Product classification

HS code for Metal watch cases: 9111.20

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

Classification of metal watch cases under HS 9111.20

Metal watch cases are classified under HS code 9111.20. Chapter 91 of the Harmonized System covers clocks, watches, and their parts. Heading 9111 is specifically dedicated to watch cases and parts thereof. The subheading 9111.20 covers cases made of base metal, regardless of whether they are gold-plated or silver-plated. This is a critical distinction in watchmaking classification: if the case is made of a precious metal (like solid gold or platinum), it falls under 9111.10. However, if the core material is a base metal like stainless steel, brass, or titanium, it remains in 9111.20. The term "watch cases" includes the housing that protects the movement, including the middle, the bezel, and the case back. These components are classified here whether they are imported as a complete assembly or as individual parts. The classification is determined by GRI 1, which relies on the heading texts and Section Notes.

Covers
  • Stainless steel watch cases
  • Brass watch cases, including chrome-plated
  • Gold-plated base metal watch cases
  • Titanium watch cases for wristwatches
  • Watch case backs and bezels made of base metal
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 frequent misclassification is between 9111.20 and 9111.10. Importers often mistakenly use 9111.10 for gold-plated cases, but that code is strictly for cases made of solid precious metal. Another common error is confusing watch cases with clock cases, which are classified under heading 9112. Watch cases are specifically designed for movements that are 12mm or less in thickness or width, or for wristwatches, whereas clock cases are generally larger and fall under a different set of rules.

9111.10Watch cases; of precious metal or of metal clad with precious metal91.12Clock cases and cases of a similar type for other goods of this chapter and parts thereof

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

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 911120 (the code used for metal 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 metal 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 metal 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 metal watch cases

What is the HS code for Metal watch cases?

The HS code for Metal watch cases is 911120 (Watch cases; of base metal, whether or not gold-plated or silver-plated). The HS code for watch cases made of base metal (including plated versions) is 9111.20.

How do I classify Metal watch cases for customs?

Metal 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.

Are stainless steel watch cases considered base metal?

Yes, for the purposes of the Harmonized System, stainless steel is considered a base metal, and cases made from it are classified under 9111.20.

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

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

In 2025, the top importers of HS 911120 (the code used for metal 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 Metal watch cases the same in all countries?

The base HS code 911120 for Metal 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 metal watch cases in Brazil?

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