Custom Eyewear Frame Sourcing: A Guide for International Brands and Retailers

The global eyewear market continues to grow, driven by fashion, vision correction, and sun protection demand. For international brands and independent retailers looking to develop private label or OEM eyewear collections, China remains the world's dominant manufacturing hub — accounting for over 70% of global eyewear frame production. This guide walks you through the essentials of custom eyewear sourcing.

Frame Materials: Acetate, Metal, and TR90

The three dominant frame materials each serve different market positions. Acetate (cellulose acetate) is the premium choice — rich in color depth, hypoallergenic, and offering exceptional design flexibility. High-end fashion brands and independent opticians favor acetate for its natural feel and visual appeal. Metal frames (titanium, stainless steel, beta-titanium) offer lightweight durability and a sophisticated aesthetic suitable for business and premium collections. TR90 (thermoplastic rubber) provides flexibility, impact resistance, and lightweight comfort — making it popular for sports eyewear and children's collections. SCM Group sources all three material types from verified Chinese manufacturers.

The OEM Process: From Design to Delivery

A typical custom eyewear OEM project follows these stages: design brief and reference samples, technical drawing preparation, material and color confirmation, sample production (3–6 weeks), sample approval and revisions, bulk production (4–8 weeks), quality inspection, and shipping. First-time buyers should budget for at least one revision round during sampling — this is normal and essential for achieving the exact look and fit you require.

Minimum Order Quantities and Pricing

MOQ requirements vary by factory and material. For acetate frames, MOQ typically starts at 200–300 pieces per style per color. Metal frames often have lower MOQs (100–200 pieces) due to simpler tooling. TR90 frames usually follow similar MOQs to metal. Sampling fees are generally charged separately and credited against bulk orders upon confirmation. SCM Group works with factories that offer flexible MOQs for new brand clients, making it feasible for startups and boutique retailers to enter the market.

Quality Control and Compliance

Eyewear exported to Europe must comply with EN ISO 12312-1 (sun protection) and CE marking requirements. For the US market, ANSI Z80.3 standards apply. SCM Group assists buyers in specifying compliance requirements upfront and coordinating with factories to ensure the correct lens and frame testing is completed before shipment. We also provide pre-shipment inspection services to verify product quality before goods leave the factory.

Start Your Eyewear Project with SCM Group

Whether you are launching a new eyewear brand or expanding an existing collection, SCM Group provides end-to-end sourcing support from our Hong Kong headquarters and Shenzhen operations. Contact us with your design references, target price point, and required quantities to receive a factory recommendation and preliminary quotation.