Product classification
HS code for Safety glasses: 9004.90
Spectacles, goggles and the like, (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other.
Classification of safety glasses under HS 9004.90
Safety glasses, including goggles and protective spectacles, are classified under HS code 9004.90. Chapter 90 covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus. Heading 9004 specifically includes spectacles, goggles, and the like, corrective, protective, or other. Subheading 9004.90 is the residual category for items that are not sunglasses (which are 9004.10). Safety glasses are classified here because their primary purpose is to protect the eyes, regardless of whether they also provide vision correction. The classification remains in 9004 even if the frames are made of plastic or metal, as the functional identity of the product is "spectacles." This code covers a wide range of protective eyewear used in laboratories, construction sites, and factories. The essential character is the provision of eye protection through a wearable frame and lens system.
- Covers
- Industrial safety goggles
- Chemical splash-resistant glasses
- Laser safety eyewear
- Prescription safety spectacles
- Welding goggles (non-helmet type)
- 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. Safety glasses are frequently misclassified under HS code 3926.90, which covers other articles of plastics. This usually happens when the glasses are made entirely of polycarbonate. However, because they function as spectacles, heading 9004 is more specific and takes precedence. Another misclassification is HS code 9004.10, which is strictly for sunglasses. Even if safety glasses are tinted for UV protection, if their primary purpose is industrial safety rather than sun protection, they should remain in 9004.90.
Top exporters and importers of HS 900490 (the code used for safety glasses), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 900490 (the code used for safety glasses) 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 safety glasses.
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 China $1.8B 39% of world exports
- 2 Taiwan* ~$432M 9.4% of world exports · partner records ↗
- 3 Mexico $317M 6.9% of world exports
World total: $4.6B Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · 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 ↗
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 safety glasses
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 safety glasses
What is the HS code for Safety glasses?
The HS code for Safety glasses is 900490 (Spectacles, goggles and the like; (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other). The HS code for safety glasses and protective goggles (other than sunglasses) is 9004.90.
How do I classify Safety glasses for customs?
Safety glasses is classified under HS code 900490 — Spectacles, goggles and the like; (other than sunglasses) corrective, protective or other. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
Are prescription safety glasses classified differently?
No, both corrective (prescription) and non-corrective safety glasses fall under HS code 9004.90, as the heading covers spectacles that are corrective, protective, or other.
Which countries are the top exporters of safety glasses (HS 900490)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 900490 (the code used for safety glasses) 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 safety glasses (HS 900490)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 900490 (the code used for safety glasses) 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 Safety glasses the same in all countries?
The base HS code 900490 for Safety glasses 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 safety glasses in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 900490 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for safety glasses depends on the product's details: 9004.90.10 (Corrective spectacles), 9004.90.20 (Safety glasses), 9004.90.90 (Other spectacles and goggles).