Sunglasses are one of those products everybody owns more than one of and replaces without a second thought. Except that whoever profits from this fashion is not the person buying the model of the moment in a shop: it is the importer who placed the order months earlier.
What sunglasses for resale are
Sunglasses are the most universal fashion accessory: they protect from the sun and complete the look. China manufactures every style, from the classic aviator to the rectangular shape of the moment, in acetate, metal or polycarbonate frames, with mirrored, gradient or polarised lenses.
This is not a niche product. It is cheap, desirable and it changes with fashion, which guarantees repeat purchases and makes it a product that practically sells itself in a short video or in the shop window.
Models and variations
"Sunglasses" is not a single product. At the Chinese trade fairs it is a whole aisle of styles, shapes and lenses, and each one opens a different shelf in your business:
Choosing the right models and the right lenses among hundreds of factories is where BCVN comes in: we compare, we validate the quality and we bring the samples for you to decide.
Why this is an opportunity for Brazil
Fashion sells all year round in Brazil, and sunglasses have the advantage of being cheap, desirable and quick to repurchase. Add the very low cost at source and the high margin, and you have a classic for whoever imports. Anyone who understands importing knows that this window is not served at the last minute; it is served now.
- Perfect timing: with the manufacturing and sea freight lead time (60 to 120 days), placing the order now is what guarantees stock for the summer, the peak of the category.
- Buy cheap, resell well: it is one of the highest-margin products in fashion retail, with a very low cost at source and a high perceived value.
- Easy own brand: engraving on the temple, a personalised case and cleaning cloth create an eyewear brand with a premium look.
- Broad audience: from a beach kiosk to an optician's, from e-commerce to door-to-door sellers. It sells all year round, peaking in summer.
Before importing: sunglasses require neither INMETRO nor ANATEL, but the difference between a good pair and a bad one is in the lens. Demand real UV400 protection (a dark lens is not enough), as well as a good hinge and finish. This is a product where inspecting before shipping prevents a lens with no protection and mass returns.
Personalise the sunglasses with your brand
Fashion is one of the easiest sectors to turn into an own brand. The factory engraves your brand on the temple and on the packaging, and puts the collection together your way. That is how you escape the price war and build value, with more margin and less competition.
- Your brand on the product and on the box (private label / OEM): logo engraved on the temple, with a personalised case and cleaning cloth.
- Models, frame colours and lens type (mirrored, gradient, polarised) of your choosing.
- Packaging and case ready for Brazilian retail.
Customisation usually calls for a slightly larger minimum order, and that is where having a partner in China makes the difference: BCVN finds the right factory, negotiates the customisation, validates the sample and makes sure the product arrives exactly as you asked.
It is worth understanding how this works in practice before requesting the first sample: the guide on own brand in China: private label, OEM and ODM explains the difference between the three models and what each one changes in the minimum order and the lead time.
Where to buy sunglasses in China
Eyewear and fashion accessories are a huge sector at the Chinese trade fairs, and they show up in force at the main ones:
- Yiwu Trade Fair: the world capital of small commodities, with thousands of suppliers of eyewear and accessories.
- Canton Fair, Phase 3 (Consumer Goods): manufacturers of fashion and accessories, with hundreds of factories side by side.
- Hong Kong: fashion and lifestyle novelties.
Next edition, Canton Fair 2026 (140th): Phase 3, consumer goods, runs from 31 October to 4 November 2026, in Guangzhou. The Yiwu Trade Fair operates all year round, which allows the two to be combined in a single trip.
Read the complete guide to the Canton Fair 2026
Sunglasses are not a bold bet. They are one of those obvious opportunities that only pay off for whoever acts in the right month, and stall for whoever remembers them too late. If you want to enter fashion with a high margin and fast turnover, the decision is for now.
Frequently asked questions about importing sunglasses
Do I need certification to import sunglasses?
Sunglasses require neither INMETRO nor ANATEL. Because they protect the eyes, the care goes into the quality of the lenses and the UV protection (UV400). BCVN validates the lenses before shipping.
Do imported sunglasses protect against the sun?
Quality models carry UV400 protection, which blocks UVA and UVB rays. When importing, it is essential to demand real UV protection, not just a dark lens, and to test the sample.
Where can I find sunglasses suppliers in China?
At the Yiwu Trade Fair and at the Canton Fair (Phase 3, consumer goods), as well as in Wenzhou, the eyewear hub. BCVN validates the suppliers and the quality of the lenses, and can accompany your visit to the fairs.
What is the minimum order to import sunglasses?
It depends on the factory, but many work with accessible quantities for anyone starting out or wanting to test the product. BCVN negotiates the minimum order, consolidates it with other items and helps you import in the right measure for your moment.