Shipping sunglasses from Taobao to Taiwan: do they need inspection? How do you avoid counterfeits?
Quick answer: can sunglasses be shipped from mainland China to Taiwan through consolidation?
Non-prescription sunglasses can, but watch out for inspection rules and authenticity. Other sunglasses (9004.10.00.90-7) are not MW0 and carry no import regulation code. However, non-prescription (plano) sunglasses are BSMI-regulated commodities, inspected by Declaration of Conformity (DoC) under CNS 15067. Personal-use items not for sale can be exempted from inspection after review when the same model and specification on one customs declaration totals US$1,000 or less, or exceeds that amount but is no more than 2 units. Prescription sunglasses are medical devices (import regulation code 504). Counterfeit goods are prohibited under HowBridge's Terms of Service; if Taiwan Customs finds them, it can impose a fine of up to three times the value of the goods and confiscate them, and there is no exemption from the fine no matter how small the amount.
HowBridge has only a Shenzhen consolidation warehouse and a Taoyuan operations warehouse, and offers consolidation only from China → Taiwan. We have no warehouses in the United States or any other country, and we do not offer a purchasing (buy-for-you) service. Under Section 4.1 of our Terms of Service, counterfeit and infringing goods are prohibited from shipment.
Do sunglasses shipped to Taiwan need inspection?
First identify which type of sunglasses you have (based on our tariff table, the ITA list and BSMI commodity items, verified 2026-09-26):
| Type | Tariff code | Import regulation | What to note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Non-prescription sunglasses (standard, polarized, gradient) | 9004.10.00.90-7 | None | BSMI-regulated: Declaration of Conformity, CNS 15067 |
| Prescription sunglasses | 9004.10.00.10-4 | 504 | Medical device; outside the scope of BSMI inspection |
| Photochromic sunglasses (change tint with light) | As determined by Taiwan Customs | — | Outside the scope of BSMI sunglasses inspection |
| Finished non-prescription sunglass lenses | 9001.50.00.19-9, etc. | None | Cut and shaped non-prescription lenses are also subject to inspection |
Personal-use items can apply for an inspection exemption
Article 5 of the Regulations Governing Exemption from Commodity Inspection: for personal-use items not for sale, if the same model and specification on one customs declaration totals US$1,000 or less, or exceeds that amount but is no more than 2 units, inspection can be waived once the inspection authority has reviewed and approved it; items bought for resale do not qualify. Sunglasses displayed and sold in Taiwan must complete a Declaration of Conformity and carry the commodity inspection mark.
Prescription sunglasses are medical devices
The Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan) states: “All eyeglasses with prescription power are regulated as medical devices.” The expedited-clearance annex for medical devices lists “corrective lenses, no more than one pair in total,” once per person every six months. Whether finished prescription sunglasses fall under that item was not found in official sources; check with the Taiwan Food and Drug Administration (TFDA) before you buy.
For rules on ordinary frames, corrective lenses, contact lenses (504 MW0) and smart glasses, see the eyewear import guide for Taiwan. This page covers sunglasses only.
What does CNS 15067 test? What do UV400 and polarized mean?
Based on the BSMI inspection rules and its 2019 (ROC year 108) announcement:
The ultraviolet range that is tested
Test items include solar UV-B (280–315 nm) and UV-A (315–380 nm) transmittance, luminous transmittance, refractive power and more. The term “UV400” was not found in BSMI documents; it is an industry labeling term, not a Taiwanese inspection grade.
Filter categories 0–4
The BSMI labeling sample divides filters into categories 0–4: categories 0 and 1 are light tints, categories 2 and 3 are for general use, and category 4 is a dark lens for special purposes. Lenses with luminous transmittance greater than 8% and less than 75% must be labeled “not suitable for driving at twilight or at night”; category 4 must be labeled as not suitable for driving and road use.
Polarized does not mean UV protection
Polarized filters are additionally tested for “plane of transmission and polarizing efficiency.” Research shows that polarization reduces reflected glare but does not improve visual acuity; UV protection depends on the transmittance tests, and a darker lens tint does not indicate higher protection.
In ROC year 112 (2023), BSMI bought 20 pairs from optical shops, stores and online platforms for testing. All passed the ultraviolet items; the failures were 7 for filter category numbering and plane of transmission, 2 for the commodity inspection mark, and 15 for Chinese-language labeling.
Are the Ray-Ban and Oakley sunglasses on Taobao counterfeit?
