Watches, evolving from timekeeping pendants since the 19th century, are no longer just tools for displaying time but have become symbols of fashion and taste. An exquisite watch combines masterful craftsmanship, exceptional performance, and elegant design, earning the title of the art of time. Imported watches, especially fine timepieces from Switzerland, Germany, and Japan, are highly favored by domestic consumers. However, ensuring these watches pass through customs smoothly is the primary challenge importers must address. This article will delve into the classification and standardized declaration requirements for imported watches to help importers better navigate the customs declaration process and ensure smooth clearance.

Imported watches come in a wide variety, which can be broadly categorized into the following types based on their materials and functions:

Mechanical Watches with Precious Metal Cases
These watches typically feature cases made of rare materials such as gold and diamonds, often equipped with complex mechanical functions like minute repeaters, tourbillons, and perpetual calendars. They are expensive, with high collectible and investment value. They are not only precise timekeeping tools but also works of art and symbols of status.
Mechanical Watches with Base Metal Cases
These watches have cases made of base metals like stainless steel or titanium, offering elegant styles at relatively affordable prices. They often blend traditional watchmaking craftsmanship with modern design elements, retaining the classic appeal of mechanical watches while adding a contemporary touch, making them suitable for daily wear.
Digital Display Watches
These watches are usually made of durable resin or metal, offering robustness, shock resistance, and practicality. They may include features like illumination and GPS positioning, making them ideal for casual and outdoor use. Digital watches are favored by many sports enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers for their practicality and durability.

According to the Law of the Peoples Republic of China on Commodity Inspection, lithium - ion batteries for export need to use packaging containers that have passed performance inspection:import and exportAccording to the Customs Tariff (2024 Edition) (hereinafter referred to as the Tariff), the classification of imported watches and their parts is as follows:

To ensure smooth customs clearance for imported watches, importers must strictly comply with the Standardized Declaration Directory and Interpretation for Import and Export Commodities of the Peoples Republic of China Customs (2024) and the provisions of Chapter 91 of the Tariff. Key points include:

Brand (Chinese and foreign names)
When declaring imported watches, the brand logo added by the manufacturer or distributor to the product must be filled in. For example: Swiss brand Rolex, German brand A. Lange & S?hne, etc.
Case material
When declaring watches, the materials of the case and strap must be specified, especially the content of precious metals and whether the strap contains wild animal leather. For example: case material is platinum, strap material is crocodile leather.
Driving method
Watches with different driving methods have different commodity classifications, and must be fully declared according to the specific situation of the product. For example: electronic drive, quartz drive, mechanical automatic winding, etc.
Display method
When declaring watches, the display method of the product must be specified. For example: mechanical hands, photoelectric display, electronic digital jump, etc.
Model
When declaring watches, the model of the product must be specified. This information is crucial for customs to accurately classify and evaluate the value of the product.

When declaring the price of watches, importers need to pay attention to the following points:
Declaration of shipping and insurance costs
Shipping and insurance costs are expenses incurred during the transportation of goods and must be truthfully declared to ensure no omission or misreporting. Especially for high-value well-known brand watches, extra caution should be taken.
Watches without transaction price
For watches without actual transaction price, the value and unit value should be declared according to regulations. Market prices or prices of similar products can be used as references for declaration.
Commissions and brokerage fees
Commissions and brokerage fees should be included in the dutiable value. These fees are an inevitable part of the watch import and export process and must be truthfully declared to ensure accurate tax calculation.

According to the regulations of the Ministry of Culture and the General Administration of Customs, the following matters should also be noted for imported watches:

Approval documents from cultural administrative departments
Certain special watches, especially those with cultural or historical value, must be accompanied by approval documents from cultural administrative departments when importing or exporting, to ensure compliance with national cultural protection policies.
International transportation and packaging
To ensure the safety of watches during international transportation, appropriate packaging materials and methods should be selected to avoid damage during transit. For high-value watches, specialized shockproof and pressure-resistant packaging is recommended.
Insurance
For high-value watches, it is recommended to purchase sufficient insurance to prevent accidental losses during transportation. Insurance not only protects the product itself but also safeguards the interests of both trading parties.

Through the above detailed analysis, we believe everyone has gained a deeper understanding of the classification and standardized declaration of imported watches. Accurate classification and standardized declaration can not only improve customs clearance efficiency but also effectively avoid unnecessary tax risks. We hope this article can help import and export enterprises better handle customs declarations, ensuring that every exquisite watch can smoothly reach consumers and continue to convey the art and charm of time.