Of other materials

Subheading 9003 19 of the Combined Nomenclature covers frames and mountings for spectacles, goggles and similar articles made of materials other than plastics - in practice mainly metal, metal alloys, titanium, stainless steel, aluminium, wood, horn, tortoiseshell and other natural or composite materials. Classification to 9003 19 requires distinction from 9003 11 (frames of plastics) and 9003 90 (parts of frames). The frame must be complete or essentially complete, fitted with temples, bridge and rims. Titanium frames are particularly popular for their strength and lightness - titanium and its alloys are classified to 9003 19. Frames of natural materials (wood, horn, leather) fall under this subheading, provided the essential character is not plastic. Classification follows General Rules of Interpretation (GRI), rules 1 and 2a - an incomplete frame possessing the essential character of a finished frame is classified identically. Binding Tariff Information (BTI) is recommended in case of doubt regarding material or completeness.

Import of spectacle frames under subheading 9003 19 into the EU requires compliance with the Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No 952/2013). Importers must hold an EORI number and submit an electronic customs declaration with the correct CN code. Frames for corrective spectacles are indirectly associated with medical devices class I - however, a frame without corrective lenses is not a medical device under MDR (EU) 2017/745 and does not require CE marking on that basis. Frames for sunglasses are subject to the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988 and standard EN ISO 12312-1. Metals used in frames - particularly nickel - are subject to REACH Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006: frames in prolonged skin contact must comply with nickel release limits under Annex XVII REACH and standard EN 1811. Importers should hold a conformity declaration and technical documentation from the manufacturer. Labelling should include material information, country of manufacture and details of the manufacturer or importer. Customs verification of declared customs value - particularly for branded and luxury frames - is standard practice.

Customs duties for frames under subheading 9003 19 must be verified in the current TARIC database of the European Commission, as they may differ depending on the 10-digit TARIC code, year of import and country of origin. Products of Chapter 90 - including spectacle frames - may benefit from preferential customs duties under EU free trade agreements: CETA (Canada), EPA (Japan), FTA (South Korea, Vietnam, Singapore) and GSP/GSP+ for developing countries. Presentation of proof of preferential origin is required (EUR.1 certificate, invoice declaration or REX statement). Import of frames from China - one of the main producers - is subject to the MFN rate unless trade measures apply; importers should check TARIC for any anti-dumping duties. Chapter 90 products are not subject to CBAM. Spectacle frames as consumer goods are not covered by the ITA Agreement. VAT at the domestic rate is levied on import. The customs value must include the price of goods, transport costs to the EU border and insurance (CIF value).

Subheading CN 9003 19 covers spectacle frames of materials other than plastics: metals (stainless steel, monel, titanium), wood, buffalo horn, and bone. Titanium frames are particularly valued for their lightness and hypoallergenic properties. Natural wood frames may require due diligence under the EUDR (deforestation regulation). Frames of horn or bone may be subject to CITES. Classification requires that the frame does not contain lenses.