HS Code for Sunglasses: Classification of Eyewear

Sunglasses are a global phenomenon, gaining popularity not only for protecting eyes from harmful UV rays, but also for improving visibility by reducing glare and light sensitivity, providing a physical barrier against wind, dust, debris, and working as a shield against irritation or potential damage, but also as a fashion statement. In short, sunglasses are essential not only for health but also for a modern lifestyle. The market value of sunglasses and similar items is predicted to increase in the coming years. Then, as part of the process to sell in markets around the world, knowing the Harmonized System (HS) code for each product traded is essential. Find the HS Code for sunglasses, its classification, its regulations, and the key players in international trade in this article.

WCO Classification: HS Code for Sunglasses

Understanding the correct Harmonized System (HS) code in the international trade of sunglasses is not only useful but also very important to ensure that the product complies with the local regulations. It can avoid a lot of legal and compliance issues in the future and ensure a smooth transaction and importing process. According to the international classification system or known as the HS code for sunglasses. 

• Optical instruments, including eyewear and sunglasses products, are included in Chapter 90.
• Sunglasses are officially classified under HS code 9004.10.

Unlike HS codes for other international goods, the HS code for sunglasses is not based on material. It is based on the primary function or intended use. All sunglasses, regardless of frame material, lens type, UV protection, or even prescription requirements, fall under HS code 9004.10. This is the simple explanation regarding the differences in HS codes for optical instruments, including eyewear. 

HS Code Classification	Optical Instruments (Eyewear)	Function /Intended Use
HS 9004.10	Sunglasses	Used to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, can improve visibility by reducing glare and light sensitivity, provide physical barrier against wind, dust, debris, and works as a shield against irritation or potential damage, but also as a fashion statement
HS 9004.90	Eyeglasses	Used for work or other activities to help correct vision problems caused by nearsightedness, farsightedness, astigmatism, or other conditions. Eyeglasses usually come with a doctor’s prescription.
HS 9004.90	Safety Goggles	Used to protect eyes from a variety of potential hazards, including chemicals, vapors, liquids, dust, and foreign particles in medical and industrial environments.

This first six (6) digit code is valid internationally, but each country still has the freedom to add two (2) to four (4) additional digits for the national regulations.

5 Top Countries: International Sunglasses Trade 

By examining the data from the UN Comtrade Database 2024, we can find out who the world’s five largest sunglasses exporting countries really are.

HS 9004.10

Country	Total Export Value (USD)
Italy	3,511,543,370
China	2,456,991,858
Hong Kong	797,121,511
United States	674,879,102
France	340,926,652

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed February 02, 2026

All of the above data indicate that exports of sunglasses are increasing in 2024.

• Italy leads the world in sunglasses exports, with a value significantly different from other countries. The difference may not be significant compared to China, but it is significant compared to Hong Kong, the USA, and Europe.
• From the total export value of these five (5) countries, it can be estimated that Italy and China dominate among the other three (3) exporting countries. Italy has an estimated dominance of 45%, and China 32%.
• Italy is known as the world’s production center for premium brands, while China is the world’s mass production center for affordable or relatively cheap prices.

From the UN Comtrade Database, we can also identify five of the world’s largest sunglasses-importing countries. 

HS 9004.10

Country	Total Import Value (USD)
United States	1,721,661,723
Hong Kong	832,403,603
Italy	694,293,021
France	489,307,415
China	449,140,651

Source: UN Comtrade Database, accessed February 02, 2026

All of the above data imply the following things.

• The five (5) largest sunglasses exporting countries are also the five largest importing countries. The only difference is in the ranking, as the United States leads in imports of sunglasses worldwide.
• This phenomenon indicates that the sunglasses trade is two-way. This shows that the dynamics of this industry are integrated across countries.
• Domestic demand for sunglasses, both for fashion and health (UV protection), is extremely high in the United States. This makes the United States the leading consumer market or buyer for sunglasses. As a result, the United States market is a key target for many global sunglasses brands or other fashion brands.

The How: Find HS code for sunglasses with HS Code Match

Before utilizing the HS code for sunglasses provided above, exporters and importers need to learn how to find it. They also need to determine and set the HS Tariff Code for sunglasses. Follow these steps.

• First step: In order to find the accurate HS Code for sunglasses, you can access an external site such as hscodematch.com  or another official search engine.

• Second step: Describe the eyewear or sunglasses in detail to obtain the accurate HS code. Remember that the HS code classification for sunglasses is not based on material. It is based on the primary function or intended use. Sunglasses are used to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, can improve visibility by reducing glare and light sensitivity, provide a physical barrier against wind, dust, debris, and work as a shield against irritation or potential damage, but also as a fashion statement. 

After remembering this, make a choice to look for HS code sunglasses that have UV protection or those for fashion (without UV protection). Then, continue with select country of origin and destination. Next, press the search button. The example below refers to UV protection sunglasses from China to Italy. 

• Third Step: After submitting, several HS Code options will appear on the page. Select the one that has the highest match rate. Pay attention to the number of digits based on the national code of the destination country. 

• Fourth Step: After selecting one of the most relevant HS codes, please click to view the details, including the import duty rate.

• Fifth Step: Use the AI ​​chatbot assistant to answer various questions about detailed import tariff rates, government regulations, and other aspects of international trade. From the example, the highest match rate HS code for UV protection sunglasses from China to Italy is HS 9004109900. 

This is the explanation regarding the tariff costs for HS code 9004109900 that Italy imposed on China for exporting UV protection sunglasses.

• First, Tariff 2.90%. It means customs duty for sunglasses from China to Italy is 2.9%. Calculated from the customs value of sunglasses (cost + insurance +freight).
• p/st. It means tariff and statistical data are recorded per unit of goods. In this case, per 1 pair of sunglasses.
• Most Favored Nation (MFN) 2.9%. So, if it says MFN 2.9%, it means Italy’s normal import tariff for goods originating from — since China does not have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the European Union (EU) – is 2.9 percent.

