HS Code for Spectacle lenses (unfinished)

The classification of unfinished spectacle lenses under HS code 701510 is determined by both the material composition and the specific stage of the manufacturing process. According to the General Interpretative Rules (GIR) and the Explanatory Notes to the Harmonized System, Chapter 70 covers glass and glassware. Specifically, heading 7015 applies to glasses for corrective spectacles that are curved, bent, hollowed, or the like, but crucially, they must be 'not optically worked.' In the context of lens manufacturing, 'optically worked' refers to the process where the surface of the glass has been ground and polished using precision techniques to produce specific optical properties or corrective powers. Since these lenses are in a semi-finished state—often referred to as blanks—they have the physical shape of a lens but lack the finished surface required for immediate use in eyewear. This distinction is vital because once a lens undergoes optical working, it is reclassified under Chapter 90, specifically heading 9001. The 701510 code is reserved for glass materials; if the unfinished lenses were made of plastics or other materials, they would be classified under different headings such as 3926 or 9001. Furthermore, this code excludes flat glass and glass for non-corrective spectacles. Importers must ensure that the glass has not been subjected to any grinding that would qualify as optical working to maintain this classification.

Products Included

• Glass lens blanks for corrective spectacles
• Curved glass for eyewear (not optically worked)
• Molded glass blanks for prescription lenses
• Semi-finished glass spectacle lenses

Common Misclassification

The most frequent misclassification occurs with HS code 900140, which covers glass lenses that have been optically worked. If the lens has been ground or polished to a specific prescription, it must move to Chapter 90. Additionally, plastic lens blanks are often incorrectly placed here but should be under 392690 or 900150 depending on their state. Non-corrective glass (e.g., for sunglasses) falls under 701590.

FAQ

What is the HS code for spectacle lenses (unfinished)?

The HS code for unfinished glass spectacle lenses that are not optically worked is 701510.

Does this code include plastic lens blanks?

No, HS code 701510 is strictly for glass. Plastic blanks are typically classified under 3926.90 or 9001.50 if they are considered optical elements.