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Customs Clearance of Ophthalmic Lenses in Iran (HS Code + Documents & Permits)
Customs clearance of ophthalmic lenses: as one of the key, vital components in the optics industry and eyewear manufacturing, lenses play an essential role in improving and correcting refractive errors of the eye. Refractive errors such as myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia are common problems that can be corrected using appropriate lenses. These lenses are made from various materials—each with unique properties—and the lens type and material are selected based on each individual’s visual needs.
For estimating the time and cost of ophthalmic lens clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free Consultation1) Types of Materials Used for Eyeglass Lenses
Glass (Glass): Glass is one of the oldest materials used in lens manufacturing. Glass lenses offer high clarity and scratch resistance but are relatively heavy, which may be uncomfortable for some users.
Polycarbonate (Polycarbonate): Thanks to unique properties such as light weight, impact resistance, and strong UV protection, polycarbonate is among the most popular materials for lenses—especially suitable for sports and safety eyewear.
Plastic (Plastic): Plastic lenses made from materials like CR-39 are lightweight and more affordable than glass or polycarbonate. They can be easily produced in a wide variety of shapes and designs.
2) Types of Eyeglass Lenses by Design
Bifocal Lenses (Bifocal Lenses): These lenses have two distinct focal areas—one for near vision and one for distance. They are generally recommended for people who need correction for both near and far vision simultaneously.
Progressive Lenses (Progressive Lenses): A more advanced version of bifocals, progressive lenses provide a gradual transition from distance to near vision instead of two distinct zones. They are ideal for those who need correction at multiple distances.
Photochromic Lenses (Photochromic Lenses): These lenses darken under sunlight and remain clear indoors. They are ideal for people who frequently move between indoor and outdoor environments.
3) Specialized Applications of Eyeglass Lenses
1. Precise correction of refractive errors
Eyeglass lenses play a crucial role in correcting refractive problems. Based on each person’s prescription, lenses can be designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia precisely. Using accurate, customized lenses improves visual quality and reduces symptoms related to refractive errors.
2. Protecting eyes from harmful radiation
Many lenses are produced with UV-block coatings to protect the eyes from harmful solar radiation. This is important not only for those working outdoors but also for everyday users, since constant UV exposure can lead to serious issues such as cataracts.
3. Enhancing visual comfort across environments
Photochromic and progressive lenses can adjust tint or light intake. This is especially useful for people who frequently move between spaces with different light levels. Photochromic lenses automatically adapt to ambient light, while progressive lenses provide accurate vision at varying distances.
4. Use in industrial and safety eyewear
Impact- and scratch-resistant lenses are designed for workplace and industrial environments. Typically made of polycarbonate, they are highly impact resistant and can protect the eyes from workplace hazards—critical in settings with flying debris or harmful materials.
Eyeglass lenses play a crucial role in correcting refractive problems. Based on each person’s prescription, lenses can be designed to correct myopia, hyperopia, astigmatism, and presbyopia precisely. Using accurate, customized lenses improves visual quality and reduces symptoms related to refractive errors.
2. Protecting eyes from harmful radiation
Many lenses are produced with UV-block coatings to protect the eyes from harmful solar radiation. This is important not only for those working outdoors but also for everyday users, since constant UV exposure can lead to serious issues such as cataracts.
3. Enhancing visual comfort across environments
Photochromic and progressive lenses can adjust tint or light intake. This is especially useful for people who frequently move between spaces with different light levels. Photochromic lenses automatically adapt to ambient light, while progressive lenses provide accurate vision at varying distances.
4. Use in industrial and safety eyewear
Impact- and scratch-resistant lenses are designed for workplace and industrial environments. Typically made of polycarbonate, they are highly impact resistant and can protect the eyes from workplace hazards—critical in settings with flying debris or harmful materials.
