New National Standards To Be Implemented In 2026 To Safeguard Eyewear Safety

Starting January 1, 2026, two new versions of the national mandatory standards, GB 45184-2024 "Safety Technical Specifications for Components of Optometry Products" and GB 45185-2024 "Safety Technical Specifications for Finished Eyeglasses of Optometry Products," will be implemented. Recently, the Guangzhou Institute of Metrology, focusing on the needs of the eyewear industry standard revision and the implementation of the new national standards, conducted specialized training for the Guangzhou Eyewear Industry Association and its member companies. Through targeted instruction, interactive exchanges, and precise empowerment, the training helped companies thoroughly understand the standard requirements, contributing to the high-quality development of the industry. More than 50 technical leaders from various companies participated in the training.

A senior technical expert from the Guangzhou Institute of Metrology told reporters that the new national standards GB 45184-2024 and GB 45185-2024 have three main highlights. First, they align with international standards and boost exports. Based on integrating the existing domestic standards system, the new standards actively reference advanced international standards such as ISO 8980 and ISO 14889, promoting the quality of Chinese eyewear products to meet international standards and providing strong support for related enterprises to expand into international markets. Second, they integrate the entire supply chain. For the first time, the new standards establish a complete quality and safety specification from "components" to "finished products," covering lenses, frames, and various finished eyewear (including prescription glasses, sunglasses, and presbyopic glasses), achieving a unified and coordinated standards system. Third, they impose stricter requirements and upgrade safety. The new standards establish clear requirements and mandatory regulations for the first time in areas such as lens strength testing and nickel leaching in metal eyeglass frames, comprehensively strengthening product safety performance and providing reliable protection for consumers. Consumers are advised to check whether GB 45184-2024 is labeled when purchasing eyeglass lenses and frames after the implementation of the new national standard; and to check whether GB 45185-2024 is labeled when choosing prescription eyeglasses and sunglasses.