ZVA demands stricter oversight of imported prescription eyewear sold online

The Central Association of German Opticians and Optometrists (ZVA) is calling for more effective market surveillance of prescription glasses shipped directly from non-EU countries to EU consumers. While these products fall under the European Medical Device Regulation, the association highlights significant enforcement challenges for direct imports compared to domestic optical businesses' strict compliance duties. Citing 2025 EU Commission data showing 5.9 billion low-value e-commerce goods entered the EU against only 387,588 customs interventions, the ZVA argues current controls are insufficient. Proposed measures include targeted test purchases, improved product traceability via mandatory identifiers starting November 2026, and better inter-agency information exchange. Vice President Sylvia Alps emphasized that consumer safety must not depend on the seller's location.