China OEM Eyewear Frames: Quality Verification & MOQ Guide 2026 | SCM Group HK

Sourcing OEM eyewear frames from China in 2026 requires a structured approach to quality verification and a clear understanding of minimum order quantities (MOQ) across different frame materials. China remains the world's dominant eyewear manufacturing hub, accounting for over 70% of global frame production, with key manufacturing clusters in Shenzhen, Wenzhou, and Xiamen. The three most popular custom frame materials — acetate, titanium, and TR90 — each have distinct quality standards, certification requirements, MOQ structures, and lead times that buyers must understand before placing orders. Industry data shows that the global eyewear frames market reached USD 28.7 billion in 2024 and is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.3% through 2028, driven by rising demand for private-label optical retail brands and direct-to-consumer eyewear startups. SCM Group HK has been managing OEM eyewear frame procurement from China for international brands, providing quality control oversight from prototype through bulk production to export shipment. Our service connects buyers with verified Shenzhen-area manufacturers who meet EU and US regulatory requirements.

Quality Verification Process: What Certifications to Require

Before placing any OEM eyewear frame order, buyers should request and verify the following documentation from the manufacturer: ISO 9001 quality management certification (current, third-party audited); CE marking compliance with EU EN ISO 12870:2016 (spectacle frames — requirements and test methods); and for US market, ANSI Z80.5 compliance for spectacle frames. Manufacturers targeting premium segments should also hold BSCI or SA8000 social compliance audits and SGS or Intertek inspection reports for their production facilities. For lens-fitted frames, FDA 21 CFR Part 886 registration may be required for US import. A practical verification process includes: (1) requesting a factory audit report from a recognized third party; (2) ordering pre-production samples and conducting independent lab testing for hinge torque, nose pad adhesion, and frame impact resistance per EN ISO 12870; (3) specifying incoming material certifications for acetate cellulose sheets, titanium alloy grade (typically Grade 1 or Grade 5 Ti-6Al-4V), and TR90 PA12 polymer origin. SCM Group's quality team conducts factory visits and manages third-party inspection on behalf of our clients.

MOQ Guide by Frame Material: Acetate, Titanium & TR90

MOQ requirements vary significantly by material and production method. For acetate frames, the typical MOQ is 300–500 pieces per style/color combination, reflecting the multi-step CNC cutting, barrel tumbling, and polishing process. Production lead time for acetate OEM orders is 45–60 working days from design confirmation. Titanium frames (pure titanium or beta-titanium alloy) carry a higher per-unit material cost and require precision laser cutting and welding, resulting in MOQs of 200–300 pieces per style; production lead time is 75–90 working days. TR90 (PA12 thermoplastic polyamide) frames are injection-molded, so the tooling cost applies — typically USD 800–2,500 per mold — but once tooled, MOQ can be as low as 50–100 pieces per color per order, with production lead time of 30–45 days. For pilot orders or brand launches, some Shenzhen-area factories offer flexible MOQs starting at 50 pieces for stock designs with private label customization (logo, temple tip color, case engraving). SCM Group can negotiate MOQ flexibility on your behalf, particularly for mixed material orders across multiple SKUs.

Sampling Process & Lead Times: A Practical Timeline

A typical OEM eyewear frame project follows a 4-stage timeline. Stage 1 — Design Brief & Factory Selection (1–2 weeks): submit your style brief, material spec, and target retail price to SCM Group; we shortlist 2–3 qualified factories based on capability, certifications, and capacity. Stage 2 — Sample Development (7–20 business days): factory produces first samples based on approved 2D/3D design drawings; express sample service (at additional cost) compresses this to 5–7 days. Stage 3 — Sample Review & Revision (1–2 rounds, 1–3 weeks): buyer reviews samples and requests adjustments; most projects require 1–2 revision rounds before bulk approval. Stage 4 — Bulk Production & QC (30–90 days depending on material): SCM Group arranges pre-shipment inspection (PSI) including 100% visual inspection for cosmetic defects and AQL 2.5 measurement check. For international buyers importing to the EU or North America, SCM Group handles export documentation, including CO (Certificate of Origin) from Hong Kong and customs value declaration from our Shenzhen entity.

Contact SCM Group

SCM Group HK specializes in custom OEM eyewear frame sourcing from China, covering acetate, titanium, and TR90 frame categories. We manage the full supply chain from design coordination and factory selection through quality inspection, export documentation, and international delivery. For OEM inquiries, custom design projects, or sample requests, contact us at scmgroup@scmgroup.online or WhatsApp +86-198-7525-3287. Our Shenzhen team is available Monday to Saturday.