Sourcing replacement watch links from China

Duty by link material

Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 9113 covers watch straps, bands, bracelets and their parts. Replacement links of precious metal or metal clad with precious metal carry 2% duty from China. Base-metal links, including gold- or silver-plated links, and links of other materials carry 6%. The supplied tariff data records no anti-dumping or countervailing duties and no suspensions.

The selected metal lines attach CITES import and export controls. Links containing CITES-listed material need the applicable Great Britain permit and corresponding Chinese export documentation. The other-material line attaches cat and dog fur import and export controls; importing or selling products containing such fur in Great Britain is prohibited. All selected lines attach a cultural-object export licence control. Confirm applicability and any documentary exemption with your customs broker.

Confirm the actual construction, especially precious-metal cladding versus plating, using our commodity code guide. These rows cover replacement links rather than complete watches. For related parts within the wider heading, see replacement watch-bracelet clasps.

Specify the bracelet joint, not just the width

Supply the bracelet reference, photographs and an original link or bracelet section. Specify link width, thickness, curvature, joint spacing, hole position and the length added when fitted. Distinguish full links from shorter adjustment links and solid construction from folded construction.

Agree whether the joint uses screws, friction pins or pins with separate collars. Specify the matching hardware, screw thread, insertion direction, material and finish. Match brushed grain, polished faces and colour to the existing bracelet. Approve an assembled sample before production.

Ask for test reports covering the supplied material and coating. Before placing consumer links on the Great Britain market, the importer must ensure they are safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use.

Worked duty example

Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 base-metal replacement bracelet links, illustrative order under 9113 20 00 00, invoiced at £5,000 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £5,800. Duty at 6% is £348. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £6,148, so it is £1,229.60. Import taxes total £1,577.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £348 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.

Inspection checklist

Fit: compare dimensions with the approved drawing and assemble sampled links into the intended bracelet; check articulation, gaps and alignment.

Retention: check that supplied screws, pins and collars match the joint, remain seated during the agreed pull and movement checks, and can be fitted without damage.

Finish: check exposed edges for burrs, match colour and brushed grain against the original bracelet, and inspect ceramic links for chips around holes.

Documents and packing: match nickel reports to the supplied finish, check any applicable species documents, and keep each bracelet reference with its matching hardware. See our quality inspection guide.

What goes wrong

A link can match the visible width yet fail to fit because its joint shoulders, hole spacing or screw thread differ. Missing collars allow pins to work loose; tight joints prevent the bracelet bending around the wrist. A similar-looking finish can stand out when fitted beside worn original links.

Use the original bracelet for sample approval and inspection. Agree which hardware accompanies each link and how variants are identified on packs. Keep a reference sample for repeat orders and resolve any material or coating change before accepting another batch.

Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For own-brand ranges, see sourcing for brands.