Shipping and delivery are critical considerations when importing contact lenses from China. Understanding the process helps you plan inventory, manage customer expectations, and avoid costly delays.
Shipping Methods
1. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx, UPS)
Best for: Samples, small orders, urgent shipments
- Transit time: 3-7 days worldwide
- Cost: Higher per kg, but faster
- Tracking: Full door-to-door tracking
- Customs: Courier handles clearance
2. Air Freight
Best for: Medium orders (50-200 kg)
- Transit time: 7-14 days (including customs)
- Cost: Moderate, calculated per kg
- Tracking: Airport to airport, local delivery arranged separately
- Customs: Requires customs broker
3. Sea Freight
Best for: Large orders, cost-sensitive shipments
- Transit time: 25-45 days depending on destination
- Cost: Lowest per unit, but slower
- Tracking: Port to port
- Customs: Requires customs broker
Typical Timeline
From order confirmation to delivery:
Stock Items (ODM)
- Production: 7-10 days
- Quality testing: 2-3 days
- Shipping: 3-7 days (express) / 7-14 days (air)
- Total: 12-20 days (express) / 16-27 days (air)
Custom Orders (OEM)
- Design approval: 3-5 days
- Sample production: 7-10 days
- Sample approval: 3-5 days (shipping included)
- Bulk production: 15-20 days
- Quality testing: 2-3 days
- Shipping: 3-7 days (express) / 7-14 days (air)
- Total: 30-50 days depending on approvals
Customs & Documentation
Required documents for contact lens imports:
- Commercial Invoice: Value, quantity, HS code
- Packing List: Box dimensions, weight
- Certificate of Origin: Where products were made
- Medical Device Certificate: FDA, CE, or local equivalent
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill: Shipping document
Import Duties & Taxes
Duty rates vary by country:
- USA: 0-5% (FDA registered products)
- EU: 0-4% (CE marked products)
- Middle East: 5-15% depending on country
- Southeast Asia: 0-10% (ASEAN agreements may reduce)
- VAT/GST: Additional 5-25% depending on country
Packaging Standards
All shipments include:
- Individual sterile blister packs
- Outer boxes with product information
- Temperature control (avoid extreme heat/cold)
- Moisture protection
- Drop-tested cartons for protection
At MIOMI Optical
We support smooth delivery with:
- Multiple shipping options: Express, air, sea
- Complete documentation: All certificates provided
- Insurance: Available for high-value orders
- Tracking: Real-time shipment updates
- Experience: Shipping to 50+ countries
Contact us: eye@miomi.cc | miomicon.com