In short: China's sunglasses manufacturing hubs (concentrated around Wenzhou and Xiamen) will private label acetate and metal-frame sunglasses at MOQs of 500-1,000 units per frame style, with polarised and UV400 lens upgrades adding $0.30-0.80 per unit. For Singapore and wider SEA brands, the compliance step that actually matters is UV400/ISO 12312-1 lens testing, since claiming UV protection without a test report is a labelling risk IMDA and consumer protection bodies can act on.

Last updated: November 8, 2026

Where are private label sunglasses actually made in China?

Wenzhou (Zhejiang province) is the largest hub by volume, specialising in acetate and metal-frame fashion sunglasses at competitive per-unit pricing. Xiamen (Fujian province) is a secondary hub known for slightly higher-spec optical-grade lenses and sports eyewear. Most Singapore and SEA brands source from Wenzhou for fashion lines and Xiamen for performance or sports sunglasses.

What's a realistic MOQ for private label sunglasses?

500-1,000 units per frame style is standard when using a factory's existing frame mould with your own logo, colourway and packaging. A fully custom frame shape requires new tooling and typically pushes the MOQ to 2,000+ units to amortise the mould cost, though some factories will do a lower run at a higher per-unit price for a first production batch.

Can lenses and frames be sourced from different factories?

Yes, and larger brands sometimes do exactly this to mix a premium polarised lens supplier with a lower-cost frame factory, but it adds a coordination step and most first-time private label brands are better served by a single factory that sources both components and assembles in-house.

What UV and compliance testing do sunglasses need for Singapore and SEA?

The standard that matters is ISO 12312-1, which verifies UV400 protection (blocking 99-100% of UVA and UVB light) and is the test report retailers and marketplaces increasingly require before listing a sunglasses SKU. Singapore doesn't mandate a specific national sunglasses standard the way the US does with FDA, but claiming 'UV400' or 'UV protection' on packaging without a test report backing it up is a labelling and consumer-protection risk across every SEA market you'd sell into.

• ISO 12312-1 (UV400) lens test report from an accredited lab, not just the factory's internal claim.
• Impact resistance test if marketing to children or for sports use.
• Country of origin correctly marked on the frame or packaging per each destination market's labelling rules.
• No therapeutic or medical claims (e.g. 'blocks blue light damage') without separate substantiation.

What does it cost to land private label sunglasses in Singapore?

Landed cost combines unit price, freight, Singapore's import GST (9% as of 2026), and any applicable duty (sunglasses generally attract no additional tariff into Singapore beyond GST). Here's a worked example for an 800-unit order of a mid-range acetate frame with UV400 polarised lenses.

How long does shipping take from China to Singapore?

Sea freight from Wenzhou or Xiamen to Singapore typically runs 12-18 days door to door including clearance. Air freight cuts this to 4-6 days, which is the more common choice for a first sample-to-market run given sunglasses ship light relative to their value.

Vetting checklist before you commit to a sunglasses supplier

• ISO 12312-1 UV400 test report provided from an accredited lab, not only the factory's own claim.
• Sample physically tested for frame durability (hinge strength, nose-pad fit) before the full order.
• Lens scratch-resistance and polarisation quality checked against the agreed spec sheet.
• Tooling costs and ownership confirmed in writing if the frame shape is fully custom.

Frequently asked questions

What MOQ should a first-time Singapore sunglasses brand expect?

500-1,000 units per style using an existing frame mould is standard; a custom frame shape usually requires 2,000+ units to cover tooling.

Do sunglasses need a specific certification to sell in Singapore?

There's no single mandatory Singapore-specific sunglasses standard, but an ISO 12312-1 UV400 test report is the de facto requirement most marketplaces and retailers ask for before listing.

Is Wenzhou or Xiamen better for a first order?

Wenzhou for fashion or lifestyle sunglasses at the most competitive pricing; Xiamen if you need higher-spec optical lenses or are building a sports eyewear line.

How much does GST add to a sunglasses order landing in Singapore?

9% of the CIF value as of 2026, with no additional import duty on most sunglasses categories.

Should I source lenses and frames from the same factory?

For a first private label run, yes. A single factory that sources both and assembles in-house is simpler to manage and QC than coordinating two suppliers.

How Epic Sourcing helps

Epic Sourcing's bilingual teams on the ground in China vet sunglasses factories in both Wenzhou and Xiamen, confirm ISO 12312-1 test reports before production, and manage freight straight into Singapore so the GST math above is agreed upfront. For the wider compliance picture across SEA labelling rules, see our guide to Product Certification and Compliance for China Imports, including IMDA for Singapore, and for the duty and GST detail on any category, our Import Duty and GST from China to Singapore guide. Two other markets have already run this exact playbook: our Sunglasses Manufacturers guide for US brands and our Sunglasses Manufacturers guide for South African brands. Our quality control and factory audit service covers exactly the UV400 and durability testing this guide recommends. Get in touch, no pressure, if you want a second opinion on a Wenzhou or Xiamen sunglasses supplier before you commit to tooling.

Private labelling a different category this week? See our guides to the Guangzhou watch market for UAE importers and private label pet products for Irish brands.