When Presbyopia Meets Import Trade: Aforeign tradeInsights from an experienced professional

Hello everyone, Im Lao Zhang with 20 years ofimport and exportLao Zhang in trade. Recently, he has handled the import business of presbyopic glasses for many customers and found that for this seemingly simple commodity, there are so many tricks from overseas procurement to domestic listing. Today, I will organize these practical experiences into a guide to help you avoid the pitfalls I once fell into.

I. The vision test before import: These preparations are essential

Just like getting an eye exam before purchasing reading glasses, you need to conduct a thorough vision check before importing:

• HS Code confirmation: Reading glasses are usually classified into 9004.1000, but sunglasses with prescription should be classified into 9004.9010. This code is directly related to a 6% - 12% tariff and a 13% VAT.
• Regulatory Condition Verification: Special attention is neededIt is recommended to verify through the following methods:requirements. Last year, a customer paid 5% more in tariffs due to the lack of the ASEAN FORM E certificate
• Qualification Preparation:Medical EquipmentFiling is a common minefield. Ordinary presbyopic glasses do not require it, but if they claim therapeutic functions, they may be regarded as medical devices

Last year, when helping a Shenzhen chain store import German reading glasses, the product description included the phrase relieves eye fatigue, which nearly required medical device registration certification. The issue was resolved by modifying the packaging specifications before customs clearance.

II. The pupillary distance adjustment in international shipping: Logistics details determine success

The transportation link is like measuring the pupillary distance when fitting glasses. A tiny error can lead to a huge difference:

• Packaging Requirements: Lenses must be packaged separately with shock - proof measures. We once encountered a case where a whole box of lenses had fine cracks due to transportation vibration
• Temperature-controlled transportation: Some high - end lens materials are sensitive to temperature.Air TransportationSpecial markings should be made at this time
• Consistency of documents: The degree parameters on the invoice must be completely consistent with the actual products. The customs will randomly open the boxes for inspection

A painful lesson: One time, a clients packing list mistakenly wrote UA400 instead of UV400, resulting in the entire shipment being detained for inspection and incurring an additional 8,000 yuan in container detention fees.

III. The vision test of customs clearance: These red lines must not be crossed

Customs clearance is like an eye exam—any gray areas can leave you unable to see clearly:

• CIQ inspection: Optical center deviation, vertex power deviation, etc. are key inspection items. The unqualified rate of spot checks last year was as high as 15%.
• Label review: Chinese labels such as the implementation standard (e.g., GB/T 13511-2011), optical parameters, and material description must be included.
• Price Declaration: The customs will focus on reviewing the transaction price of high - end products such as progressive multifocal lenses

It is recommended to reserve at least 3 working days for legal inspection, especially for new models imported for the first time. The professional laboratory we cooperate with can conduct pre - inspections, which can reduce the probability of port spot checks.

IV. Customs consumer advisory: Professional optometrist recommendations

Combined with the customs consumption tips, here are some purchasing suggestions for importers:

• Complete optometry data is required: When purchasing, importers should require suppliers to provide complete optometry parameters, which are crucial for domestic sales
• Material certificates are indispensable: Especially for new frame materials such as TR90, a material safety certificate from the original factory is required.
• Aging - friendly design is a plus> Features like anti-slip temple tips and lightweight design can be selling points but must be specified separately during customs declaration

Recently, a certain Japanese brand of presbyopic glasses imported for a customer was particularly popular among the domestic elderly consumer group due to the attached portable optometry cards and lens cleaning kits.

V. A prescription for glasses for beginners: Frequently asked questions

Q: Can presbyopic glasses be imported without the right to import and export?
A: It is possible to declare with a dual - header. We provide import and export agency services. Last year, we helped 37 optical stores complete their first - order imports.

Q: What are the special requirements for sample imports?
A: It is recommended that the quantity per batch does not exceed 10 pairs. If the declared value is less than 800 yuan, the sample duty - free policy can be applied.

Q:Cross-border E-commerceWhich mode is more suitable, [mode name] or traditional trade?
A: For high - end products with a single - pair value exceeding 2000 yuan, it is recommended to adopt the general trade method. For affordable products, the cross - border e - commerce B2C model can be considered.

In summary, importing reading glasses is like prescribing glasses for a business—whether the prescription is accurate and comfortable depends on professional handling at every step. Feel free to consult me, your optometrist, anytime for the most suitable vision solution!