HS code · 6-digit subheading
HS Code 9001.40 – Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked
HS code 9001.40 is the 6-digit subheading for lenses, spectacle, unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked. It is used for single vision glass lenses, bifocal glass lenses, progressive glass lenses, high-index glass lenses and photochromic glass lenses.
What HS 9001.40 covers
This category covers unmounted spectacle lenses made of glass, which have undergone optical working to correct vision. While plastic lenses have captured a larger market share, glass lenses remain valued for their superior scratch resistance, exceptional optical clarity, and stability, particularly for specific prescriptions or specialized applications. International trade involves manufacturers of ophthalmic blanks, precision lens grinders, and optical laboratories. These lenses are exported globally to optical retailers and optometrists who then custom-fit them into spectacle frames for end-users. The trade is influenced by technological advancements in lens coatings, thinning processes for high prescriptions, and the increasing global demand for high-quality vision correction. Glass lenses cater to a segment of the market that prioritizes durability and optical purity.
- Covers
- Single vision glass lenses
- Bifocal glass lenses
- Progressive glass lenses
- High-index glass lenses
- Photochromic glass lenses
- Polarized glass lenses
- Mineral glass lenses
- Examples
- Zeiss glass lenses
- Essilor glass lenses
- Hoya glass lenses
- Rodenstock glass lenses
- Corning glass blanks
Codes often confused with 9001.40
Common mistake. The primary confusion is with 900150 (spectacle lenses of other materials, i.e., plastic) due to the material difference. It's also distinct from 900130 (contact lenses) and 9004 (finished spectacles). The 'unmounted' and 'glass' aspects are key for correct classification.
Top exporters and importers of HS code 900140, 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS code 900140 in UN Comtrade data was Hong Kong, with 28% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was China, with 14% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Hong Kong $82M 28% of world exports
- 2 China $59M 20% of world exports
- 3 Italy $44M 15% of world exports
World total: $292M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 China $46M 14% of world imports
- 2 Germany $43M 13% of world imports
- 3 France $41M 13% of world imports
World total: $326M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries that did not report are estimated from what other countries recorded trading with them. Those estimates miss trade with other non-reporting countries, so they can be low, and a non-reporting country can rank higher than shown or be missing from the list. World totals add both and leave out trade between two non-reporting countries. Figures are in current US dollars; reported imports are mostly valued CIF and exports FOB, and exports include re-exports. The UN Comtrade links show the underlying records; they can also list a few reporters left out here (regional groups and older HS editions).
Source: UN Comtrade (United Nations Statistics Division), 2025 annual data.
Brazil NCM code for 9001.40
Brazil does not split HS 9001.40: its NCM code is 9001.40.00.
All Brazil NCM codes in heading 90.01 →
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text is official; the English is our translation.
Questions about HS 9001.40
What is HS code 900140?
HS code 900140 is a 6-digit subheading in the Harmonized System that covers: Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked. This category covers unmounted spectacle lenses made of glass, which have undergone optical working to correct vision. While plastic lenses have captured a larger market share, glass lenses remain valued for their superior scratch resistance, exceptional optical clarity, and stability, particularly for specific prescriptions or specialized applications. International trade involves manufacturers of ophthalmic blanks, precision lens grinders, and optical laboratories. These lenses are exported globally to optical retailers and optometrists who then custom-fit them into spectacle frames for end-users. The trade is influenced by technological advancements in lens coatings, thinning processes for high prescriptions, and the increasing global demand for high-quality vision correction. Glass lenses cater to a segment of the market that prioritizes durability and optical purity.
What products fall under HS code 900140?
Single vision glass lenses, Bifocal glass lenses, Progressive glass lenses, High-index glass lenses, Photochromic glass lenses, Polarized glass lenses, Mineral glass lenses
What are common misclassifications for HS code 900140?
The primary confusion is with 900150 (spectacle lenses of other materials, i.e., plastic) due to the material difference. It's also distinct from 900130 (contact lenses) and 9004 (finished spectacles). The 'unmounted' and 'glass' aspects are key for correct classification.
Which countries are the top exporters of goods under HS code 900140?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS code 900140 in UN Comtrade data were Hong Kong ($82M, 28% of world exports), China ($59M) and Italy ($44M). World exports came to about $292M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Which countries are the top importers of goods under HS code 900140?
In 2025, the top importers of HS code 900140 in UN Comtrade data were China ($46M, 14% of world imports), Germany ($43M) and France ($41M). World imports came to about $326M, adding countries' reported figures and partner-based estimates for those that did not report (UN Comtrade data). Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
How is HS code 900140 structured?
HS code 900140 is a 6-digit subheading under the Harmonized System. The first 2 digits (90) identify the chapter, digits 3-4 (01) identify the heading, and digits 5-6 (40) specify the subheading. This code is standardized globally by the World Customs Organization.
What is the Brazil NCM code for HS code 900140?
In Brazil, HS code 900140 is NCM 9001.40.00. The last two digits are 00 because Brazil does not split this HS code further.