HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9111.20 – Watch cases; of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated
HS code 9111.20 is the 6-digit subheading for watch cases, of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated. It is used for stainless steel watch cases, titanium watch cases, brass watch cases, aluminum watch cases and gold-plated steel cases.
What HS 9111.20 covers
This HS code covers watch cases made from common or "base" metals such as stainless steel, brass, titanium, or aluminum. It also includes cases that have been plated with gold or silver, provided the plating is not substantial enough to qualify as "clad with precious metal" (which falls under 911110). These cases form the backbone of the mass-market and mid-range watch industry, offering durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Importers range from large-scale watch assemblers and fashion brands to micro-brands. Exporters are often specialized case manufacturers, predominantly from Asia, but also from Europe for higher-quality steel or titanium cases. Key considerations include material grade (e.g., 316L stainless steel), water resistance ratings, finishing techniques (brushed, polished), and design complexity. This trade is driven by global consumer demand for affordable yet stylish and robust timepieces, making it a high-volume segment of the watch component market.
- Covers
- Stainless steel watch cases
- Titanium watch cases
- Brass watch cases
- Aluminum watch cases
- Gold-plated steel cases
- Silver-plated brass cases
- Bronze watch cases
- PVD-coated cases.
- Examples
- Seiko 5 Sports case (steel)
- Citizen Promaster case (titanium)
- Fossil watch case (steel)
- Timex Weekender case (brass)
- Orient Bambino case (steel)
- Tissot PRX case (steel).
Codes often confused with 9111.20
Common mistake. Can be confused with 911110 if the plating is mistakenly considered "cladding," or with 911180 if made from non-metallic materials like ceramic or plastic.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 911120, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 911120 in UN Comtrade data was China, with 47% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 31% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $284M 47% of world exports
- 2 Hong Kong $275M 46% of world exports
- 3 Switzerland $19M 3.2% of world exports
World total: $600M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Hong Kong $192M 31% of world imports
- 2 Switzerland $192M 31% of world imports
- 3 Japan $57M 9.2% of world imports
World total: $620M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM codes for 9111.20 2
Brazil splits HS 9111.20 into 2 NCM codes, Mercosur's 8-digit tariff lines.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 91.11 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9111.20
What is HS code 911120?
HS code 911120 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Watch cases; of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated. This HS code covers watch cases made from common or "base" metals such as stainless steel, brass, titanium, or aluminum. It also includes cases that have been plated with gold or silver, provided the plating is not substantial enough to qualify as "clad with precious metal" (which falls under 911110). These cases form the backbone of the mass-market and mid-range watch industry, offering durability, versatility, and cost-effectiveness. Importers range from large-scale watch assemblers and fashion brands to micro-brands. Exporters are often specialized case manufacturers, predominantly from Asia, but also from Europe for higher-quality steel or titanium cases. Key considerations include material grade (e.g., 316L stainless steel), water resistance ratings, finishing techniques (brushed, polished), and design complexity. This trade is driven by global consumer demand for affordable yet stylish and robust timepieces, making it a high-volume segment of the watch component market.
What products fall under HS code 911120?
Stainless steel watch cases, titanium watch cases, brass watch cases, aluminum watch cases, gold-plated steel cases, silver-plated brass cases, bronze watch cases, PVD-coated cases.
What are common misclassifications for HS code 911120?
Can be confused with 911110 if the plating is mistakenly considered "cladding," or with 911180 if made from non-metallic materials like ceramic or plastic.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 911120?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 911120 in UN Comtrade data were China ($284M, 47% of world exports), Hong Kong ($275M) and Switzerland ($19M). World exports came to about $600M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 911120?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 911120 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($192M, 31% of world imports), Switzerland ($192M) and Japan ($57M). World imports came to about $620M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 911120 structured?
HS code 911120 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (91) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (11) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (20) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 911120?
Brazil splits HS code 911120 into 2 NCM codes: 9111.20.10 (Rough brass watch cases), 9111.20.90 (Other base metal watch cases). The first 6 digits of each match the HS code.