Sourcing watch strap spring bars from China
Watch strap spring bars from China, when classified in heading 9113, carry 2% to 6% UK duty by material; ordinary base-metal parts carry 6%. Consumer products sold in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use. Specify tip fit and spring action before ordering. Cambridge China Bridge sources watch strap spring bars.
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Duty depends on the material and classification
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 4 October 2026, heading 9113 covers watch straps, bands, bracelets and their parts. The base-metal line, including gold- or silver-plated parts, carries 6% duty for goods from China. Precious-metal and precious-metal-clad lines carry 2%; the other-material line carries 6%. Table rows provide material comparisons. Confirm classification for the actual spring-bar construction.
The supplied tariff record shows no anti-dumping or countervailing duty and no suspensions. It attaches CITES import control to the metal lines: confirm the declaration requirement for the actual goods with your customs broker. Goods containing listed species need the applicable CITES permits. The other-material line attaches cat and dog fur control; imports of that fur and products made from it are banned. The record also contains export-control entries, which your broker should review if you later export the goods.
Give your broker the material breakdown, drawing and intended use to confirm the commodity code. Use the import duty and VAT guide when costing the shipment. For related parts across the heading, see replacement watch bracelet clasps.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Base-metal watch-strap parts, including plated parts | 9113 20 00 00 | 6% | None |
| Precious-metal watch-strap parts | 9113 10 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Watch-strap parts of metal clad with precious metal | 9113 10 90 00 | 2% | None |
| Other-material watch-strap parts, for material comparison | 9113 90 00 99 | 6% | None |
Specify the tube, tips and spring travel
Specify the intended lug gap, extended and compressed lengths, tube diameter, tip diameter and tip projection. Include a drawing showing the shoulders and tool access. Choose conventional shoulder, shoulderless or quick-release construction, and state whether the target watch has drilled lugs. Provide the watch case and strap or bracelet end link for sample fitting.
Name the tube, tip and spring materials separately, along with the finish and corrosion checks you want. Agree how spring return, repeated compression and assembled retention will be assessed. Consumer products supplied in Great Britain must be safe in normal or reasonably foreseeable use; assess exposed sharp edges and accidental disengagement. Keep each size separately packed and identified.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: 5,000 base-metal watch strap spring bars; illustrative order, not a quotation under 9113 20 00 00, invoiced at £1,500 free on board, with £800 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £2,300. Duty at 6% is £138. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £2,438, so it is £487.60. Import taxes total £625.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £138 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Dimensions: measure extended and compressed lengths, tube diameter and tip diameter against the approved drawing; check size labels against the contents.
Fit: install samples in the intended watch case and strap or end link; check that the tips seat fully and the removal tool can reach the shoulders.
Spring action: compress and release the tips repeatedly; check for sticking, uneven return and loose tips, then check retention in the assembled watch.
Finish and records: check burrs, bent tubes, corrosion and plating damage; retain the material records, inspection results and batch identification. See quality inspection explained.
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What goes wrong
A bar can have the advertised length yet fail to fit because its tube is too thick or its tips do not match the lug holes. Insufficient compressed travel makes installation difficult, while short tip projection can leave shallow engagement. Weak or sticking springs and loose tips can allow the strap to detach.
Approve samples in the actual case and strap combination before ordering. Test quick-release lever clearance inside the strap channel and check that the lever cannot catch during wear. Agree rejection criteria for incomplete return, poor seating and burrs, and repeat these checks when the batch arrives.
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.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on watch strap spring bars from China?
For parts classified in heading 9113, base-metal parts carry 6%; precious-metal or precious-metal-clad parts carry 2%. Other-material parts carry 6%. Rates were read on 4 October 2026.
Does gold plating reduce the duty on steel spring bars?
The base-metal line includes gold- or silver-plated parts and carries 6%. Metal clad with precious metal has a separate line; confirm the construction and code with your broker.
What dimensions should I give a spring-bar supplier?
Give the lug gap, extended and compressed lengths, tube and tip diameters, tip projection and shoulder shape. Send a drawing and the intended watch case and strap for sample fitting.
How do I check quick-release spring bars?
Check lever clearance in the strap channel, full tip seating and reliable spring return. Fit samples to the intended watch and check retention and whether the lever can catch during wear.