Product classification

HS code for Time recording devices: 9106.90

Time recording apparatus, with clock or watch movement or with synchronous motor, n.e.c. in heading no. 9106.

Classification of time recording devices under HS 9106.90

Time recording devices are classified under HS code 9106.90 based on the General Rules for the Interpretation of the Harmonized System (GRI). This code falls within Chapter 91, which covers clocks, watches, and their parts. Specifically, heading 9106 is dedicated to time of day recording apparatus and apparatus for measuring, recording, or otherwise indicating intervals of time. To be classified here, the device must contain a clock or watch movement or a synchronous motor. Subheading 9106.90 acts as a residual category for devices that do not fit into the more specific 9106.10, which is reserved for time-registers and time-recorders. These devices are essential in industrial and commercial settings for tracking the duration of processes or logging the exact time an event occurs. The classification requires that the time-keeping mechanism be the primary functional component, whether it is mechanical, electrical, or electronic. Even if the device has digital displays or data-logging capabilities, it remains in this category if its principal purpose is the chronometric measurement of time intervals or the recording of time-stamps.

Covers
  • Time-stamps and time-stamping machines
  • Stop-clocks and secondary time-keeping instruments
  • Attendance clocks and work-time recorders
  • Process timers for industrial machinery
  • Watchmen's tell-tales and portable time recorders
Also under 9106.90
  • Omega Engineering Timers
  • Siemens LOGO! Logic Modules (with timing functions)
  • IPS Group Smart Parking Meters
  • FinishLynx Sports Timing Systems
  • Paxton Access Control Units (with time logging)

Codes often confused with 9106.90

Common mistake. Time recording devices are frequently confused with standard clocks classified under heading 91.05. The distinction lies in the function: 91.05 is for devices that merely show the time, while 91.06 is for devices that record or indicate intervals. Another common error is classifying smart time-logging devices under 85.17 (telecommunication apparatus) or 84.71 (data processing units). If the device is primarily a time-recording instrument with a clock movement, 9106.90 is the correct code regardless of its connectivity features.

Top exporters and importers of HS 910690 (the code used for time recording devices), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 910690 (the code used for time recording devices) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 81% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Russia, with about 65% 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 910690, not only time recording devices.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 China $430M
  2. 2 United States $19M
  3. 3 Germany $16M

World total: $530M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 Russia* ~$331M
  2. 2 United States $21M
  3. 3 Germany $20M

World total: $507M 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 marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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 code for time recording devices

Brazil classifies time recording devices under NCM 9106.90.00: HS 9106.90 with 00 added.

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

Questions about time recording devices

What is the HS code for Time recording devices?

The HS code for Time recording devices is 910690 (Time recording apparatus; with clock or watch movement or with synchronous motor, n.e.c. in heading no. 9106). The primary HS code for time recording devices, other than time-registers or time-recorders, is 9106.90. This includes apparatus with clock movements or synchronous motors.

How do I classify Time recording devices for customs?

Time recording devices is classified under HS code 910690 — Time recording apparatus; with clock or watch movement or with synchronous motor, n.e.c. in heading no. 9106. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

What is the difference between 9106.10 and 9106.90?

HS code 9106.10 is specifically for time-registers and time-recorders, such as those used for employee attendance. 9106.90 covers all other time-recording apparatus, including stop-clocks and time-stamps.

Which countries are the top exporters of time recording devices (HS 910690)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 910690 (the code used for time recording devices) in UN Comtrade data were China ($430M, 81% of world exports), the United States ($19M) and Germany ($16M). World exports came to about $530M, 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 time recording devices (HS 910690)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 910690 (the code used for time recording devices) in UN Comtrade data were Russia (about $331M, 65% of world imports), the United States ($21M) and Germany ($20M). World imports came to about $507M, 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 Time recording devices the same in all countries?

The base HS code 910690 for Time recording devices 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 time recording devices in Brazil?

In Brazil, time recording devices (HS 910690) is classified under NCM 9106.90.00.