How to Ensure Your High-Value Watches Reach Customers Safely

I. The Most Common Reasons

1️⃣ Customs Clearance Delays

Watches are highly regulated products. Delays may occur due to incorrect HS codes, low declared values, unclear materials, or incomplete invoices.

Tracking shows “Clearance delay” or “Pending customs clearance”
Long periods without updates, possible return or destruction

2️⃣ Incorrect Delivery Information

Common issues include mismatched company name, incomplete address, wrong phone numbers, or incorrect Residential/Commercial selection.

Courier cannot contact the recipient and cannot wait indefinitely

3️⃣ Duties or Taxes Not Paid

Delays may occur if the consignee refuses to pay duties, DDP/DAP terms were unclear, or advanced fees are not confirmed.

Common outcome: storage → return → loss risk

4️⃣ Watches Are Highly Inspected Items

Full watches with Swiss, Automatic, Luxury, or logos are subject to extra verification and may require brand authorization or a purpose explanation.

5️⃣ Delivery Stage Issues

Problems can occur if no one is available to sign, packages are misplaced internally, or tracking shows Delivered but the item is missing.

II. How to Prevent Problems Effectively

✅ Professional Shipping Documentation:
Product: Custom-made stainless steel wristwatch (No brand, no logo)
HS Code: 9102.21
Material: Stainless steel 316L
Purpose: Sample / Prototype
Value: Reasonable and true
Country of Origin: China
Invoice example

✅ Verify Recipient Information: Company name, full address with suite, phone numbers, and customs contact.

✅ Control Per-Shipment Risk: Ship samples/prototypes separately, avoid excessively high declared values.

✅ Follow Up with FedEx/DHL: Check tracking within 1–2 days and provide invoices, packing lists, and explanation letters if delays appear.

III. What to Do If the Shipment Is Lost

1️⃣ Contact FedEx/DHL customer service immediately

2️⃣ Request Case Number / Trace ID

3️⃣ Determine status: under customs clearance, being returned, or under loss investigation

4️⃣ If clearance issue, provide missing documents immediately

5️⃣ If beyond claim period, start formal compensation process as soon as possible

Our Experience & Commitment

With over 20 years of experience in watch manufacturing, we rarely encounter lost shipments. We carefully verify all shipping documents, follow up actively, and assist clients in customs clearance to minimize risks.

Watches are valuable items; we recommend express couriers such as DHL or FedEx. With us, your watch shipments are in safe hands.