HS Code for Watch glass

Watch glass is classified under HS code 7015.90. This classification is unique because, although the item is a component of a watch, it is excluded from Chapter 91 (Clocks and Watches) by virtue of Chapter Note 1(d) to Chapter 91, which directs glass elements to Chapter 70. Heading 70.15 specifically covers "Clock or watch glasses and similar glasses, glasses for non-corrective or corrective spectacles, curved, bent, hollowed or the like, not optically worked." Within this heading, subheading 7015.10 is reserved for corrective spectacles, leaving 7015.90 for all other applications, including watch crystals. The classification remains in Chapter 70 even if the "glass" is actually made of synthetic sapphire (corundum), as long as it is shaped for use as a watch crystal and is not "optically worked" (meaning it has not been ground or polished to produce specific optical properties like a lens). This distinction is critical for customs compliance, as it separates protective covers from optical components found in Chapter 90. The material must be worked to the extent that it is recognizable as a watch glass but not yet a finished optical lens.

Products Included

• Mineral glass watch crystals
• Synthetic sapphire watch crystals (unworked optically)
• Acrylic or plastic watch crystals (hesalite)
• Curved or domed watch glasses
• Flat watch crystals for dress watches
• Hardlex or hardened mineral crystals

Common Misclassification

A frequent mistake is attempting to classify watch glass under HS code 9114.90 as a general watch part. However, the legal notes in the Harmonized System explicitly exclude glass components from Chapter 91. Another common misclassification occurs with synthetic sapphire crystals, which some importers try to classify under 7104.91 as synthetic precious stones. While sapphire is a gemstone, when it is specifically shaped and intended for use as a watch glass, 7015.90 is the more specific and legally correct code. If the glass has been ground into a lens for magnification (like a "cyclops" over a date window), it might be moved to Chapter 90, but standard protective crystals stay in 70.15.

FAQ

What is the HS code for watch glass?

The HS code for watch glass is 7015.90, covering non-corrective curved or flat glasses for timepieces.

Are plastic watch crystals classified here?

Yes, although the heading mentions "glass," the Explanatory Notes and trade practice generally include plastic (acrylic) crystals under this heading when used for the same purpose as watch glass.