Plastic Optical Frames
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9003110000 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9003190000 | 17.5% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926909989 | 22.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9004900010 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 3926902500 | 24.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 9004900090 | 20.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 7117905500 | 24.7% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Plastic Optical Frames (Eyeglass Frames)
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Compliance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Plastic Optical Frames"?
Plastic optical frames are essential components of eyewear, used for vision correction and eye protection. In international trade, they are categorized based on their material (plastic), function (optical appliance components), and form. The key distinction lies in whether they are classified under Chapter 90 (Optical/Medical Appliances) or Chapter 39 (Plastics).
β οΈ Key Distinction Point:
- If the frame is specifically designed as a part of eyeglasses, goggles, or similar optical appliances, it falls under Chapter 90 (typically lower base duty).
- If classified as a general plastic article without specific optical appliance context, it falls under Chapter 39 (higher base duty).
- Misclassification can lead to significant duty differences and customs delays.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Material/Category |
|---|---|---|---|
9004.90.00.10 |
Plastic frames, as parts of eyeglasses/goggles, plastic material, fits safety/protective glasses category | Safety glasses, protective goggles, standard prescription frames | β Optical Appliance Part |
9004.90.00.90 |
Plastic frames, as components of eyeglasses/other optical devices | Other optical frames not specifically safety-related | β Optical Appliance Part |
9003.11.00.00 |
Plastic frames, material and form/usage fully consistent with classification | Standard plastic optical frames, exact match with Chapter 90 explanations | β Optical Appliance Part |
9003.19.00.00 |
Plastic frames, plastic belongs to "other materials" category, form/usage meets requirements | Plastic frames classified under "other materials" in Ch 90 | β Optical Appliance Part |
3926.90.25.00 |
Plastic frames, belongs to other categories of plastic articles, material/shape match | General plastic frames not primarily classified as optical parts | β General Plastic Article |
3926.90.99.89 |
Plastic frames, material is plastic, shape belongs to plastic products, no material conflict | General plastic molded parts, decorative plastic frames | β General Plastic Article |
7117.90.55.00 |
Plastic eyeglass frames, as imitation jewelry/accessories, plastic material, shape as accessory parts | Fashion frames treated as accessories/jewelry | β Imitation Jewelry |
π Key Reminder:
- Frames primarily used for vision correction or eye protection should preferably be classified under HS 9003 or HS 9004.
- Classification under HS 3926 (Plastics) or HS 7117 (Imitation Jewelry) results in higher base tariffs and should be avoided if the primary function is optical.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Breakdown (Including Surtaxes & Policy Add-ons)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: 2025/2026 (as per current data)
π― 1. 9004.90.00.10 β Plastic Frames (Safety/Protective Glasses Category)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.5% (ad valorem) |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 20.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible (Subject to high surtaxes) |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9004.90.00.10 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Explanation:
- Base 2.5%: Standard US MFN rate for optical appliance parts.
- Section 301 (7.5%): Additional duty on Chinese goods under Trade Act Section 301.
- Section 122 (10%): Additional duty under Section 122 of the Trade Expansion Act.
- Total: 20%. This is the most favorable classification for optical frames.
π― 2. 9004.90.00.90 β Plastic Frames (Other Optical Appliances)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 20.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9004.90.00.90 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Same tariff rate as9004.90.00.10.
- Suitable for non-safety prescription frames.
π― 3. 9003.11.00.00 β Plastic Frames (Exact Match with Chapter 90)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 2.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 20.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 20% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9003.11.00.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Preferred classification if the frame is strictly a part of an optical device.
π― 4. 9003.19.00.00 β Plastic Frames (Other Materials in Ch 90)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 17.5% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 17.5% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9003.19.00.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Lowest Total Duty (17.5%) among all classifications.
- Applicable if the frame is classified under "other materials" in Chapter 90.
π― 5. 3926.90.25.00 β Plastic Frames (General Plastic Articles)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 6.5% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 24.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.0% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.25.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Higher base duty (6.5%) due to classification as a general plastic product.
- Avoid if the product is clearly an optical frame.
π― 6. 3926.90.99.89 β Plastic Frames (Other Plastic Products)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 5.3% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 22.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 22.8% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:3926.90.99.89 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Moderate duty rate. Still higher than Chapter 90 classifications.
π― 7. 7117.90.55.00 β Plastic Frames (Imitation Jewelry/Accessories)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Duty Rate | 7.2% |
| Section 301 Surtax | +7.5% |
| Section 122 Surtax | +10% |
| Total Duty Rate | 24.7% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 24.7% |
| De Minimis Exemption | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:7117.90.55.00 β Section 301: 7.5% β Section 122: 10% |
π Note:
- Highest Total Duty (24.7%).
