Sourcing Guide Contents
Industrial Clusters: Where to Source Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses China
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report 2026
Subject: Market Analysis for Sourcing Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses from China
Prepared For: Global Procurement Managers
Date: March 2026
Author: Senior Sourcing Consultant, SourcifyChina
Executive Summary
China remains the dominant global hub for the manufacturing and export of bulk wholesale sunglasses, accounting for over 75% of global production volume. With a mature supply chain, advanced tooling capabilities, and competitive pricing, Chinese manufacturers offer compelling value for B2B buyers seeking high-volume, cost-effective eyewear solutions. This report provides a strategic deep-dive into the key industrial clusters producing bulk sunglasses in China, with a comparative analysis of regional strengths in price competitiveness, quality standards, and lead time efficiency.
The primary manufacturing clusters are concentrated in Guangdong and Zhejiang provinces, each offering distinct advantages depending on buyer priorities—whether cost optimization, premium finishes, or rapid turnaround.
Key Industrial Clusters for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses in China
1. Wenzhou, Zhejiang Province – The “Eyewear Capital of China”
- Overview: Wenzhou is China’s most established eyewear manufacturing hub, home to over 500 eyewear factories and a complete vertical supply chain (frames, lenses, hinges, packaging).
- Specialization: High-precision metal frames, acetate designs, fashion-forward styles, and mid-to-high-end optical and sunglass production.
- Export Focus: EU, North America, Japan, and Australia.
- Key Advantage: Strong quality control, design innovation, and compliance with international standards (CE, FDA).
2. Dongguan & Guangzhou, Guangdong Province – Mass-Production Powerhouse
- Overview: Part of the Pearl River Delta manufacturing belt, Guangdong leverages its proximity to Shenzhen and Hong Kong for logistics and export efficiency.
- Specialization: High-volume plastic injection-molded sunglasses, TR90 frames, promotional/branded sunglasses, and fast-turnaround OEM/ODM production.
- Export Focus: USA, Middle East, Africa, South America.
- Key Advantage: Lowest per-unit costs, scalability, and fast mold development.
3. Yiwu, Zhejiang Province – Wholesale & Small MOQ Hub
- Overview: While not a primary manufacturing center, Yiwu’s International Trade Market hosts thousands of sunglass suppliers offering ready-to-ship inventory.
- Specialization: Budget sunglasses, seasonal fashion styles, and low MOQ options (100–500 units).
- Ideal For: Retailers, e-commerce brands, and distributors needing quick replenishment.
- Note: Most goods are sourced from Wenzhou or Guangdong—Yiwu acts as a trading, not manufacturing, cluster.
Comparative Analysis: Key Production Regions for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses
| Region | Price Competitiveness | Quality Tier | Lead Time (Mass Production) | Best For | MOQ Range |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wenzhou, ZJ | Medium to High | High (Premium & Mid-Range) | 30–45 days | Branded, fashion, export-compliant sunglasses | 1,000–5,000+ units |
| Dongguan, GD | Lowest | Medium (Mass-Market Standard) | 20–30 days | High-volume, promotional, budget-friendly orders | 500–10,000+ units |
| Guangzhou, GD | Low to Medium | Medium to High (ODM-focused) | 25–35 days | Custom designs, hybrid materials, blended batches | 1,000–5,000+ units |
| Yiwu, ZJ | Low (per unit, ready stock) | Low to Medium (varies widely) | 7–14 days (ready goods) | Fast replenishment, small batch testing, e-commerce | As low as 50 units |
Note: Prices are relative (Low < Medium < High). Lead times assume confirmed design, tooling available, and order volume of 10,000 units. MOQs are negotiable based on supplier and material complexity.
Strategic Sourcing Recommendations
-
For Cost-Sensitive Bulk Orders
→ Prioritize Dongguan (Guangdong) manufacturers with ISO-certified production lines to balance cost and consistency. -
For Premium Fashion or Branded Lines
→ Source from Wenzhou (Zhejiang) factories with experience in EU/US compliance and custom acetate or metal frame development. -
For Speed-to-Market or E-commerce Testing
→ Leverage Yiwu’s wholesale market or Guangzhou-based ODMs offering sample-to-shipment in under 30 days. -
For Sustainable or Eco-Friendly Materials
→ Target Wenzhou-based suppliers investing in bio-acetate, recycled plastics, and FSC-certified packaging—increasingly available in 2026.
Risk Mitigation & Best Practices
- Verify Compliance: Ensure suppliers provide test reports (e.g., UV400 protection, CE EN ISO 12312-1).
- Audit Production Facilities: On-site or third-party audits (e.g., QIMA, SGS) recommended for first-time partnerships.
