Gold-Plated Metal Watch Case from China
Base metal watch case with thick 18K gold plating meeting wear-resistance standards. Still classified under HTS 9112.20.40.00 as primarily metal case, not precious metal per Chapter 91 notes. Plating constitutes less than 50% total value.
Duty Rate — China → United States
21%
Rate breakdown
9903.03.0110%Except for products described in headings 9903.03.02–9903.03.11, articles the product of any country, as provided for in subdivision (aa) of U.S. note 2 to this subchapter
9903.88.157.5%Except as provided in headings 9903.88.39, 9903.88.42, 9903.88.44, 9903.88.47, 9903.88.49, 9903.88.51, 9903.88.53, 9903.88.55, 9903.88.57, 9903.88.65, 9903.88.66, 9903.88.67, 9903.88.68, or 9903.88.69, articles the product of China, as provided for in U.S. note 20(r) to this subchapter and as provided for in the subheadings enumerated in U.S. note 20(s)
Import Tips
• Plating assay certificates required; thickness below 2 microns risks Chapter 71 jewelry classification
• Separate plating value from base metal in commercial invoice for proper duty calculation
• Declare as 'gold-plated base metal' not 'gold case' to avoid higher Chapter 71 rates