Spectacles:
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High tariffs: China spectacles manufacturers face significant tariffs when selling to African countries. Generally, China and African countries
do not have many free trade agreements, and spectacles are sometimes classified as luxury products, thus not eligible for
reduced or exempt taxes. This high tariff challenge is less pronounced in Asia given a few Asia-Pacific trade agreements.
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Additional medical device certification required: Unlike in China, where spectacles are not defined as medical devices, in Europe, the United States and many LMICs spectacles
are classified as Class I medical devices. Therefore, manufacturers need to apply for additional certificates to meet local
standards.
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