4) Key Points in Clearing Ophthalmic Lenses
1. Customs Tariff (HS Code)
The HS (Harmonized System) code is a critical element in importing and clearing lenses. It classifies and identifies goods in global customs systems. For ophthalmic lenses, the tariff is generally under heading 900150. This includes all types—clear, photochromic, bifocal, progressive, and lenses with special coatings. Selecting the correct HS code is vital; using the wrong code can cause clearance delays or even customs penalties.
2. Quality and health standards
Imported lenses must comply with quality and health standards set by national and international regulators. In Iran, the National Standards Organization and the Ministry of Health oversee quality and safety of imports. Standards cover material specifications, clarity, impact and scratch resistance, and the lens’s ability to correct refractive errors. Noncompliance can lead to rejection at customs and return to origin.
3. Taxes and ancillary costs
Beyond customs duties—calculated based on HS code and value—imports are subject to VAT and other ancillary costs. These are usually a percentage of the total value added to the final price. You must also account for customs service costs such as warehousing, inspection, and port services. Proper management and timely payment help prevent clearance delays.
4. Safe transport and packaging
Because lenses are sensitive and fragile, they require careful handling. Appropriate packaging—protective materials like foam, bubble wrap, and sturdy boxes—prevents damage during transport. Air freight is often recommended: it’s faster and, thanks to shorter transit times, reduces risk of damage. Sea freight requires longer transit and carries more risks related to moisture and movement.
5) Conditions and Process for Importing & Exporting Lenses
Importing lenses into Iran: Ophthalmic lenses are mainly imported from China, Germany, Japan, South Korea, and France. With advanced technology and high production quality, these countries supply global markets, including Iran. Import volumes vary with market demand and exchange rates, though China is recognized as the largest exporter of lenses to Iran.
Exporting lenses from Iran: Due to limited domestic production, export volumes are low. However, there are opportunities in neighboring and regional markets—especially if domestic manufacturers meet international quality standards.
6) Documents Required to Clear Ophthalmic Lenses from Customs
To clear ophthalmic lenses from customs, a set of documents must be provided. These help customs verify value, origin, and import conditions. Below is a comprehensive explanation of the necessary documents:
1. Invoice (Proforma Invoice or Commercial Invoice)
Issued by the seller (exporter), it includes details such as seller/buyer names and addresses, goods description, quantity or weight, unit price and total price, payment and transport terms, and other transaction information. The invoice forms the basis for customs valuation and duty calculation.
2. Packing List (Packing List)
Specifies exact goods details, quantities, packing type, package dimensions, and weight per package. It helps customs inspect the shipment and ensure it matches the commercial invoice.
3. Certificate of Origin (Certificate of Origin)
Issued by a chamber of commerce or accredited body, indicating the country where the goods were produced or assembled. It can be used for preferential tariffs or to comply with sanctions regulations when applicable.
4. Health and Safety Certifications (Health and Safety Certifications)
For importing lenses—especially prescription/medical lenses—health and standards compliance may be required. Issued by health authorities or the National Standards Organization of Iran, these certify compliance with safety and health regulations.
5. Bill of Lading (Bill of Lading)
Issued by the carrier, evidencing shipment from origin to destination. Includes consignor/consignee, goods description, transport details, and delivery terms. Available for sea, air, and land as appropriate to the transport mode.
6. Customs Declaration (Customs Declaration)
Submitted by the importer or their licensed customs broker, it contains full details on the imported goods, their value, applicable duties and taxes, and any required permits. It is the basis for customs assessment and clearance.
7. Inspection Certificate (Inspection Certificate)
Sometimes required for sensitive goods like lenses. Typically issued by international inspection companies, it confirms the goods meet required technical specifications and quality standards.
8. Insurance Certificate (Insurance Certificate)
Confirms that the shipment is insured during transport, ensuring coverage for any damage or incident en route.
9. Import License (Import License)
In some jurisdictions, specific goods—such as medical devices and prescription lenses—require an import license issued by governmental authorities.
