARIC system and the UK Trade Tariff provide detailed information on preferential rates for various trading partners. To verify eligibility, importers must ensure the watches originate from a country that is a party to a relevant trade agreement. This requires obtaining a valid Certificate of Origin or making a declaration of origin on the customs declaration, as stipulated by the importing country's customs authority. Consulting the official trade databases of the importing country (e.g., USITC for the US, EU TARIC for the EU) is the definitive way to confirm eligibility and applicable rates.