HS 910910 Electrically operated
Quick Answer: Electrically operated clocks and watches imported under HS 910910 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 4.70%, and the US with a complex structure including 30¢ each + 5.3% on the battery, or free for certain trade agreements. This code specifically covers electrically operated clocks and watches, excluding those with a stopwatch facility. Importers should be aware of the significant variations in duty rates and potential additional duties on batteries in the US market. According to CustomTariffs data, careful classification and understanding of preferential trade agreements are crucial for optimizing import costs.
What Are the Import Duty Rates?
🇬🇧 United Kingdom
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9109100000 | — | — | — |
| 9109100010 | 0.00 % | — | — |
| 9109100090 | 0.00 % | — | — |
🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9109100000 | — | — | — |
| 9109100010 | — | — | — |
| 9109100090 | 4.70 % | — | — |
🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)
| Code | MFN | Preferential | Unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 910910 | — | — | — |
| 91091020 | 30¢ each + 5.3% on the battery | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 91091040 | 22¢ each + 3.2% on the movement + 2.6% on the battery | Free (17 programs) | — |
| 91091060 | 20¢ each + 3.5% on the battery | Free (18 programs) | — |
| 91091080 | 30¢ each + 4.3% on the movement + 3.5% 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 9109.10?
Imports of Electrically operated 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 16 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 910910 cover?
This subheading covers electrically operated clocks and watches, including those with a mechanical striking mechanism, as defined by the World Customs Organization's Harmonized System Nomenclature. Official definitions from sources like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC database confirm that this category encompasses a wide array of timekeeping devices powered by electricity, whether mains-operated or battery-powered, excluding those solely for personal wear. This includes alarm clocks, wall clocks, and desk clocks that utilize electrical power for their primary timekeeping function.
What falls outside HS 910910?
The following products are excluded from HS 910910: purely mechanical clocks and watches (classified under other subheadings of heading 9101 to 9108), time-recording apparatus not primarily designed for indicating time (e.g., time switches, classified elsewhere), and watches and clocks designed for personal wear (classified under heading 9101 or 9102). Also excluded are electrically operated devices where the timekeeping function is secondary to another primary function, such as certain industrial timers or specialized scientific instruments.
What are common classification mistakes for HS 910910?
A common error is misclassifying electrically operated clocks that incorporate additional functions, such as radio receivers or weather forecasting displays, if the timekeeping function is not the principal characteristic. According to General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 3(b), goods are classified according to the essential character of the composite good. Importers may also mistakenly classify battery-operated clocks under mechanical headings if they do not fully understand the "electrically operated" criterion, which encompasses all forms of electrical power.
How should importers classify products under HS 910910?
The correct procedure for classifying electrically operated clocks involves first determining if the product is a clock or watch primarily designed to indicate time. Subsequently, it must be confirmed that the device operates using electrical power, whether from a mains supply or batteries, and is not designed for personal wear. Importers and customs brokers should consult the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, and review the Section Notes and Chapter Notes for Chapter 91 to ensure accurate classification.
How is the duty calculated for products under HS 910910?
A digital alarm clock weighing 0.5 kg and declared at a customs value of $25.00 USD would attract a US duty of $1.25. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate of 5% ad valorem published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) for HS 910910. The duty amount is determined by multiplying the ad valorem rate by the declared customs value: 5% of $25.00 = $1.25. This example assumes no other duties or taxes apply.
Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 910910?
Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 910910, 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. For goods originating from the United Kingdom, the UK-US Free Trade Agreement (if enacted and applicable to this category) or the EU-UK Trade and Cooperation Agreement could offer preferential rates, potentially Free. Documentation required typically includes a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or an EUR.1 movement certificate for EU/UK preferences, depending on the specific agreement and jurisdiction.
```Which HS Codes Are Related?
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FAQ
What are the typical import duty rates for HS code 910910, 'Electrically operated' clocks, and how do preferential rates apply?
The Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate for HS code 910910, 'Electrically operated' clocks, can vary. For instance, the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule may list rates such as 4.70% ad valorem. Preferential rates under trade agreements significantly reduce or eliminate these duties. For example, under certain agreements (indicated by codes like A, AU, CL, KR, SG), the duty may be Free. Importers should consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country and verify eligibility for preferential treatment based on the origin of the goods and the applicable trade agreement.
What specific criteria define a clock as 'electrically operated' under HS code 910910 for customs classification?
For a clock to be classified under HS code 910910, its primary timekeeping mechanism must be powered by electricity. This typically includes clocks that use an electric motor or an electronic circuit for their operation, as opposed to purely mechanical clocks powered by springs or weights. The power source can be mains electricity or batteries. The key is that electrical energy is essential for the clock's functioning, distinguishing it from purely mechanical timepieces.
Can you provide an example of how import duty is calculated for HS code 910910, considering both ad valorem and specific duties?
Duty calculation for HS code 910910 can involve different methods. If the duty is purely ad valorem, like 4.70%, and the declared value of the clocks is $10,000, the duty would be $10,000 * 4.70% = $470. Some countries may apply a combination of specific and ad valorem duties, for example, '75¢ each + 35% on the battery'. If you import 100 clocks with a value of $50 each, and the battery value is $5 per clock, the duty would be (100 * $0.75) + (100 * $5 * 35%) = $75 + $175 = $250. Always refer to the specific tariff schedule for the exact duty calculation method.
What documentation is typically required when importing electrically operated clocks under HS code 910910?
Standard import documentation for HS code 910910 includes a commercial invoice, packing list, and bill of lading or air waybill. Depending on the importing country and the origin of the goods, a Certificate of Origin may be required to claim preferential duty rates under trade agreements. Importers should also be prepared to provide product specifications or technical data sheets to substantiate the classification as 'electrically operated' if requested by customs authorities. Compliance with any specific safety or electrical standards may also necessitate additional documentation.
Which major trade agreements commonly offer reduced or duty-free entry for electrically operated clocks (HS 910910) into the United States, European Union, or the United Kingdom?
For imports into the United States, trade agreements like the USMCA (formerly NAFTA) may offer preferential rates. The EU's TARIC system details preferential rates for countries with which the EU has trade agreements. Similarly, the UK Trade Tariff outlines rates for goods from countries that have preferential agreements with the UK post-Brexit. Common examples of countries often benefiting from reduced or duty-free entry under various agreements include Canada (CA), Mexico (MX), South Korea (KR), and Australia (AU), among others. Importers must verify the specific origin of their goods against the relevant trade agreement's rules of origin.