Product classification

HS code for Gold plated watch cases: 9111.20

Watch cases, of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated.

Classification of gold plated watch cases under HS 9111.20

Gold plated watch cases are classified under HS code 9111.20. Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System covers clocks, watches, and their parts. Heading 9111 specifically addresses watch cases and parts thereof. The subheadings are organized by the material of the case. While 9111.10 is for cases made entirely of precious metal (solid gold or silver), 9111.20 is designated for cases made of base metal, regardless of whether they are gold-plated or silver-plated. This classification applies to cases for wristwatches, pocket watches, and other portable timepieces. The inclusion of gold plating does not move the item into the precious metal category because the structural integrity and bulk of the item are comprised of base metals like stainless steel, brass, or zinc alloy.

Covers
  • Gold-plated stainless steel watch cases
  • Gold-plated brass watch cases
  • Silver-plated base metal watch cases
  • Watch case blanks made of gold-plated base metal
  • Gold-plated cases for pocket watches
Also under 9111.20
  • 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. The most common error is classifying these items under HS code 9111.10, which is strictly for cases made of solid precious metal. Importers often assume that the presence of gold automatically triggers a precious metal classification. Another misclassification is 9111.80, which is a \"catch-all\" for cases made of other materials like plastics or ceramics. It is vital to identify the base metal substrate to ensure the correct application of 9111.20.

9111.10Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal9111.80Watch cases; n.e.c. in heading no. 9111

Top exporters and importers of HS 911120 (the code used for gold plated watch cases), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 911120 (the code used for gold plated watch cases) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 911120, not only gold plated watch cases.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $284M
  2. 2 Hong Kong $275M
  3. 3 Switzerland $19M

World total: $600M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $192M
  2. 2 Switzerland $192M
  3. 3 Japan $57M

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 gold plated watch cases

Brazil splits HS 9111.20 into 2 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about gold plated watch cases

What is the HS code for Gold plated watch cases?

The HS code for Gold plated watch cases is 911120 (Watch cases; of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated). The correct HS code for watch cases made of base metal and plated with gold is 9111.20.

How do I classify Gold plated watch cases for customs?

Gold plated watch cases is classified under HS code 911120 — Watch cases; of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Does this code include the watch movement or strap?

No, 9111.20 only covers the case itself. Movements and straps are classified under different headings in Chapter 91.

Which countries are the top exporters of gold plated watch cases (HS 911120)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 911120 (the code used for gold plated watch cases) 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 gold plated watch cases (HS 911120)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 911120 (the code used for gold plated watch cases) 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.

Is the HS code for Gold plated watch cases the same in all countries?

The base HS code 911120 for Gold plated watch cases is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.

What is the NCM code for gold plated watch cases in Brazil?

Brazil splits HS 911120 into 2 NCM codes, so the right one for gold plated watch cases depends on the product's details: 9111.20.10 (Rough brass watch cases), 9111.20.90 (Other base metal watch cases).