Product classification
HS code for Eyeglasses: 9004.90
Spectacles, goggles and the like, (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other.
Classification of eyeglasses under HS 9004.90
Eyeglasses, specifically those used for vision correction or protection (excluding sunglasses), are classified under HS code 9004.90. Chapter 90 of the Harmonized System covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9004 is designated for spectacles, goggles, and the like, corrective, protective, or other. This heading is divided into two main subheadings: 9004.10 for sunglasses and 9004.90 for "other." Consequently, 9004.90 serves as the classification for standard prescription eyeglasses, reading glasses, and various types of protective eyewear such as safety goggles used in industrial settings or sports. The classification is based on the finished nature of the product, which incorporates lenses (usually optically worked) mounted into a frame. It is important to note that the material of the frame (plastic, metal, or precious metal) does not change the primary classification under 9004.90, although it may affect the duty rate in certain jurisdictions. This code is used for finished goods ready for use by the end consumer.
- Covers
- Prescription reading glasses
- Corrective spectacles for distance or near vision
- Industrial safety goggles
- Blue light blocking glasses (non-prescription)
- Sports goggles for eye protection
- Also under 9004.90
- Warby Parker prescription glasses
- 3M Virtua safety glasses
- Speedo Vanquisher swimming goggles
- Oakley Line Miner ski goggles
- Zenni Optical reading glasses
Codes often confused with 9004.90
Common mistake. Eyeglasses are often misclassified under HS code 9004.10, which is strictly reserved for sunglasses. Even if a pair of corrective glasses has a slight tint, they should remain in 9004.90 unless their primary function is solar protection. Another common error is using HS code 9003.11 or 9003.19, which are for frames and mountings only. If the lenses are already fitted into the frames, the entire assembly must be classified under 9004.90. Furthermore, contact lenses are classified separately under 9001.30 and should never be grouped with spectacles.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900490 (the code used for eyeglasses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900490 (the code used for eyeglasses) in UN Comtrade data was China, with 39% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was the United States, with 22% of world imports. Countries that did not report 2025 data are estimated from partner records, which can understate them.
Figures cover everything classified under HS 900490, not only eyeglasses.
Top exporters 2025 ยท share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 39% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$432M 9.4% of world exports ยท partner records โ
- 3 Mexico $317M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
Top importers 2025 ยท share of world imports
- 1 United States $879M 22% of world imports
- 2 Germany $425M 10% of world imports
- 3 Hong Kong $284M 7.0% of world imports
World total: $4.1B Reported figures on UN Comtrade โ
How these figures are built
109 countries reported 2025 trade to UN Comtrade in HS 2022, and their own totals are used. Countries marked * did not, so their figures add up what other countries recorded trading with them, and their exports are valued at buyers' CIF prices. 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. UN Comtrade records Taiwan as "Other Asia, not elsewhere specified". Saudi Arabia's exports under that code are left out: they are far too large to be trade with Taiwan, so mostly undisclosed partners. 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 codes for eyeglasses
Brazil splits HS 9004.90 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 9004.90.10Corrective spectacles
- 9004.90.20Safety glasses
- 9004.90.90Other spectacles and goggles
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about eyeglasses
What is the HS code for Eyeglasses?
The HS code for Eyeglasses is 900490 (Spectacles, goggles and the like; (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other). The HS code for corrective or protective eyeglasses (other than sunglasses) is 9004.90. This includes both prescription spectacles and safety goggles.
How do I classify Eyeglasses for customs?
Eyeglasses is classified under HS code 900490 โ Spectacles, goggles and the like; (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are reading glasses classified differently than prescription glasses?
No, both over-the-counter reading glasses and custom prescription glasses are classified under HS code 9004.90 because they both serve a corrective or protective function and are not sunglasses.
Which countries are the top exporters of eyeglasses (HS 900490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900490 (the code used for eyeglasses) in UN Comtrade data were China ($1.8B, 39% of world exports), Taiwan (about $432M) and Mexico ($317M). World exports came to about $4.6B, 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 eyeglasses (HS 900490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900490 (the code used for eyeglasses) in UN Comtrade data were the United States ($879M, 22% of world imports), Germany ($425M) and Hong Kong ($284M). World imports came to about $4.1B, 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.
Is the HS code for Eyeglasses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900490 for Eyeglasses is internationally standardized for the first 6 digits across 200+ countries. Individual countries may add additional digits for national tariff lines and specific classifications.
What is the NCM code for eyeglasses in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900490 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for eyeglasses depends on the product's details: 9004.90.10 (Corrective spectacles), 9004.90.20 (Safety glasses), 9004.90.90 (Other spectacles and goggles).