10. Operation License (Operation License)
If the importer has a domestic manufacturing/assembly unit, an operation license from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade may be required—evidencing authorization for local production/assembly activities.
1. Invoice (Proforma Invoice or Commercial Invoice)
Issued by the seller (exporter), it includes details such as seller/buyer names and addresses, goods description, quantity or weight, unit price and total price, payment and transport terms, and other transaction information. The invoice forms the basis for customs valuation and duty calculation.
2. Packing List (Packing List)
Specifies exact goods details, quantities, packing type, package dimensions, and weight per package. It helps customs inspect the shipment and ensure it matches the commercial invoice.
3. Certificate of Origin (Certificate of Origin)
Issued by a chamber of commerce or accredited body, indicating the country where the goods were produced or assembled. It can be used for preferential tariffs or to comply with sanctions regulations when applicable.
4. Health and Safety Certifications (Health and Safety Certifications)
For importing lenses—especially prescription/medical lenses—health and standards compliance may be required. Issued by health authorities or the National Standards Organization of Iran, these certify compliance with safety and health regulations.
5. Bill of Lading (Bill of Lading)
Issued by the carrier, evidencing shipment from origin to destination. Includes consignor/consignee, goods description, transport details, and delivery terms. Available for sea, air, and land as appropriate to the transport mode.
6. Customs Declaration (Customs Declaration)
Submitted by the importer or their licensed customs broker, it contains full details on the imported goods, their value, applicable duties and taxes, and any required permits. It is the basis for customs assessment and clearance.
7. Inspection Certificate (Inspection Certificate)
Sometimes required for sensitive goods like lenses. Typically issued by international inspection companies, it confirms the goods meet required technical specifications and quality standards.
8. Insurance Certificate (Insurance Certificate)
Confirms that the shipment is insured during transport, ensuring coverage for any damage or incident en route.
9. Import License (Import License)
In some jurisdictions, specific goods—such as medical devices and prescription lenses—require an import license issued by governmental authorities.
10. Operation License (Operation License)
If the importer has a domestic manufacturing/assembly unit, an operation license from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade may be required—evidencing authorization for local production/assembly activities.
| Goods | Short description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Ophthalmic lenses (medical/photochromic/progressive) | Clear/coated lenses; bifocal/progressive designs | 900150 |
Exact classification depends on material (glass/plastic/polycarbonate), coatings, and end use.
Need precise HS determination, permits, and document preparation? Our team manages the file end-to-end.
Submit a Proforma RequestFrequently Asked Questions
What is the HS code for ophthalmic lenses?
As noted, lenses are generally classified under 900150; final determination depends on material, coatings, and end use.
What permits are needed for import?
As applicable: approvals from the National Standards Organization and the Ministry of Health, plus health/safety and conformity certificates.
How can we manage clearance costs?
Accurate HS selection, precise valuation, calculating VAT and ancillary costs (warehousing/inspection/port), and timely payments.
What is the best transport method for lenses?
Air freight to reduce breakage risk and transit time; with protective packaging (foam/bubble wrap/sturdy boxes). Sea freight requires managing moisture and movement.
Special Clearance Services by Saba Brokerage
As a leader in customs and clearance services, Saba Brokerage offers comprehensive, professional solutions for importing and exporting various goods—especially ophthalmic lenses—including:
Specialized consulting & full guidance: Our expert team, fully versed in customs laws and import regulations, provides thorough, accurate advice—covering correct HS selection, document preparation, and quality standards review.
Fast & efficient clearance: Leveraging experience and technical know-how, we clear lenses quickly and without delay—reducing costs and preventing potential issues along the way.
Precise document & dossier management: Professional handling of all required paperwork—preparation, translation, and submission to customs and other authorities—is one of our strengths.
Transport & logistics services: In cooperation with reputable carriers, we provide safe, reliable transport—including proper packaging and compliance with all safety principles.
Post-clearance follow-up & support: Support continues after clearance. If any issue arises or more information is needed, we assist promptly.
