Product classification
HS code for Spectacle lenses (unfinished): 7015.10
Glasses for corrective spectacles, curved, bent, hollowed or the like, not optically worked.
Classification of spectacle lenses (unfinished) under HS 7015.10
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.
- Covers
- Glass lens blanks for corrective spectacles
- Curved glass for eyewear (not optically worked)
- Molded glass blanks for prescription lenses
- Semi-finished glass spectacle lenses
- Also under 7015.10
- Hoya lens blanks
- Essilor lens preforms
- Zeiss raw optical glass
- Shamir lens blanks
- Rodenstock semi-finished lenses
Codes often confused with 7015.10
Common mistake. 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.
Top exporters and importers of HS 701510 (the code used for spectacle lenses (unfinished)), 2025
In 2025, the largest exporter of HS 701510 (the code used for spectacle lenses (unfinished)) in UN Comtrade data was Germany, with 77% of world exports; the largest importer in UN Comtrade data was Italy, with 40% 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 701510, not only spectacle lenses (unfinished).
Top exporters 2025 · share of world exports
- 1 Germany $25M 77% of world exports
- 2 China $2.4M 7.5% of world exports
- 3 France $1.8M 5.5% of world exports
World total: $32M Reported figures on UN Comtrade ↗
Top importers 2025 · share of world imports
- 1 Italy $16M 40% of world imports
- 2 Belgium $10M 26% of world imports
- 3 India $3.3M 8.3% of world imports
World total: $39M 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 codes for spectacle lenses (unfinished)
Brazil splits HS 7015.10 into 3 NCM codes. Pick the one that matches your product:
- 7015.10.10Photochromic glasses for corrective lenses
- 7015.10.91Clear (white) glass for corrective lenses
- 7015.10.92Coloured glass for corrective lenses
Source: Siscomex NCM table, updated Oct 2026. The Portuguese text on each NCM page is the official one.
Questions about spectacle lenses (unfinished)
What is the HS code for Spectacle lenses (unfinished)?
The HS code for Spectacle lenses (unfinished) is 701510 (Glasses for corrective spectacles; curved, bent, hollowed or the like, not optically worked). The HS code for unfinished glass spectacle lenses that are not optically worked is 701510.
How do I classify Spectacle lenses (unfinished) for customs?
Spectacle lenses (unfinished) is classified under HS code 701510 — Glasses for corrective spectacles; curved, bent, hollowed or the like, not optically worked. This is a 6-digit subheading level code.
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.
Which countries are the top exporters of spectacle lenses (unfinished) (HS 701510)?
In 2025, the top exporters of HS 701510 (the code used for spectacle lenses (unfinished)) in UN Comtrade data were Germany ($25M, 77% of world exports), China ($2.4M) and France ($1.8M). World exports came to about $32M, 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 spectacle lenses (unfinished) (HS 701510)?
In 2025, the top importers of HS 701510 (the code used for spectacle lenses (unfinished)) in UN Comtrade data were Italy ($16M, 40% of world imports), Belgium ($10M) and India ($3.3M). World imports came to about $39M, 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 Spectacle lenses (unfinished) the same in all countries?
The base HS code 701510 for Spectacle lenses (unfinished) 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 spectacle lenses (unfinished) in Brazil?
Brazil splits HS 701510 into 3 NCM codes, so the right one for spectacle lenses (unfinished) depends on the product's details: 7015.10.10 (Photochromic glasses for corrective lenses), 7015.10.91 (Clear (white) glass for corrective lenses), 7015.10.92 (Coloured glass for corrective lenses).