Methyl Methacrylate Optical Grade for PMMA Lenses
Optical-grade methyl methacrylate with ultra-low metal impurities (below 1 ppb for iron and copper) is refined specifically for cast acrylic sheet used in lenses and other optical applications. Despite its specialized use, it remains a chemically defined ester of methacrylic acid and is classified under tariff item 2916.14.00.
Import Duty Rates by Country of Origin
| Origin Country | MFN Tariff | Surtaxes | Total Effective Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🇨🇳China | Free | — | Free |
| 🇲🇽Mexico | Free | — | Free |
| 🇺🇸United States | Free | — | Free |
| 🇩🇪Germany | Free | — | Free |
| 🇯🇵Japan | Free | — | Free |
More Specific Codes
This product may fall under a more specific subheading:
Alternative Classifications
This product could be classified differently depending on its characteristics or intended use.
If the product is actually an acrylic acid ester
Acrylate esters are classified under a different heading than methacrylate esters.
If importing finished optical elements made from PMMA
Finished lenses and optical components fall under Chapter 90, not Chapter 29.
If the MMA is blended with other monomers or additives
Such mixtures would no longer be a single chemically defined compound.
Not sure which classification is right?
The Tariff Assistant works through the GRI rules on your specific product to reach the right tariff item — and can price the duty on it in the same conversation.
Import Tips & Compliance
• Keep certificates of analysis showing impurity levels, as customs may verify the 'optical grade' claim against Chapter 29's purity standards
• The product must not contain additives that render it suitable for a specific use beyond general monomer purposes
• Consider applying for a ruling from the CBSA if you regularly import this grade, to avoid classification disputes
Related Products under Tariff item 2916.14.00
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl Methacrylate
2-(2-Ethoxyethoxy)ethyl methacrylate is a methacrylic acid ester with a polyether side chain, offering high flexibility and low glass-transition temperature for soft-touch coatings and plasticizers. As an ester of methacrylic acid, it is classified under tariff item 2916.14.00, even though the alcohol moiety contains ether linkages.
2-Ethylhexyl Methacrylate
2-Ethylhexyl methacrylate is a branched-chain ester of methacrylic acid used in pressure-sensitive adhesives and elastomers. As a separate chemically defined organic compound, it falls under this tariff item covering all esters of methacrylic acid.
2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a hydrophilic methacrylic ester essential for contact lenses, dental composites, and hydrogel coatings. The hydroxyl group provides water solubility and hydrogen bonding, but the product remains an ester of methacrylic acid under tariff item 2916.14.00.
2-Hydroxyethyl Methacrylate (HEMA)
2-Hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA) is a functional monomer with both an ester and a hydroxyl group, used in hydrogels and contact lenses. It is a separate chemically defined ester of methacrylic acid, classified under this tariff item.
Benzyl Methacrylate
Benzyl methacrylate is an aromatic ester of methacrylic acid used in optical resins. Despite the aromatic benzyl group, it is classified under this tariff item as an ester of methacrylic acid, since the acid is acyclic and unsaturated.
Butyl Methacrylate
Butyl methacrylate is the butyl ester of methacrylic acid, used as a reactive diluent in radiation-curable coatings and printing inks. It is a separate chemically defined compound and falls under this tariff item as an ester of methacrylic acid.