Custom Eyewear Frames from China: Materials, MOQ and the OEM Process Explained

The global eyewear market exceeds $150 billion USD and continues to grow, driven by fashion trends, an aging global population requiring vision correction, and the rise of independent optical boutiques and direct-to-consumer eyewear brands. For international brands and retailers looking to develop private label or OEM eyewear collections, China remains the world's dominant manufacturing source — accounting for over 70% of global frame production, with the majority concentrated in Wenzhou, Danyang, and the Greater Bay Area manufacturing corridor.

Frame Materials: Choosing the Right Option for Your Brand

Acetate frames are the premium choice for fashion-forward collections. Made from cellulose acetate sheets, they offer unmatched color depth, pattern variety, and a natural feel on the face. Acetate is hypoallergenic, making it popular for clients with sensitive skin. The material requires skilled craftsmanship to form and polish — a genuine acetate frame involves 150+ individual manufacturing steps. SCM Group sources acetate frames from factories that produce for international luxury brands, offering the same quality at accessible pricing for emerging brands. Metal frames in titanium, stainless steel, and beta-titanium offer lightweight durability and a sophisticated aesthetic suited to professional and premium collections. TR90 thermoplastic rubber frames provide flexibility, impact resistance, and lightweight comfort — the standard choice for sports eyewear, children's collections, and active lifestyle brands.

The OEM Development Process: Timeline and Expectations

A typical custom eyewear OEM project moves through these stages: design brief and reference samples (Week 1-2), technical drawing preparation and material confirmation (Week 2-3), sample production (Week 4-9), sample approval and revision rounds (Week 9-13), bulk production (Week 13-21), quality inspection and shipping (Week 21-24). First-time buyers should plan for at least one revision round during sampling — this is normal and essential to achieve the exact look, fit, and feel required for your target market. SCM Group coordinates the entire process from our Hong Kong office, with factory visits and quality oversight conducted from our Shenzhen base.

Minimum Order Quantities and Compliance

MOQ requirements for acetate frames typically start at 200-300 pieces per style per color. Metal frames often allow lower MOQs (100-200 pieces) due to simpler tooling. Sampling fees are charged separately and credited against bulk orders upon production confirmation. For European markets, SCM Group supports EN ISO 12312-1 compliance for sun protection products and CE marking documentation. For the US market, we can assist with ANSI Z80.3 compliance testing coordination. Contact SCM Group with your design references, target retail price point, and annual volume requirements to receive a factory recommendation and preliminary quotation.