- Only applicable if the frame is marketed as a fashion accessory/jewelry rather than an optical appliance.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Tested Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Required Documentation Checklist (None Can Be Omitted)
| Document | Mandatory | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Specification Sheet | βοΈ | Must state: "Plastic Optical Frames," material (e.g., Acetate, Polyamide), intended use (vision correction/eye protection). |
| β Product Photos (with Labels) | βοΈ | Clear images showing hinges, temples, nose pads, and any markings indicating optical use. |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must explicitly state "Plastic Optical Frames for Eyeglasses" to justify Chapter 90 classification. |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Detail quantity, weight, and packaging type. |
| β HS Code Pre-Ruling | βοΈ | Highly recommended to avoid misclassification disputes. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | Required for origin verification and potential FTA benefits (if applicable). |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Critical Mantra)
π₯ "Optical Function First, Plastic Second, Name Precise, Duty Lowered!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Incorrect Practice |
|---|---|---|
| Frames for Prescription Glasses | 9004.90.00.10 or 9003.11.00.00 |
Misclassified as "Plastic Accessories" β 24%+ |
| Fashion Frames (No Optical Use) | 7117.90.55.00 |
Misclassified as Optical β Dispute |
| General Plastic Frame Parts | 3926.90.25.00 |
Misclassified as Optical β Higher Base Duty |
| Safety Goggles Frames | 9004.90.00.10 |
Misclassified as General Plastic β Higher Duty |
β 3. Special Situation Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Frames | Provide design drawings + client order specifying "Optical Frames" to support Chapter 90 classification. |
| Frames with Metal Hinges | Still classified under 9004.90.00.10 if the primary material is plastic and function is optical. |
| Frames Sold as Accessories | If marketed purely as fashion items without optical lenses, consider 7117.90.55.00, but be aware of higher duty. |
| Mixed Shipments (Optical + Non-Optical) | Declare separately to apply correct HS codes and avoid cross-contamination of duty rates. |
π V. Global Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Duty Rate (China Origin) | Certification Requirements | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ United States | 9003.19.00.00 or 9004.90.00.10 |
17.5% - 20.0% | FTC Labeling, CPSIA (if for children) | Highest duty due to Section 301 + 122 |
| π¨π³ China | 9003.11.00.00 |
~2.5% | CCC (if applicable) | No surtaxes |
| πͺπΊ European Union | 9003.90.10 |
0% - 4.5% | CE Marking, REACH | No Section 301/122 |
| π¦πΊ Australia | 9004.90.00.00 |
5% - 10% | TGA (if medical) | Moderate duty |
| π―π΅ Japan | 9003.10.00.00 |
3.2% - 5% | PSE (if applicable) | Low duty |
π Conclusion:
- US is the most expensive market due to additional surtaxes.
- Chapter 90 classification is critical to minimize base duty.
- China-origin goods face significant penalties in the US; accurate classification is essential.
π VI. Common Errors & Pitfall Avoidance (Blood-Tested Lessons)
β Error 1: Classifying optical frames as "Plastic Accessories" (3926.90.25.00)
π Consequence: Duty jumps from 17.5-20% to 24% β Extra Cost!
β Error 2: Declaring frames as "Fashion Jewelry" (7117.90.55.00) when used for vision correction
π Consequence: Duty rises to 24.7% β Overpayment!
β Error 3: Vague Description: "Plastic Frame"
π Consequence: Customs may reclassify or delay shipment β Demurrage Fees!
β Error 4: Ignoring Section 301 & 122 Applicability
π Consequence: Underpayment β Penalties + Back Duties!
β Correct Practice:
"Plastic Optical Frames, Acetate Material, for Prescription Eyeglasses, Model XYZ, Made in China"
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Classification Saves Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Optical First, Plastic Second, Chapter 90 is Best!"
πΉ "Section 301 + 122 = High Duty, Choose Right Code, Save Big!"
π Pro Tip:
- If your frames are originally from Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand, or Malaysia, you may qualify for IEEPA Exemptions or Lower Surtaxes.
- Apply for an Advance Ruling (CBP Ruling) to secure your HS code classification before shipment.
π£ Act Now:
π Contact Professional Customs Brokers + Provide Product Images + Apply for HS Code Pre-Ruling
π Ensure Smooth Clearance, Efficient Export, and Maximized Profit!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Cent Counts in Your Supply Chain!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.