• Sixth Step: Use the AI chatbot assistant feature provided by hscodematch.com  to help overcome confusion in determining the correct HS code for sunglasses.

Here are some examples of questions and answers using an AI chatbot assistant from HS Code Match about exporting UV protection sunglasses from China to Italy.

Are the HS code and tariff charged the same as for these UV protection sunglasses??
The chatbot from an external site like hscodematch.com confirmed that the HS code and tariff for fashion sunglasses without UV protection from China to Italy are the same with this UV protection sunglasses. Here is the table of explanation of the AI chatbot answer.

Description of product	HS Code	Tariff Rate	Function/Used For
9004109900	UV protection sunglasses	2.9%	The primary function or intended use of this eyewear, called sunglasses, is to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, improve visibility by reducing glare and light sensitivity, provide a physical barrier against wind, dust, debris, and work as a shield against irritation or potential damage.
9004109900	Fashion sunglasses (without UV protection)	2.9%	The primary function or intended use of this eyewear, called sunglasses, is to protect eyes from harmful UV rays, improve visibility by reducing glare and light sensitivity, provide a physical barrier against wind, dust, debris, and work as a shield against irritation or potential damage.

Are there additional duties or taxes for UV protection sunglasses imported from China to Italy?
The chatbot replied that there are two additional duties or taxes for sunglasses with HS code 9004109900 from China to Italy. First, the anti-dumping duty 27.4%. European Union (EU), in this case, Italy can implement this duty i,f after conducting an official investigation, it is proven that China exports sunglasses at too low a price and has harmed the domestic market.

Besides that, this anti-dumping duty 27.4% only applies if there is an active EU regulation. It is also specific to certain products, manufacturers, and time periods.

Second, Value Added Tax (VAT) 22%. It is the Italian tax authority. This tax rate is not displayed in the HS code search system for import duty rates because it is not an HS code tariff. VAT is a domestic tax. Although not displayed, VAT is almost always present, except in cases of transit, bonding, or re-export. The following is a simple explanation of the additional duties or taxes for sunglasses imported from China to Italy.

Description of product	HS Code	Additional Duties/Taxes	Tariff Rate	Governing Regulation
UV Protection Sunglasses	9004109900	Anti-dumping	27.4%	European Union (EU) Regulation
UV Protection Sunglasses	9004109900	Value Added Tax (VAT)	22%	Italian Tax Authority

Do European Union (EU) anti-dumping duties on sunglasses apply to all manufacturers from China??
The chatbot answered no. Not all companies from China automatically
subject to identical tariffs. This is because the mechanism applied is based on an
individual assessment of each company, not on the collective treatment of a country.
In the anti-dumping investigation process, the European Union will evaluate several
aspects, including:

• Whether the company is selling its products below the normal value;
• Whether there is a dumping margin;
• Whether the dumping practice is causing harm to the EU’s domestic industry;
• Whether the company has been cooperative during the investigation.

In accordance with the provisions of the WTO Anti-Dumping Agreement, the European Union countries cannot automatically impose anti-dumping duties on all Chinese companies. Tariff determination must be based on analysis and calculations that reflect the behavior and circumstances of each individual company. The following is a table of EU assessment or investigation data for companies exporting goods to the EU, along with the tariffs that will be applied.

Exporter Assessment Status	Tariff Rate	Validity
Non-cooperative exporters (do not respond to the investigation questionnaire, do not provide production, price, or cost data, refuse the verification process).	A maximum of 27.1%	All other exporting producers from China.
Cooperating exporters were included in the investigation sample.	0% to 27.1%	Determined to company-specific assessment.
Cooperating exporters were not included in the investigation sample.	17.4%	Standard duty rate applied to cooperating non-sampled exporters.

Conclusion

For international eyewear traders—sunglasses, a deep command of HS Code classification is a strategic necessity. These codes are the primary engine for determining global tariff obligations. Modern digital tools, such as HS Code Match and specialized AI assistants, have revolutionized this process by providing an intuitive, conversational gateway to complex regulatory data. By leveraging AI-driven chatbots, traders can now cross-reference evolving import mandates and duty policies in real-time, ensuring their operations remain compliant and fiscally optimized.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about the HS code for Sunglasses

1. Does the material of sunglasses and similar items affect HS code classification?

No. HS code for sunglasses is classified based on its function, not its material.

2. Are the 5 countries exporting and importing sunglasses the same? Why is that?

Yes. The five (5) largest sunglasses exporting countries are also the five largest importing countries. The only difference is in the ranking. This phenomenon indicates that the sunglasses trade is two-way. This shows that the dynamics of this industry are integrated across countries.

3. What is the HS code for UV protection sunglasses for exporting to Italy? 

The HS code for optical instruments, including eyewear are included in Chapter 90. Sunglasses are officially classified under HS code 9004.10. In this case, UV protection sunglasses exported to Italy would have the HS code 9004109900.

4. What is the tariff applied to imported UV protection sunglasses from China to Italy? 

Tariff policies apply to importing UV protection sunglasses from China to Italy, which is 2.9%. Calculated from the customs value of sunglasses (cost + insurance +freight). It says MFN 2.9%, Non-preferential regime of the European Union. This means the 2.9% import tariff is a general tariff that also applies to all countries that do not have a specific trade agreement with the EU. 

5. Is there a quick and easy application to find the HS Code for sunglasses?
You can use third party application, such as hscodematch.com, to help you find the HS code for sunglasses. Then, describe the product, and please be mindful of the country of origin and destination as well as applicable regulations.