Branded sunglasses are a common target for counterfeiting, so confirm the source before shipping:
Counterfeit goods are prohibited
Section 4.1 of the HowBridge Terms of Service lists “counterfeit and infringing goods” as prohibited. Taipei Customs (Taiwan) advises that when buying branded goods online you should choose official websites or authorized agents and dealers, and not buy from unknown sellers or sources priced clearly below genuine products.
What happens if Taiwan Customs finds them
Article 39-1 of the Customs Anti-Smuggling Act: imported goods that infringe trademark rights are subject to a fine of up to three times the value of the goods, and the goods are confiscated. The NT$5,000-or-less fine exemption in the Standards for Reduction or Exemption of Penalties in Customs Anti-Smuggling Cases does not apply to infringing goods. Importing for the purpose of sale also carries criminal liability under Article 97 of the Trademark Act.
Quality risk
A study in Iran tested 348 pairs of sunglasses: samples bought from unlicensed sellers met the Australian/New Zealand and US UV standards at rates of 0% and 8.2%, versus 92.6% and 95.2% for licensed sellers (Bazzazi et al., 2015). This is research on a foreign market, but it shows that neither brand nor price guarantees protection.
Which companies own Ray-Ban, Oakley and Maui Jim? Is there a Sunglass Hut in Taiwan?
Based on the groups' official websites and official store locators (verified 2026-09-26):
| Brand | Parent group | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Costa | EssilorLuxottica | Oakley has a Taiwan official site, tw.oakley.com |
| Maui Jim | Kering Eyewear (acquired in 2022) | — |
| Smith | Safilo | — |
| Sunglass Hut (retailer) | EssilorLuxottica | Neither Taiwan nor mainland China appears on the official store locator or the international site's country list |
Ray-Ban and Persol
Ray-Ban and Persol both belong to the EssilorLuxottica group. When buying on mainland China platforms, look for the brand's official flagship store label; we could not verify the URLs of each brand's Tmall and JD.com flagship stores this time, so this page does not list them.
Maui Jim and Oakley
Maui Jim belongs to Kering Eyewear and Oakley to EssilorLuxottica, so they are brands of different groups; Kering Eyewear's brand page describes Maui Jim as a polarized sunglasses brand founded in Hawaii in 1987. This page does not rate or compare products.
Why does UV protection in sunglasses matter?
Official and research sources:
What the WHO says
The WHO estimates that 15 million people worldwide are blind from cataracts, of which about 10% may be related to ultraviolet exposure, and it lists pterygium as a UV-related eye effect.
Taiwan's UV index levels
The Central Weather Administration (CWA), Taiwan, classifies the UV index as 0–2 low, 3–5 moderate, 6–7 high, 8–10 very high and 11 or above extreme, following WHO guidance.
Research in Taiwan
A study of 816 residents aged 50 and over in Nangan, Matsu, found that using eye protection in the sun was associated with a lower proportion of cataracts; the authors note this is a correlation, not causation. For eye-related concerns, consult a healthcare professional.
Steps to buy sunglasses on Taobao and ship them to Taiwan through consolidation
Summarized from the rules on this page:
1Confirm the type
Non-prescription sunglasses follow BSMI rules; prescription sunglasses are medical devices, so check with the TFDA first; for ordinary eyeglasses and contact lenses, see the eyewear import guide.
2Confirm the source
For branded sunglasses, choose the official flagship store or an authorized dealer; counterfeit goods are prohibited, and if found they are confiscated and a fine is imposed.
3Check quantity and value
For personal-use items, if the same model and specification on one customs declaration totals US$1,000 or less, or exceeds that amount but is no more than 2 units, you can apply for an inspection exemption.
4Consolidate and clear customs
Ship to the HowBridge Shenzhen warehouse for consolidation. A shipment with a duty-paid value of NT$2,000 or less is duty-free; if the same person uses the duty-free treatment more than 6 times in January–June or July–December, it no longer applies from the 7th time.
Terms used on this page
- CNS 15067
- Taiwan national standard for sunglasses: “Eye and face protection – Sunglasses and related eyewear – Part 1: Sunglasses for general use.”
- Declaration of Conformity (DoC)
- One of BSMI's inspection schemes: the business completes type testing, signs a declaration of conformity and keeps the documents, and may sell the product in Taiwan only after affixing the commodity inspection mark.
- Filter category
- Sunglass lenses are divided into categories 0–4 by luminous transmittance; the higher the number, the darker the lens.
- Polarized filter
- A lens that reduces glare reflected from water and road surfaces; its test items are plane of transmission and polarizing efficiency.
