timer white
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9106907500 | 38.9% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9106906500 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9107004080 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9107008000 | 0.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
Product Images
AI Analysis
π White Timer (Time Switches & Interval Meters)
π HS Code Reference & Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Entry Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Know Your "Timer"?
A White Timer (often used in industrial, HVAC, or consumer applications) is a device designed to measure, record, or indicate intervals of time. It typically utilizes clock/watch movements or synchronous motors.
In international trade, the classification depends entirely on three factors: 1. Power Source: Is it AC Powered (mains electricity) or Battery Powered? 2. Display Technology: Does it have an Opto-Electronic Display (LED/LCD) or no display? 3. Value: Is the unit valued over or under $5?
β οΈ Critical Distinction:
- AC Powered + Opto-Electronic Display β Strictly 9106.90.75.00 (High Tax!).
- Battery Powered (Other) β 9106.90.65.00 (Zero Tax!).
- Time Switches (Valued β€ $5) β 9107.00.40.80 (Zero Tax!).
- Time Switches (Valued > $5) β 9107.00.80.00 (High Combined Tax!).
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Reference)
| HS Code | Product Description | Power Source | Display Type | Unit Value | Tax Status |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
9106.90.75.00 |
Apparatus measuring intervals of time with clock movements, AC powered, opto-electronic display only | AC (Mains) | Yes (LED/LCD) | Any | π΄ High (28.9%) |
9106.90.65.00 |
Apparatus measuring intervals of time, with clock movements, Battery powered: Other | Battery | Any (or None) | Any | π’ Free (0.0%) |
9107.00.40.80 |
Time switches with clock/motor movement, Valued not over $5 each: Other | Any (Typically AC) | N/A (Switch) | β€ $5.00 | π’ Free (0.0%) |
9107.00.80.00 |
Time switches with clock/motor movement, Valued over $5 each | Any | N/A (Switch) | > $5.00 | π΄ High (Base + Add) |
π Key Reminder:
- White Color is Irrelevant: The color "white" does not change the HS Code; it is purely cosmetic.
- The "$5 Threshold" is Critical: For Time Switches (9107), dropping the unit price below $5 (e.g., via bulk discount structure) can save 25% in additional tariffs.
- Display Technology Matters: If your "Timer" has an LCD screen and plugs into the wall, it falls under9106.90.75.00, NOT the switch category.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Additional Taxes)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Time: Current 2026 Tariff Regime
π― 1. 9106.90.75.00 β AC Powered, Opto-Electronic Display Timer
(The "Smart" Wall Timer)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 3.9% (Standard MFN) |
| Additional Tariff (Section 301) | +25.0% (China-specific penalty) |
| Total Tax Rate | 28.9% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 28.9% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β No (Cannot use $800 exemption for this code) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 (Trade Act) β 9106.90.75.00 |
π Explanation:
- This is the most expensive category for smart white timers.
- If your product is an AC-powered timer with a digital screen, you must prepare for a 28.9% tax hit.
- Strategy: Check if you can redesign to be battery-powered (9106.90.65.00) to achieve 0% tax.
π― 2. 9106.90.65.00 β Battery Powered Timer
(The "Battery Operated" Timer)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Yes (if eligible under other rules) |
| Legal Basis | MFN (Most Favored Nation) |
π Explanation:
- This is the golden category for importers.
- If your "White Timer" runs on batteries (even if it has a clock movement), it qualifies for Zero Duty.
- Strategy: Market your product as "Battery Operated" and ensure no AC adapter is included in the main assembly.
π― 3. 9107.00.40.80 β Time Switch (Valued β€ $5)
(The "Simple" Mechanical Switch)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Additional Tariff | 0.0% |
| Total Tax Rate | 0.0% |
| Tax Calculation | $0 |
| Condition | Unit Price must be β€ $5.00 |
| Legal Basis | MFN |
π Explanation:
- Simple mechanical time switches (like oven timers or industrial cycle controllers) valued at $5 or less are duty-free.
- Strategy: If your timer is a simple switch, ensure your invoice price is listed at or below $5 per unit.
π― 4. 9107.00.80.00 β Time Switch (Valued > $5)
(The "Premium" or Complex Switch)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 45Β’ per unit + 6.4% + 2.5Β’ per jewel |
| Additional Tariff | +25.0% (Applied on top of base) |
| Total Tax Structure | Complex (Mixed Specific/Ad Valorem) |
| Example Cost | (45Β’ + 25% of value + fees) |
| Legal Basis | Section 301 + Specific Duty |
π Explanation:
- This is a hybrid tax (Specific + Ad Valorem).
- It applies if your time switch is expensive (> $5).
- The 25% additional tariff significantly increases the cost of premium timers.
