How do I import watches or jewelry into the US?

Updated October 22, 2026

You enter watches and jewelry like other commercial goods: classify them under the HTS, declare value and origin, and pay the duty that applies. Watches also have their own marking rules, and jewelry or straps made from some animal materials (alligator skin watch straps are an example) can need wildlife paperwork from the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Check all three before you pay a supplier.

Step 1: Classify and find the duty

Duty depends on the HTS code, the country of origin and the value. Watches and jewelry sit in their own HTS chapters: Chapter 91 for watches, and Chapter 71 for jewelry (heading 7113 for jewelry of precious metal, heading 7117 for imitation jewelry). Find your code first (see our guide on HS codes), then confirm it with a customs broker, since the right heading depends on the materials.

Step 2: Marking

Imported goods generally must be marked with their country of origin. For watches, CBP rulings say the 19 CFR 134.43 rule points to special marking requirements in HTSUS Chapter 91, Additional U.S. Note 4:

Movements are marked on a bridge or top plate with the country of manufacture and the maker's or purchaser's name, plus the jewel count where applicable.
Cases carry the country of manufacture and the maker's or purchaser's name on the inside or outside of the back cover.
For marking purposes, the origin of a watch is the country where the movement was made.

CBP rulings say it has no authority to grant exceptions to the watch marking rules, and that a sticker is not an acceptable way to mark. Ask the supplier to mark goods correctly before shipping, because fixing it after arrival costs time and money.

Step 3: Wildlife materials (CITES)

Some jewelry and straps use animal or plant materials covered by the CITES treaty. Some corals, queen conch and alligator skin watch straps are examples of materials that can need CITES documents when imported commercially.

Ask the supplier what the strap, case, inlay or beads are made from, and get it in writing.
If it is a wildlife product, FWS requires a declaration (Form 3-177) for most wildlife imports, which can be filed electronically through eDecs or on paper at the port. Permits and certificates are separate, and FWS says commercial wildlife importers also need an FWS import/export license.
Which species and which permits apply depends on the species and its CITES listing. FWS says to check with them if you're not sure.

Leather or synthetic straps with no wildlife content don't raise this issue, so ask what the material is rather than assuming.

Step 4: Paperwork and screening

A commercial invoice with the details customs needs (see our guide on what it must include).
A bond, importer number and, in many cases, a broker, if you import regularly. Our guides on the customs bond and the CBP importer number cover these.
Check provenance and the seller before paying. Our guide on checking a luxury watch serial and reference number covers that.

Step 5: Pay safely

Pay the supplier after you've checked the name, bank account and the invoice. Keep invoice, proof of payment, and customs entry together.

Where Shield fits

Shield doesn't classify goods or file customs entries. It handles payments for importers and resellers: a US business account, a business credit card with no upfront or subscription fees, and supplier payments by wire. Owners can live outside the US, with a US company.

FAQ

Do I need a permit for a leather watch strap? Not for that reason alone. Straps made from some wildlife, such as alligator skin, may need CITES paperwork. Confirm the material and species.

Where do I mark origin on a watch? The special watch rules put the country of manufacture on the movement and on the case back. Ask your broker to confirm the current wording.

Can I import used watches or jewelry? Used goods still need an entry and duty. Authenticity and seller checks matter more. Ask your broker about your case.

Next step

To see how Shield supports luxury goods importers with accounts, cards and supplier payments, visit Shield cards for luxury goods.