- 504
- Tariff import regulation code: importers of medical devices must attach a copy of the license or an approval document issued by the Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan).
- MW0
- Tariff import-regulation code: import from mainland China is prohibited (exception: small quantities in Chapters 25–97 need no import permit if the whole declaration is within CIF NT$32,000 and each single product is within 24 pieces, with a 40 kg limit only for goods that cannot be counted; electric motorcycles, electric bicycles and their controllers are excluded, and Chapters 1–24 do not qualify).
Sources and verification limits
The codes, inspection items, test items, medical device rules and counterfeit penalties on this page are based on official pages actually opened on 2026-09-26 and on queries of the tariff table on our server; each item below includes a link, verification date and key original wording.
Laws, government announcements and official sources
- International Trade Administration (ITA), Taiwan: Summary table of mainland China goods not permitted for import(data updated 2026-09-25 [ROC 115/09/25]; verified 2026-09-26): the optical items in Chapter 90 list only “9001.30.00.00-5 contact lenses 504 MW0” and blanks for contact lenses; none of the 9004.10 sunglasses codes were found.
- Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection (BSMI), Taiwan: Regulated commodity item search (90041000907)(verified 2026-09-26): “Sunglasses (limited to finished sunglasses that are plano and have non-prescription general filters, polarized filters and gradient filters),” inspection standard CNS 15067 (ROC 106 [2017] edition), inspection scheme Declaration of Conformity.
- BSMI: Principles for determining regulated sunglasses items(revised 2019-10-15 [ROC 108-10-15]; verified 2026-09-26): the scope covers “all afocal (plano) sunglasses and clip-ons,” and “excludes ski goggles, sunglasses prescribed medically to attenuate solar radiation, photochromic sunglasses, and filters and goggles for direct observation of the sun.”
- BSMI Announcement No. Jing-Biao-Er-Zi 10820002280(2019-05-13 [ROC 108-05-13]; verified 2026-09-26): the labeling sample lists filter categories 0–4; “when the luminous transmittance of the filter is greater than 8% and less than 75%, the following warning shall be labeled: ‘Not suitable for driving at twilight or at night.’”
- Sunglasses Commodity Inspection Rules, Point 9(amended 2019-05-29 [ROC 108-05-29]; verified 2026-09-26): test items include “solar UV-B transmittance 280 nm–315 nm, solar UV-A transmittance 315 nm–380 nm”; polarized filters are additionally tested for “plane of transmission and polarizing efficiency.”
- BSMI: Test results for sunglasses on the market(2024-04-02; verified 2026-09-26): 20 pairs bought for testing in ROC year 112 (2023); “all passed the ultraviolet items”; 7 failed filter category numbering and plane of transmission, 2 failed the commodity inspection mark, and 15 failed Chinese-language labeling.
- Regulations Governing Exemption from Commodity Inspection, Articles 5 and 6(amended 2019-11-21 [ROC 108-11-21]; verified 2026-09-26): “Import of the following personal-use items not for sale … where the same model and specification on one customs declaration totals US$1,000 or less, or totals more than US$1,000 but the quantity does not exceed one of the following: … (5) Other commodities: 1. Personal-use items: two units.”
- Ministry of Health and Welfare (Taiwan): Notes for the public when buying eyeglasses(verified 2026-09-26): “Contact lenses and eyeglasses with prescription power are all regulated as medical devices, and may be manufactured or imported only after obtaining a medical device license.”
- Regulations Governing Special Approval for Manufacture and Import of Specific Medical Devices, Annex(promulgated 2021-04-22 [ROC 110-04-22]; verified 2026-09-26): expedited clearance item “7. Corrective lenses: no more than one pair in total.”
- Ministry of Finance (Taiwan), Keelung Customs: Note the types and limits when importing small quantities of medical devices for personal use(2024-04-02; verified 2026-09-26): “Corrective lenses (1 pair) … but each person may import them without a license only once every six months.”
- Trademark Act, Article 97(amended 2016-11-30 [ROC 105-11-30]; verified 2026-09-26): “Anyone who knowingly sells the goods described in the preceding two articles, or possesses, displays, exports or imports them with intent to sell, shall be punished by imprisonment of up to one year, detention, and/or a criminal fine of up to NT$50,000.”
- Customs Anti-Smuggling Act, Article 39-1(verified 2026-09-26): “Where imported or exported goods declared for shipment infringe a patent, trademark or copyright and are not genuine parallel imports, a fine of up to three times the value of the goods shall be imposed, and the goods shall be confiscated.”
