Importing Clocks and watches and parts thereof from Hong Kong, China into Australia (2026)

Clocks and watches imported from Hong Kong under the AHKFTA can attract a preferential tariff rate of 0%, but a valid Certificate of Origin issued by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce or an authorised equivalent must accompany the shipment; radio-controlled or wireless-capable timepieces additionally require RCM marking under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 before they can be commercialised in Australia.

✓ FTA Active: AHKFTAHS Chapter 91

Free Trade Agreement

Australia-Hong Kong Free Trade Agreement

Chapter 91 goods originating in Hong Kong, China may qualify for preferential duty rates under AHKFTA. Goods must meet the rules of origin and be accompanied by a valid certificate of origin.

View AHKFTA rates and requirements →

Compliance requirements

⚠Obtain a valid AHKFTA Certificate of Origin from the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce before shipment to secure preferential tariff rates.
⚠Confirm RCM marking compliance for any radio-controlled or wireless-enabled clock models prior to Australian import and sale.
⚠Declare pre-installed lithium batteries accurately on air freight documentation to avoid ABF misdeclaration red flags under IATA DGR.
⚠Watches and clocks with leather straps or wooden components may require DAFF biosecurity inspection — organic material must be declared and can attract treatment or seizure if not compliant with Biosecurity Act 2015
⚠Radio-controlled (DCF77/MSF signal) clocks and any clock with wireless transmission capability may require ACMA compliance labelling under the Radiocommunications Act 1992 — importers must hold or rely on a supplier's RCM mark before commercialising
⚠Lithium battery pre-installed in quartz clocks or watches triggers dangerous goods handling obligations for air freight under IATA DGR — misdeclaration is a common ABF red flag for this chapter
⚠Parallel-imported luxury watches (e.g. Rolex, Omega) are legal in Australia but brand owners have pursued customs seizure applications under Trade Marks Act 1995 — importers should verify whether the marque holder has a registered recordation with ABF before shipping
⚠Anti-dumping measures do not currently apply to Chapter 91, but watch movements and assembled clocks from China should be accurately described with correct origin — misclassification between 9101–9105 (complete timepieces) and 9108–9114 (parts) affects duty rate and statistical reporting obligations
⚠A valid Certificate of Origin (CO) issued by the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce or equivalent authorised body is required to claim preferential tariff rates under the AHKFTA
⚠Electrical and electronic goods must meet ACMA regulatory arrangements including Supplier Declaration of Conformity or formal approval before import and sale in Australia
⚠Goods must satisfy Australian Consumer Law mandatory safety and information standards, particularly for products such as toys, childcare articles, and personal protective equipment regulated under the Competition and Consumer Act 2010
⚠Anti-dumping and countervailing duties may apply to certain goods such as aluminium extrusions and steel products where circumvention through Hong Kong transshipment is under ABF scrutiny

Key documents required

Commercial invoice with full movement type, brand, country of origin, and unit value — Swiss origin goods require a EUR.1 or origin declaration to claim ChAFTA or SAFTA preference
Bill of lading or airway bill
Packing list itemising battery presence and material composition of straps/cases
RCM (Regulatory Compliance Mark) documentation or ACMA supplier declaration for radio-controlled or wireless-enabled clock products
CITES permit if watch incorporates endangered species material such as ivory, certain corals, or exotic reptile skin straps — required under Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999

Import tip

Splitting a shipment of complete watches from loose watch parts (movements, cases, straps) into separate line items on the commercial invoice is worth the effort — parts under 9108–9114 often attract a different and sometimes lower duty rate than complete watches under 9101–9105, and correct pre-classification avoids ABF queries that delay clearance.

Calculate the total landed cost for Chapter 91 goods from Hong Kong, China — duty, GST, IPC, and biosecurity included.

Calculate Landed Cost Find HS Code with AI

Other product categories imported from Hong Kong, China

Ch.85Electrical machinery and equipment and parts thereof; sound recorders and reproducers, television image and sound recorders and reproducers, and parts and accessories of such articles Ch.84Nuclear reactors, boilers, machinery and mechanical appliances; parts thereof Ch.71Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal and articles thereof; imitation jewellery; coin Ch.61Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, knitted or crocheted Ch.62Articles of apparel and clothing accessories, not knitted or crocheted Ch.95Toys, games and sports requisites; parts and accessories thereof