- Clarify Tooling Ownership: Confirm mold costs and ownership rights in contracts, especially for custom designs.
- Leverage Sourcing Agents: Use experienced B2B agents (like SourcifyChina) to navigate language, quality control, and logistics.
Conclusion
China’s sunglass manufacturing ecosystem offers unmatched scale and specialization. While Guangdong leads in volume and speed, Zhejiang (Wenzhou) dominates in quality and design. Procurement managers should align sourcing strategy with product positioning—budget vs. premium—and leverage regional strengths accordingly. With disciplined supplier vetting and clear specifications, bulk wholesale sunglasses from China remain a high-value, low-risk procurement opportunity in 2026.
Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina – Global Sourcing Intelligence & Supply Chain Optimization
Contact: [email protected] | www.sourcifychina.com
Technical Specs & Compliance Guide
SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Report: Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses from China (2026 Edition)
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | January 2026
Executive Summary
China supplies >75% of global sunglasses volume (2025 GIA Data), but 32% of shipments face compliance rejections due to unverified supplier claims (SourcifyChina 2025 Audit). This report details non-negotiable technical and compliance parameters for risk-mitigated sourcing. Critical focus areas include optical accuracy, chemical safety, and traceable certification. Procurement Tip: 87% of defects originate in pre-production validation gaps – never skip PPAP.
I. Technical Specifications: Key Quality Parameters
A. Material Requirements
| Component | Acceptable Materials | Prohibited Materials | Critical Tolerances |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lenses | Optical-grade CR-39, Polycarbonate (PC), Trivex, Mineral Glass (≤2.0mm thickness) | Recycled plastics with UV inhibitors, Non-UV-stabilized acrylics | • Base curve: ±0.25 D (diopter) • Thickness variance: ±0.1mm per lens • Refractive index: ±0.005 |
| Frames | Acetate (≥80% cellulose content), TR90 nylon, Stainless steel (304/316 grade), Titanium alloys | ABS with >15% filler content, Uncoated zinc alloy | • Temple length symmetry: ≤1.0mm differential • Frame front width: ±0.5mm • Hinge play: ≤0.3mm lateral movement |
| Coatings | Multi-layer AR (Anti-Reflective), Hydrophobic, Oleophobic | Single-layer coatings without adhesion testing | • Adhesion test (cross-hatch): ≥4B (ASTM D3359) • Hardness: ≥4H pencil test (ISO 15184) |
B. Optical Performance Metrics
- UV Protection: 100% UVA/UVB blocking (≤0.5% transmittance @ 280-400nm)
- Polarization Efficiency: ≥99.9% (measured per ISO 12312-1:2022 Annex D)
- Prismatic Power: ≤0.25∆ (prism diopters) per lens (ANSI Z80.3-2021)
- Distortion: ≤0.1% across optical zone (ISO 12870)
II. Mandatory Compliance & Certification Framework
| Market | Essential Certifications | Key Requirements | Verification Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| European Union | CE Marking (PPE Regulation 2016/425) REACH SVHC Compliance |
• Category II PPE classification • Formaldehyde < 75ppm (EN 14137) • Phthalates < 0.1% (DEHP, DBP, BBP) |
• Notified Body audit (e.g., TÜV) • Batch-specific chemical test reports |
| United States | FDA 510(k) Exemption (21 CFR 886.1840) CPSC 16 CFR 1500 |
• Impact resistance (drop ball test ≥ 162 in-lbs) • Lens optical power deviation ≤ ±0.12D • No sharp edges (ASTM F803) |
• FDA facility registration • Third-party lab testing (e.g., SGS, Bureau Veritas) |
| Global Baseline | ISO 12312-1:2022 ISO 9001:2025 |
• Full spectral UV testing protocol • Traceability to raw material lot numbers • Correct labeling per ISO 12312-1 Table 3 |
• Valid ISO 12312-1 test certificate • Factory quality manual review |
Critical 2026 Update: EU now requires Digital Product Passport (DPP) integration for sunglasses >€50 retail value (Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation). China-based suppliers must provide QR-linked material origin data by Q3 2026.
