Timepeices

Country of origin rules change

The U.S. Customs Service no longer requires country-of-origin markings on watch bands attached to watches produced and assembled in the U.S. Virgin Islands, reports the American Watch Association.

The same rule applies to watches produced in other countries. For example, a Chinese watch band attached to a watch with a Japanese movement in Japan doesn't need to be marked if the watch is properly marked "Japan."

However, says AWA, the ruling does not apply to watch bands from country A attached in country B to a watch produced in country C. The ruling is in accord with NAFTA rules and is a step toward harmonizing U.S. rules with international rules of origin.

– by Michael Thompson

• Home • Ask the Expert • Brainstorm • Stats • Site of the Week • Consumer Press Scan

• Your Business On-Line • Calendar • Magazine & Site Archives • Staff • Site Map

• Professional Jeweler Events • Guide to Electronic Services

• Classified On-Line • JA Certification Study Session