If you import sunglasses or optical frames from China into the United States, the latest Section 301 tariff action should be reviewed before your next order.
On July 23, 2026, the Office of the United States Trade Representative (USTR) announced final action following Section 301 investigations involving 60 economies. The action introduced additional tariffs of 10% or 12.5% on covered imports, subject to specific product exemptions.
For products of China covered by the action, the new Section 301 duty is generally 12.5%, subject to applicable exemptions.
Important: This does not mean the total U.S. import duty on every Chinese eyewear shipment is simply 12.5%.
The final landed duty depends on factors including HTS classification, country of origin, entry date, normal customs duties, applicable exemptions and any other trade measures.
For eyewear importers, the practical question is therefore not simply:
“What is the new tariff?”
It is:
“How does this affect the landed cost of my next eyewear order?”
What Changed?
According to USTR’s July 23, 2026 final action, new Section 301 duties apply to covered products from the economies included in the investigations.
The final action established different tariff treatments depending on the economy and product, including 10% and 12.5% rates as well as product-specific exemptions.
For U.S. eyewear buyers sourcing from China, this means landed-cost assumptions used for previous orders may need to be reviewed.
Before using the 12.5% figure in a purchasing calculation, importers should confirm whether the specific product is covered and how the new Section 301 duty interacts with the shipment’s existing tariff treatment.
A licensed customs broker can help verify the applicable HTS classification and complete duty calculation.
Why Does This Matter for Eyewear Buyers?
Even when the factory price of a pair of sunglasses remains unchanged, an additional import duty can change the economics of the order.
It may affect:
- landed cost per unit;
- gross margin;
- retail or wholesale pricing;
- reorder quantity;
- cash required at import;
- comparisons between different sourcing options.
This is especially important when comparing quotations.
A lower FOB or EXW price does not automatically mean a lower final landed cost.
Buyers should compare the same product specification, quality level, Incoterm and import assumptions before making a sourcing decision.
4 Things to Check Before Your Next Eyewear Order
1. Confirm the HTS Classification and Origin
Different eyewear products may have different classifications and duty treatment.
Before placing a new order, provide your customs broker with accurate information about the product, including:
- frame material;
- lens material and type;
- intended use;
- current HTS classification;
- country of manufacture.
Do not assume that changing the shipping route changes the legal country of origin.
If production is moved to another country, origin treatment depends on where the relevant manufacturing actually takes place and the applicable origin rules.
2. Recalculate the Total Landed Cost
Do not evaluate the new Section 301 tariff by itself.
A practical landed-cost review should consider:
Product Cost + Freight + Normal Duty + Applicable Section 301 Duty + Import Fees + Domestic Delivery
Ask your customs broker or logistics partner to separate the different cost components.
This makes it easier to compare suppliers and understand whether an apparent saving in factory price actually produces a lower landed cost.
3. Review Open Orders and Future Reorders Separately
Do not assume that the purchase-order date alone determines tariff treatment.
Goods already shipped, goods currently in production and future orders may need to be reviewed separately based on the applicable customs rules and entry circumstances.
Before changing an order purely because of tariff pressure, also consider the cost of changing:
- materials;
- lenses;
- packaging;
- order quantity;
- production schedule;
- supplier.
Reducing product quality to offset an import cost increase can create a larger problem later through returns, complaints and inconsistent brand positioning.
4. Ask Your Supplier for Accurate Product Information
Your eyewear supplier should not determine your final U.S. customs classification for you.
However, the supplier should be able to provide accurate information that helps you and your customs professional evaluate the shipment.
What Your Eyewear Supplier Should Provide
Before confirming an order, ask your supplier for the product information relevant to your import review.
Depending on the order, this may include:
- frame and lens specifications;
- material information;
- commercial invoice and packing information;
- manufacturing information;
- country-of-origin related information where appropriate;
- available product testing or compliance documentation.
Accurate supplier documentation becomes more important when tariff, customs and compliance requirements change.
For buyers sourcing Acetate Sunglasses, specifications such as frame material, lens type, polarization, logo requirements and packaging should be confirmed before comparing quotations.
For a OEM / Private Label Eyewear project, confirm the complete specification rather than comparing factory price alone.
Should You Move Eyewear Production to Another Country?
Not necessarily.
A tariff increase is only one part of the total sourcing cost.
Moving production may also affect:
- tooling;
- material availability;
- MOQ;
- quality consistency;
- production capacity;
- lead time;
- logistics;
- supplier management.
The better question is not:
“Which country has the lowest tariff?”
It is:
“Which sourcing option gives us the best total cost, quality and supply reliability?”
Any change in production location should involve genuine manufacturing capability and proper origin documentation. Simply routing goods through another country does not change their legal origin.
Planning Your Next U.S. Eyewear Order?
If you are reviewing a new sunglasses or optical frame order for the U.S. market, confirm the product specification and landed-cost assumptions before comparing suppliers.
Conchen Eyewear can provide product specifications, material information, customization options, quotation details and available compliance documentation to support your sourcing review.
For a quotation, send us:
- your target frame style or reference image;
- frame and lens requirements;
- estimated quantity;
- logo or packaging requirements;
- destination;
- required Incoterm.
Your customs broker or other qualified customs professional should independently confirm the final HTS classification, country-of-origin treatment and applicable U.S. import duties.
Fact checked: August 20, 2026. This article provides general procurement information and does not constitute legal, customs or tax advice.