Sourcing laser safety goggles from China
Laser safety goggles from China carry 0% to 2% UK duty: protective goggles qualify for a tariff suspension, while the normal rate is 2%. For Great Britain, check PPE conformity marking, the declaration and English instructions, and match the filter to the laser's wavelength range. Cambridge China Bridge sources laser safety goggles.
Duty on laser safety goggles
Read from the UK Trade Tariff on 30 September 2026, heading 9004 covers spectacles, goggles and similar eyewear. Laser safety goggles with plastic lenses fall under 9004 90 10 00; those with other lens materials fall under 9004 90 90 00. The table repeats these codes for relevant product variants.
Both lines have a normal duty of 2% for goods from China and a 0% suspension restricted to protective spectacles and goggles. The site's published eyewear guide explains claiming the suspension with document code 9Y11 until 31 December 2028. The supplied tariff data lists no anti-dumping or countervailing duty. It attaches CITES import and export controls; ask your customs broker to confirm the requirement for the actual materials.
Confirm the commodity code using the lens material and imported form, and confirm the suspension claim before shipment. For the wider heading, see chemical splash goggles.
| Goods | Commodity code | Duty | Anti-dumping or countervailing duty on China |
|---|---|---|---|
| Laser safety goggles with plastic lenses | 9004 90 10 00 | 2% | None |
| Laser safety goggles with glass lenses | 9004 90 90 00 | 2% | None |
Specify the laser, filter and frame together
Give the supplier the laser's wavelength range, operating mode, power or pulse energy, and intended task. Ask your laser safety adviser to specify the required protection, then obtain reports covering the exact lens and frame combination. Official laser guidance describes filters for different wavelength ranges and laser types. Lens colour alone is not a purchasing specification.
Specify lens material, visible-light transmission, side coverage, prescription-glasses clearance, strap adjustment and cleaning instructions. Approve the complete assembly rather than a loose filter sample. Use testing and certification support to check whether the documents cover your chosen model.
For sale in Great Britain, new PPE generally needs UKCA or CE marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Importers must indicate their name, registered trade name or trademark and postal address on the PPE, subject to the permitted exceptions. Check the proposed importer labelling before approving packaging.
Worked duty example
Illustrative example, not a quote: An illustrative batch of plastic-lensed laser safety goggles under 9004 90 10 00, invoiced at £10,000 free on board, with £900 of freight and insurance to the UK. The customs value is £10,900. Duty at 2% is £218. Import VAT at 20% is charged on the customs value plus duty, £11,118, so it is £2,223.60. Import taxes total £2,441.60; a VAT-registered importer can usually reclaim the VAT, so the lasting cost is the £218 of duty. The import duty and VAT guide explains each step.
Inspection checklist
Filter identity: match the model, lens material, wavelength coverage and protection claims to the approved sample and supporting reports. Arrange laboratory checks of claimed filter performance.
Fit and coverage: check side gaps, strap security and clearance over prescription spectacles. Confirm that the wearer can see the intended task through the filter.
Condition: check for scratches, cracks, loose lenses, distorted frames and damaged coatings. Compare received goods with the approved assembly at inspection.
Documents and marking: match UKCA or CE marking, the declaration, model identification and English instructions to the delivered goggles. Check the agreed importer details.
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What goes wrong
A supplier may offer a generic coloured lens while its report covers a different filter or frame. An apparently similar replacement lens can leave the order without evidence for the specified wavelength range. Hold substitutions for review and compare the delivered assembly with the approved documents.
Loose straps, side gaps, scratched filters and unreadable markings can also undermine acceptance. Keep suspect goods separate while you investigate. Agree a cleaning method with the supplier and include it in the sample review, rather than discovering coating damage after delivery.
Cambridge China Bridge sources these products for UK businesses, checking the factory and the documents before shipment. See factory verification. For components and parts, see sourcing for manufacturers.
Frequently asked questions
What is the UK import duty on laser safety goggles from China?
The normal rate is 2% under 9004 90 10 00 and 9004 90 90 00. Protective spectacles and goggles have a 0% suspension. Confirm eligibility and the declaration claim with your customs broker.
Do laser safety goggles need CE or UKCA marking?
For Great Britain, new PPE generally needs UKCA or CE marking, a declaration of conformity and English instructions. Check the documents for the exact goggles you buy.
Can I choose laser goggles by lens colour?
Specify the laser's wavelength range and operating conditions. Ask your laser safety adviser to select the protection and check reports for the complete goggles; colour alone is not enough.
What should I inspect when laser goggles arrive?
Check filter identity against reports, scratches and cracks, lens retention, side coverage, strap security, markings and documents. Visual inspection alone does not verify filter performance.