- Standards for Reduction or Exemption of Penalties in Customs Anti-Smuggling Cases, Article 4(amended 2026-09-22 [ROC 115-09-22]; verified 2026-09-26): no fine where the duty-paid value does not exceed NT$5,000, “but this does not apply where the goods … infringe a patent, trademark or copyright and are not genuine parallel imports ….”
- Ministry of Finance (Taiwan), Taipei Customs (Taiwan): Cross-border shoppers should check the source of goods(2026-06-08; verified 2026-09-26): “When buying branded goods online, choose sales channels such as official websites or authorized agents and dealers, and do not buy from unknown sellers just because it is cheap.”
- Customs Administration, Ministry of Finance (Taiwan): Express consignments(verified 2026-09-26): a shipment with a duty-paid value of NT$2,000 or less is duty-free, but this does not apply to “the same taxpayer whose imported goods have been released under this duty-free provision more than 6 times within a half-year,” where a half-year “means January to June and July to December of each year.”
- EssilorLuxottica Eyewear brands(verified 2026-09-26): brands include “Ray-Ban, Oakley, Persol, Oliver Peoples, Vogue Eyewear, Arnette, Alain Mikli, Costa” and others; the Direct To Consumer page lists “Sunglass Hut.”
- Kering: Kering Eyewear completes the acquisition of Maui Jim(2022-10-03; verified 2026-09-26): “Kering Eyewear today announced that it now holds more than 90% of the iconic sunglass brand Maui Jim.”
- Sunglass Hut official store locator(verified 2026-09-26): the store country list is Australia, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Guam, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, New Zealand, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands, United Kingdom, United States; Taiwan is also absent from the international site's country menu.
Academic and research literature
Quality of sunglasses available in the Iranian market; a study with emphasis on sellers' license
Iranian market, 348 pairs: sunglasses from unlicensed sellers met the AS/NZS and ANSI standards at rates of 0% and 8.2%, versus 92.6% and 95.2% for licensed sellers.
Are Nonprescription Sunglasses in Ethiopian Market Protective for Ultraviolet Radiation?
UV protection testing of non-prescription sunglasses on the Ethiopian market; some samples did not meet protection requirements.
Are sunglasses appropriate for driving? Investigation and prototype for public testing
Tested 232 lenses sold in Brazil against ISO 12312-1; 24.6% were not suitable for driving, and category 4 lenses are never suitable for driving.
Relationship between practices of eye protection against solar ultraviolet radiation and cataract in a rural area
816 residents aged 50 and over in Nangan, Matsu: using eye protection in the sun was associated with a lower proportion of cataracts (the authors note this is correlation, not causation).
Myopia intervention and ultraviolet radiation related eye diseases: A narrative literature review
The review notes that dark lenses lacking UV protection may let more ultraviolet radiation into the eye; frame coverage also affects protection.
Effect of polarized sunglasses on visual functions
Polarized lenses reduce reflected glare; the study did not find that they improve visual acuity.
Ultraviolet radiation（Fact sheet）
The WHO estimates that 15 million people worldwide are blind from cataracts, of which about 10% may be related to ultraviolet exposure.
UV Observations and Index Classification Explained
Taiwan's UV index is divided into five levels—low, moderate, high, very high and extreme—following WHO guidance.
① The text of CNS 15067 is paid, so numeric requirements such as polarizing efficiency were not reviewed; ② whether finished prescription sunglasses qualify as “corrective lenses” under the expedited-clearance annex was not found in official sources; ③ the claim that prescription sunglasses fall under medical device classification M.5844 could not be checked because the TFDA source page would not open; ④ the Ray-Ban, Costa and Maui Jim official sites could not be opened this time; ⑤ the URLs of brand flagship stores on Tmall and JD.com could not be verified; ⑥ the research percentages come from foreign markets; ⑦ this page does not constitute legal or medical advice.
Frequently asked questions
Can sunglasses bought on Taobao be shipped to Taiwan?
Can prescription sunglasses be shipped through consolidation?
Is UV400 a Taiwanese inspection standard?
Can I ship a cheap Ray-Ban from Taobao?
Does Sunglass Hut have stores in Taiwan?
Can HowBridge buy sunglasses for me?
Further reading
Consolidate your sunglasses at our Shenzhen warehouse and ship them to Taiwan
Place orders yourself on mainland China platforms and ship them to the HowBridge Shenzhen warehouse for consolidation; for branded sunglasses, buy only from official or authorized channels—counterfeit goods are prohibited.
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