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HS Code for Sunglasses in India: Import Duty, Frames and Compliance
By Abhishek Sadashiv · 16 years of experience in global logistics · Updated 5 October 2026 · 4 min read
Usual HS code for sunglasses (import)
9004 10 00
Sunglasses as a complete article. Frames on their own and other goggles go under different lines.
Sunglasses are a popular import for fashion sellers because they're light, small and easy to sell online. The code is simple, but I regularly see shipments mixed with frames, safety goggles and clip-ons, all declared under one line. That's where questions start.
Here's what to watch.
The usual HS code: 9004 10 00
| Level | Code | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Chapter | 90 | Optical, photographic, measuring and medical instruments |
| Heading | 9004 | Spectacles, goggles and the like, corrective, protective or other |
| Subheading | 9004 10 | Sunglasses |
| Tariff item | 9004 10 00 | Sunglasses |
Sunglasses sit in chapter 90 with other eyewear, not with fashion accessories. Heading 9004 covers complete spectacles and goggles, and sunglasses have their own subheading. Polarised, mirrored, gradient, metal or acetate frame: all usually stay in 9004 10 00.
Why not 9003 or 9004 90?
9003 (frames and mountings) is the first mix-up. If you import frames without lenses, or with dummy demo lenses for an optical shop, that's 9003, not sunglasses. Frames are a separate business with separate codes.
9004 90 (other spectacles and goggles) is the second. Swimming goggles, safety goggles, ski goggles and corrective glasses usually go here. Sports sunglasses for cycling or running are usually still sunglasses, but a sealed protective goggle is not. If your sunglasses have prescription lenses, customs may see them as corrective spectacles, so check.
What decides the final classification
- Complete product or frame only: a frame without real lenses points to 9003.
- Purpose of the lens: tinted to cut glare points to 9004 10; corrective or protective points to 9004 90.
- Smart glasses: sunglasses with speakers or cameras are a different product altogether and need separate checks.
- Cases and accessories: a normal case packed with the sunglasses goes with them; cases shipped separately have their own code.
Not sure which line your sunglasses falls under?
Describe it or snap a photo. EximSetu asks the 2–4 questions that change the code, then gives the 8-digit HS code with reasoning, the duty in rupees and the compliance checklist.
Check my sunglasses →How import duty is worked out
Duty is calculated on the assessable value (CIF in rupees): Basic Customs Duty, then the Social Welfare Surcharge on that duty, then IGST on the total. Sunglasses are low-value, high-volume goods, so also expect customs to look hard at your declared value if it seems too low. Check the current rate for 9004 10 00 on the day you file.
Run your exact product through a lookup, or use the landed cost calculator to see your per-piece cost including freight.
Compliance checklist for sunglasses
| Requirement | Status | What it means |
|---|---|---|
| Legal Metrology | 🔴 For retail packs | Importer name and address, MRP, quantity, month and year of import and customer care details on the pack. |
| BIS certification | 🟠 Check | As far as I know sunglasses are not under a BIS QCO today. Confirm before each new order, since QCO coverage keeps changing. |
| UV protection claims | 🟠 Check | If the pack says UV400 or polarised, keep a test report from the supplier to support it. |
| Brand and IPR checks | 🟠 Check | Customs can seize goods that copy registered brands. Unbranded or your own brand only. |
| Country of origin marking | 🔴 Mandatory | Origin must be declared, and marketplaces require it on the listing. |
🔴 Mandatory · 🟠 Check · 🟢 Not required
Mistakes that cost importers money
- Mixing frames, goggles and sunglasses under 9004 10 00 on one bill of entry.
- Declaring very low values that trigger a valuation query and delay.
- Importing "lookalike" branded designs that get stopped for IPR.
- Making UV claims on the listing with no test report to back them up.
My advice
Sunglasses are an easy product to get right once you keep the categories clean: sunglasses, frames and goggles on separate lines, honest values, no copied logos. If your range includes clip-ons, sports goggles or prescription models, check each one with a lookup.
Get the exact code and duty for your sunglasses
Every variant is different. Answer 2–4 questions and get the 8-digit code with reasoning, duty in rupees and the compliance checklist in minutes.
Check my sunglasses free →Written by
16 years of experience in global logistics
Built EximSetu after 16 years in global logistics, watching shipments get held, reassessed or delayed because of a wrong HS code or a missed compliance step. Every guide here is written from that experience, for the people who actually move cargo.
Frequently asked questions
▸What is the HS code for sunglasses in India?
Sunglasses are classified under 9004 10 00 in the Indian customs tariff, within heading 9004 for spectacles and goggles.
▸Are spectacle frames under the same HS code as sunglasses?
No. Frames and mountings without lenses are under heading 9003. Only complete sunglasses go under 9004 10 00.
▸Do sunglasses need BIS certification in India?
Sunglasses are not known to be under a BIS Quality Control Order at present, but QCO coverage changes, so confirm before importing.
▸What is the HS code for safety or swimming goggles?
Protective, swimming and other goggles usually go under 9004 90, not under 9004 10 which is only for sunglasses.
Related HS codes
🧭 Full guide: How to Find the Correct HS Code for Your Product in India →This page is general information, not legal advice. The usual code can change with the exact product, and rates and rules change by notification. Always confirm for your exact product with your customs broker or the official notification.