U.S. imports of Battery-Powered Wrist Watches with Non-Precious Metal Cases (SITC 88541) totaled $93.4M in August 2026, imported from 49 countries.
Importers of Battery-Powered Wrist Watches with Non-Precious Metal Cases paid $15.9M in duties in August 2026, an average duty rate of 16.37% — duty actually collected as a share of the imports that cleared customs, not the published tariff schedule.
Last updated: August 2026 dataBattery-powered quartz wrist watches in base-metal, stainless-steel, plastic, or other non-precious cases represent the highest-volume segment of the US watch import market, spanning mass-market fashion timepieces to mid-range sport and smartwatch-adjacent designs. Because these goods originate heavily from China, importers should assess Section 301 tariff exposure, which applies on top of the standard column-one duty rate. Case material — confirmed as neither precious metal nor precious-metal-clad — is the threshold classification question separating this heading from the premium precious-metal categories.
AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.
11.8K import shipments a month
Yes. Wrist watches with non-precious-metal cases imported from China are subject to Section 301 additional tariffs. Importers should verify the current applicable list and rate with a licensed customs broker, as Section 301 coverage and rates have been subject to ongoing review and modification.
CBP's classification of smartwatches turns on the essential character of the article. If the device primarily functions as a timekeeping instrument with ancillary smart features, it is generally classified as a watch. If the timekeeping function is incidental to its primary function as a communication or computing device, a different HTS heading may apply. Given the complexity, importers should seek a binding ruling from CBP before large-scale importation.
Basic heading 100 of 419 in section 8
Basic heading 88541 · $93.4M of $46.9B
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Imports · August 2026
origin
Japan and Switzerland together supply 75% of it. China pays 24.7% duty; Thailand 8.0%.
customs district
Census does not publish district detail for this classification system.
destination
Census does not publish state detail for this classification system.
entry
Census does not publish port detail for this classification system.
ImportsExports
Imports
$93.4MYoY · free account
Exports
$19.6MYoY · free account
12-mo low · imports
Low · free accountOver the twelve months to August 2026, the U.S. imported $972.2M of Battery-Powered Wrist Watches with Non-Precious Metal Cases.
Through August 2026 · exports 11 of 12 months reported. Source: U.S. Census Bureau.