US Trade Representative Denies Requests to Extend China 301 Exclusions for Spectacle Frames and Reading Glasses

Late on Friday, August 28, 2020, The U.S Trade Representative (USTR) denied all requests to extend the existing China 301 duty exclusions for spectacle frames and reading glasses. Therefore, as of September 1, 2020, the 7.5% China 301 duty will be imposed again on those optical products. Other relevant duties, taxes and fees assessed on frames and reading glasses, like the 2.5% duty on reading glasses and on plastic frames, continue to be assessed.

This decision is final and not subject to additional review.

Any questions about this issue can be directed to Rick Van Arnam, The Vision Council’s regulatory affairs counsel, at rvanarnam@barnesrichardson.com, or to Michael Vitale, The Visions Council’s Senior Technical Director and Lens, Lab and LPT Division Liaison, at mvitale@thevisioncouncil.org.