Find HS Code and trade information for sunglasse

Sunglasses

Sunglasses are lenses worn to protect the eyes from bright sunlight and high-energy visible light. While often used for fashion, their primary function is to reduce glare, enhance contrast, and shield the eyes from ultraviolet (UV) radiation.

Material

• Lenses: Historically made of glass, modern sunglasses predominantly use:
  • Polycarbonate: Impact-resistant, lightweight, and offer good optical clarity. Commonly used for sports and children’s sunglasses.
  • Acrylic: Inexpensive, lightweight, but less durable and offer less optical clarity than polycarbonate.
  • Nylon/Polyamide: Lightweight, flexible, and impact-resistant, providing good optical clarity.
  • Trivex: Similar to polycarbonate but with superior optical clarity and impact resistance.
  • Glass: Offers excellent optical clarity and scratch resistance, but is heavier and more prone to shattering.
• Frames: Common materials include:
  • Plastic (Acetate, Nylon): Lightweight, available in a wide range of colors and styles, and relatively inexpensive.
  • Metal (Stainless Steel, Titanium, Monel): Durable, strong, and offer a classic aesthetic. Titanium is hypoallergenic and very lightweight.
  • Mixed Materials: Combinations of plastic, metal, and other materials like wood or carbon fiber.

Purpose

• UV Protection: The most important function. Sunglasses should block 100% of UVA and UVB rays to prevent cataracts, macular degeneration, and other eye damage.
• Glare Reduction: Polarized lenses reduce glare from reflective surfaces like water, snow, and roads, improving visibility and reducing eye strain.
• Visual Comfort: Reduce brightness and enhance contrast, making vision more comfortable in bright conditions.
• Fashion: Sunglasses are a popular fashion accessory, available in a wide variety of styles and colors.

Function

• Light Absorption: Lenses absorb or reflect light, reducing the amount of light entering the eye.
• Polarization: Polarized lenses filter horizontally polarized light, reducing glare.
• UV Blocking: Special coatings or lens materials block harmful UV rays.
• Impact Resistance: Frames and lenses are designed to withstand impacts and protect the eyes from injury.

Usage Scenarios

• Outdoor Activities: Essential for activities like driving, skiing, hiking, running, and water sports.
• Everyday Wear: Protect eyes from sunlight during daily activities.
• Driving: Reduce glare and improve visibility.
• High-Glare Environments: Protect eyes in environments with reflective surfaces like snow, water, or sand.

Common Types

• Aviator: Classic style with teardrop-shaped lenses and a metal frame.
• Wayfarer: Iconic style with a full, rounded frame.
• Round: Circular lenses, often associated with vintage styles.
• Square: Angular lenses, offering a modern look.
• Cat-Eye: Upswept lenses, offering a feminine and stylish look.
• Wrap-Around: Curved lenses that provide maximum coverage and protection.
• Sports Sunglasses: Designed for specific sports, offering enhanced protection, fit, and performance.
• Polarized Sunglasses: Reduce glare for improved visibility.
• Photochromic Sunglasses: Lenses darken automatically in response to sunlight.
• Reading Sunglasses: Include magnification for reading in bright sunlight.

Sunglasses are corrective or protective eyewear designed to shield the eyes from sunlight.

The following HS codes are relevant:

• 9004.10.00.00: This HS code falls under Chapter 90, which covers optical, photographic, cinematographic, measuring, checking, precision, medical or surgical instruments and apparatus; parts and accessories thereof. Specifically, it covers spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other. The '10' subheading indicates sunglasses. The tax rate details are: Basic tariff: 2.0%, Additional tariff: 7.5%, and after April 2, 2025, the additional tariff increases to 30.0%. The total tax rate is 39.5%.