Product classification

HS code for Glass spectacle lens: 9001.40

Lenses, spectacle, unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked.

Classification of glass spectacle lens under HS 9001.40

Glass spectacle lenses are classified under HS code 9001.40. This code is part of Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, and medical instruments. Specifically, 9001.40 applies to unmounted glass lenses that have been optically worked. "Optically worked" means that the surfaces of the glass have been ground and polished to produce specific optical properties, such as focal length, magnification, or light refraction. This distinguishes them from simple molded glass blanks that have not yet undergone the precision finishing required for optical use. This subheading is strictly for glass lenses; lenses made of plastics or other materials are classified elsewhere. These lenses are intended for use in spectacles (eyeglasses) for vision correction, protection, or as part of sunglasses. The classification applies to the lenses in their unmounted state; once they are fitted into frames, the entire article is classified under heading 9004. The lenses can be single vision, bifocal, or progressive, provided they are made of glass and meet the optical working requirements.

Covers
  • Corrective glass lenses for nearsightedness or farsightedness
  • Unmounted glass lenses for sunglasses
  • Bifocal glass lenses for presbyopia
  • Plano glass lenses for protective eyewear
  • High-index glass lenses for prescription spectacles
Also under 9001.40
  • Zeiss glass lenses
  • Essilor glass lenses
  • Hoya glass lenses
  • Rodenstock glass lenses
  • Corning glass blanks

Codes often confused with 9001.40

Common mistake. A common error is classifying plastic spectacle lenses under this code; plastic lenses are correctly classified under 9001.50. Another misclassification occurs when the lenses are already mounted in frames, which moves the classification to 9004.10 (sunglasses) or 9004.90 (other spectacles). Furthermore, glass blanks that have not been optically worked are classified under heading 7015. It is also important to distinguish these from camera lenses or other instrument lenses, which are classified under 9002.11 or 9002.19. The material and the state of "working" are the two most critical factors for 9001.40.

9001.50Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of materials other than glass9004.10Sunglasses; corrective, protective or other9004.90Spectacles, goggles and the like; (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other70.15Clock, watch and similar glasses, glasses for non-corrective or corrective spectacles, curved, bent, hallowed etc, not optically worked; hollow glass spheres and their segments for manufacture9002.11Lenses; objective, for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers, mounted, being parts or fittings for instruments or apparatus, of any material (excluding glass not optically worked)9002.19Lenses; objective, (other than for cameras, projectors or photographic enlargers or reducers), mounted, of any material (excluding elements of glass not optically worked)

Top exporters and importers of HS 900140 (the code used for glass spectacle lens), 2025

In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900140 (the code used for glass spectacle lens) 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.

Figures cover everything classified under HS 900140, not only glass spectacle lens.

Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports

  1. 1 Hong Kong $82M
  2. 2 China $59M
  3. 3 Italy $44M

World total: $292M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗

Top importers 2025 · share of world imports

  1. 1 China $46M
  2. 2 Germany $43M
  3. 3 France $41M

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 glass spectacle lens

Brazil classifies glass spectacle lens under NCM 9001.40.00: HS 9001.40 with 00 added.

Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.

Questions about glass spectacle lens

What is the HS code for Glass spectacle lens?

The HS code for Glass spectacle lens is 900140 (Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked). The HS code for unmounted, optically worked glass spectacle lenses is 9001.40.

How do I classify Glass spectacle lens for customs?

Glass spectacle lens is classified under HS code 900140 — Lenses, spectacle; unmounted, of glass, excluding elements of glass not optically worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.

Are plastic lenses included in HS code 9001.40?

No, plastic spectacle lenses are classified under HS code 9001.50. Code 9001.40 is reserved exclusively for lenses made of glass.

Which countries are the top exporters of glass spectacle lens (HS 900140)?

In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900140 (the code used for glass spectacle lens) 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 glass spectacle lens (HS 900140)?

In 2025, the top importers of HS 900140 (the code used for glass spectacle lens) 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.

Is the HS code for Glass spectacle lens the same in all countries?

The base HS code 900140 for Glass spectacle lens 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 glass spectacle lens in Brazil?

In Brazil, glass spectacle lens (HS 900140) is classified under NCM 9001.40.00.