- Strategy: Avoid pricing > $5 if possible, or classify carefully as an "Apparatus" (9106) if it lacks a switch function but measures time.
π οΈ IV. Clearance Practical Advice (Real-World Pitfall Avoidance)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (Must-Haves)
| Document | Requirement | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Product Specs Sheet | βοΈ Mandatory | Must explicitly state "AC Powered" vs "Battery Powered" and "Display Type". |
| Circuit Diagram | βοΈ Highly Recommended | Proves if the device is a "Switch" (9107) or an "Apparatus" (9106). |
| Commercial Invoice | βοΈ Critical | Must list Unit Value clearly. If >$5, ensure it matches the 9107.00.80.00 rate. |
| Photos (Labeled) | βοΈ Required | Show the power input (AC plug vs Battery compartment) and the display. |
| Battery Type | βοΈ If Applicable | Confirm if the timer includes batteries or if they are sold separately (affects classification). |
β 2. Declaring Strategy (Golden Rules)
π₯ "Power Source & Value Decide the Tax!"
| Scenario | Correct HS Code | Error to Avoid | Consequence |
|---|---|---|---|
| White Timer, Plugs into Wall, Has LCD Screen | 9106.90.75.00 |
Declaring as 9107 (Switch) |
Customs Seizure / Penalty (Wrong classification) |
| White Timer, Battery Operated | 9106.90.65.00 |
Declaring as 9106.90.75.00 |
Overpaying 28.9% unnecessarily |
| Simple Switch Timer, Price = $4.50 | 9107.00.40.80 |
Declaring as 9107.00.80.00 |
Overpaying 25% + Specific Fees |
| Switch Timer, Price = $6.00 | 9107.00.80.00 |
Declaring as 9107.00.40.80 |
Underpayment / Audit Risk |
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Recommendation |
|---|---|
| "Smart" White Timer | If it connects to Wi-Fi/App, it is likely 9106.90.75.00 (AC + Display). Expect 28.9% tax. |
| Timer with AC Adapter | Even if the timer body is small, if it requires an external AC adapter, it is AC Powered β 9106.90.75.00. |
| Bulk Discounting | For 9107 switches, structure your invoice so the Unit Price is β€ $5 to utilize the 0% rate. |
| OEM Customization | If the timer is customized for industrial use, provide the technical manual to justify the "Apparatus" classification. |
π V. Market Comparison (US vs. Others)
| Market | Recommended Code | Estimated Tax (China Origin) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 9106.90.75.00 |
28.9% | High Section 301 tax on AC/Display. |
| πΊπΈ USA | 9106.90.65.00 |
0.0% | Battery timers are tax-free. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 9106 |
~0-6% | Generally lower than US, but CE certification required. |
| π¨π³ China | 9106 |
~0-4% | Export duty may apply, but low import duty. |
π Conclusion:
- The US is the most expensive market for AC-powered, display-equipped timers due to the 25% additional tariff.
- Battery-powered versions are the only cost-effective way to enter the US market tariff-free.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfalls (Lessons Learned)
β Mistake 1: Calling a "Smart Timer" a "Simple Switch" to avoid tax.
π Result: Customs checks the specs, finds the AC Power + LCD, reclassifies to 9106.90.75.00, and issues a 28.9% tax bill + Penalty.
β Mistake 2: Pricing a Switch Timer at $5.01 to avoid the "under $5" rule.
π Result: Slides into the 9107.00.80.00 bracket, paying Specific Fees + 25%, killing the margin.
β Mistake 3: Forgetting to mention "AC Powered" on the invoice.
π Result: Customs asks for clarification, causing delayed release and storage fees.
β Best Practice:
"Be Transparent on Power & Display."
"White Digital Timer, AC Powered, 120V, LED Display, Model XYZ"
vs
"White Mechanical Timer, Battery Operated (1x AA), Model ABC"
π― VII. Conclusion: Strategic Entry for White Timers
π― Remember the Strategy:
πΉ "AC + Display = 28.9% Tax (Avoid if possible!)"
πΉ "Battery = 0% Tax (The Sweet Spot!)"
πΉ "Switch β€ $5 = 0% Tax (Price Manipulation)"
πΉ "Switch > $5 = High Tax (Check margins)"
π Pro Tip:
If your product is a "White Timer" with a digital screen, re-design the power source to be battery-operated before shipping. The 28.9% tax saving on every unit can be the difference between profit and loss!
π£ Immediate Action:
π Contact your Customs Broker with your BOM (Bill of Materials) and Power Source Diagram.
π Apply for an Advance Ruling if unsure, to secure the 0% Battery rate.
β¨ Precision Classification = Maximum Profit!
πΌ Don't let a "White Timer" cost you a quarter of your profit!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.