HS 911120 Cases of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated

Quick Answer: Cases of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated, imported under HS 911120 enter the UK at 0.00%, the EU at 0.50 EUR per piece with minimum and maximum ad valorem rates, and the US with multiple tariff lines featuring specific duties plus ad valorem rates, or free entry for certain trade agreements. This classification specifically covers the outer casings or housings for watches and clocks that are manufactured from base metals, such as steel, brass, or aluminum, and may be plated with precious metals. Importers should carefully review the specific subheadings within each jurisdiction to determine the precise duty rate applicable to their goods, as trade agreements can significantly impact landed costs. CustomTariffs aggregates this information to assist trade professionals.

What Are the Import Duty Rates?

🇬🇧 United Kingdom

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9111200000 0.00 % — —

🇪🇺 European Union (TARIC)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
9111200000 0.50 EUR / p/st MIN 2.70 % MAX 4.60 % — —

🇺🇸 United States (HTSUS)

Code MFN Preferential Unit
911120 — — —
9111204000 3.6¢ each + 7.6% Free (18 programs) ["No."]
9111202000 7¢ each + 5.4% Free (18 programs) ["No."]

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 9111.20?

Imports of Cases of base metal, whether or not gold- or silver-plated 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?

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What products does HS 911120 cover?

This subheading covers cases specifically designed for watches and clocks, constructed from base metals such as iron, steel, copper, or aluminum, whether or not they are plated with precious metals like gold or silver. According to the World Customs Organization (WCO) Harmonized System Explanatory Notes and definitions found in official tariff schedules like the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) and the EU's TARIC, these cases are intended to house and protect the watch or clock mechanism, forming an integral part of the timepiece's presentation and functionality.

What falls outside HS 911120?

The following products are excluded from HS 911120: watch cases made from precious metal or metal clad with precious metal (classified under HS 7115), cases made from plastics (HS 3926), or those made from wood (HS 4420). Additionally, decorative boxes or containers not specifically designed for watches or clocks, even if made of base metal, are classified elsewhere, such as under HS 7326 for other articles of iron or steel, or HS 7419 for other articles of copper.

What are common classification mistakes for HS 911120?

A common error is misclassifying watch cases made from precious metals or metal clad with precious metal under this subheading. General Rule of Interpretation (GRI) 1 of the Harmonized System dictates that classification shall be determined according to the terms of the headings and any relative section or chapter notes. Cases made from gold, silver, or platinum, or those with a substantial layer of these precious metals, are specifically excluded and fall under Chapter 71, not Chapter 91.

How should importers classify products under HS 911120?

The correct procedure for classifying products under HS 911120 involves first confirming that the item is indeed a case for a watch or clock. Next, verify that the primary material of construction is base metal, and that any plating is not of precious metal in a manner that would reclassify it under Chapter 71. Importers and customs brokers should consult the relevant national tariff schedule, such as the USITC HTS or the UK Trade Tariff, to ensure the precise description matches the imported goods.

How is the duty calculated for products under HS 911120?

A stainless steel watch case weighing 50 grams and declared at a customs value of $100 USD would attract a US duty of $3.50. This is calculated using the Most Favored Nation (MFN) duty rate of 3.5% ad valorem, applied to the declared customs value: 3.5% × $100 USD = $3.50. This calculation is based on the rates published in the USITC Harmonized Tariff Schedule of the United States (HTSUS).

Which trade agreements reduce duties for HS 911120?

Several free trade agreements may reduce the applicable duty rate for HS 911120, 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) may offer reduced or Free duty rates for eligible goods from developing countries. To claim these preferences, a self-certified origin statement for USMCA or a GSP Form A for GSP beneficiaries is typically required, depending on the specific agreement and originating country.

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Which HS Codes Are Related?

HS 911110 HS 911220 HS 911320 HS 911180 HS 711711 HS 911190

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 911120 (Cases of base metal for watches)?

Import duty rates for HS code 911120 vary significantly by country. For example, under the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS), the Most Favored Nation (MFN) rate is 0.50 EUR / p/st MIN 2.70 % MAX 4.60 %. Preferential rates under Free Trade Agreements can be lower or free. For instance, under the US HTS, rates can be Free (A+, AU, BH, CL, CO, D, E, IL, JO, KR, MA, OM, P, PA, PE, R, S, SG). It is crucial to consult the specific tariff schedule of the importing country for the applicable duty rate based on the origin of the goods.

How is the duty calculated for HS code 911120 when a specific rate and ad valorem rate apply?

When a duty rate is expressed as a specific rate (e.g., EUR per piece) combined with an ad valorem rate (percentage of value), the calculation involves both. For instance, if the duty rate is 0.50 EUR / p/st MIN 2.70 % MAX 4.60 %, and you import 100 watch cases valued at $500 USD (assume an exchange rate of 1 EUR = 1.10 USD, making the value 454.55 EUR), the calculation would be: Specific duty: 100 pieces * 0.50 EUR/piece = 50 EUR. Ad valorem duty: 454.55 EUR * 2.70% (minimum) = 12.27 EUR to 454.55 EUR * 4.60% (maximum) = 20.91 EUR. The final duty would be the higher of the specific duty or the ad valorem duty, or a combination as specified by the tariff. In this example, 50 EUR (specific) is higher than the calculated ad valorem range, so the duty would be 50 EUR, subject to the minimum and maximum percentages of the value if they were to result in a higher duty.

What are the classification criteria for 'cases of base metal' under HS code 911120?

HS code 911120 covers watch cases made primarily of base metal (e.g., steel, brass, aluminum). The 'base metal' designation excludes precious metals like gold or silver, although plating with these precious metals is permitted. The key criterion is that the case must be designed to enclose a watch movement. If the case is not specifically for a watch, or if it's made of precious metal, it would likely fall under a different HS code. The WCO's Explanatory Notes to Chapter 91 provide further guidance on the definition and scope of watch cases.

Which trade agreements commonly offer preferential duty rates for HS code 911120 into the United States?

Several trade agreements provide preferential duty rates for goods entering the United States under HS code 911120. These include agreements with countries such as Australia (AU), Bahrain (BH), Chile (CL), South Korea (KR), and Singapore (SG), among others listed under the 'Free' rate column in the US HTS. Importers must ensure they have a valid Certificate of Origin and that the goods meet the rules of origin stipulated in the relevant Free Trade Agreement to claim these preferential rates.

What documentation is typically required when importing watch cases classified under HS code 911120?

Standard import documentation for HS code 911120 includes a commercial invoice detailing the value, quantity, and description of the goods; a packing list; and a bill of lading or air waybill. If claiming preferential duty rates under a Free Trade Agreement, a valid Certificate of Origin is mandatory. Depending on the importing country's regulations and the specific nature of the goods, additional documentation such as a safety compliance certificate or proof of country of origin may be requested by customs authorities. Consulting with a customs broker is advisable to ensure all specific requirements are met.