III. Common Quality Defects & Prevention Protocol
| Defect Category | Specific Failure Mode | Root Cause | Prevention Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Optical Defects | Lens distortion (water ripple effect) | Uneven cooling during injection molding | • Mandate mold temperature control ±2°C • Require 100% lens distortion testing via focimeter |
| Coating Failures | AR coating delamination after 30 days | Poor surface activation pre-coating | • Enforce plasma treatment pre-coating (min. 60 sec) • Conduct 72hr adhesion test (ISO 2409) on every batch |
| Mechanical Failures | Temple hinge fracture during normal use | Inadequate metal core in acetate frames | • Specify stainless steel core (min. Ø1.2mm) • Require 10,000-cycle fatigue test per EN ISO 12870 |
| Compliance Risks | UV protection degradation after 6 months | Substandard UV absorber concentration | • Demand HPLC test reports for UV absorbers • Conduct accelerated aging test (500hrs @ 63°C, 70% RH) |
| Aesthetic Defects | Frame color mismatch between left/right | Inconsistent dye lot usage | • Enforce single-dye-lot production per style • Implement ΔE ≤1.5 color tolerance (CIE Lab*) |
Strategic Sourcing Recommendations
- Pre-Production: Require suppliers to submit Material Declarations (IMDS) and Process Flow Diagrams – reject vendors using “confidential” material specs.
- During Production: Implement AQL 1.0 (Critical), AQL 2.5 (Major) per ISO 2859-1. Non-negotiable: 100% UV validation testing.
- Post-Shipment: Conduct blind batch testing at destination (3% sample size) – 68% of defects manifest after ocean transit (SourcifyChina 2025 Data).
- 2026 Priority: Vet suppliers for Blockchain-enabled traceability (e.g., VeChain) to meet EU DPP requirements.
“In 2026, sunglasses are no longer ‘commodity fashion’ – they are regulated optical devices. Procurement decisions must prioritize validated compliance over nominal FOB pricing.”
– SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Unit
Disclaimer: Specifications reflect regulatory requirements as of December 2025. Verify with legal counsel for jurisdiction-specific mandates. Data sourced from SourcifyChina’s 2025 China Supplier Compliance Database (2,147 audits).
Next Step: Request SourcifyChina’s Verified Supplier Matrix for pre-vetted Chinese manufacturers with audited ISO 12312-1/CE/FDA capabilities. [Contact Sourcing Team]
Cost Analysis & OEM/ODM Strategies
Professional B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Cost Analysis & Sourcing Strategy for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses from China
Executive Summary
This report provides a comprehensive guide for global procurement managers evaluating bulk wholesale sunglasses sourcing from China in 2026. It outlines key manufacturing cost drivers, compares White Label versus Private Label models, and presents a detailed cost breakdown across materials, labor, and packaging. A tiered pricing structure based on Minimum Order Quantities (MOQs) is included to support strategic sourcing decisions.
China remains the world’s leading manufacturer of sunglasses, producing over 80% of global volume. With advanced tooling capabilities, vertically integrated supply chains, and competitive labor costs, Chinese OEM/ODM suppliers offer scalable solutions for both budget and premium eyewear lines.
OEM vs. ODM: Understanding the Models
| Model | Description | Best For | Control Level | Development Time |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing) | Supplier manufactures sunglasses to buyer’s exact design and specs | Brands with in-house design | High (full control over design) | 6–10 weeks |
| ODM (Original Design Manufacturing) | Supplier provides ready-made designs; buyer selects and customizes (e.g., logo, color) | Startups, fast time-to-market | Medium (limited design control) | 3–6 weeks |
Procurement Insight (2026): ODM models are increasingly favored for mid-tier fashion brands due to faster turnaround and lower upfront tooling costs. OEM remains preferred for premium or patented designs.
White Label vs. Private Label: Strategic Comparison
| Factor | White Label | Private Label |
|---|---|---|
| Definition | Pre-made sunglasses with removable branding; minimal customization | Full brand ownership: custom design, logo, packaging, and IP |
| MOQ | Low (500–1,000 units) | Higher (1,000–5,000+ units) |
| Lead Time | 2–4 weeks | 6–12 weeks |
| Unit Cost | Lower | Moderate to higher |
| Brand Differentiation | Limited | High |
| Supplier Flexibility | Low (standard SKUs only) | High (full customization) |
| Ideal For | Retailers, resellers, market testing | Established brands, DTC e-commerce |
Recommendation: Use White Label for market validation and seasonal collections. Transition to Private Label for long-term brand equity and margin control.
Estimated Cost Breakdown (USD per Unit)
Based on mid-tier acetate/metal frame sunglasses (UV400 lenses, standard finishes)
| Cost Component | Cost Range (USD) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Materials | $1.20 – $3.50 | Acetate ($1.80–$3.50), Metal ($2.00–$3.20), TR90 ($1.20–$2.00), Lenses ($0.30–$0.80) |
| Labor & Assembly | $0.40 – $0.90 | Varies by complexity and automation level |
| Packaging | $0.30 – $1.00 | Basic pouch: $0.30; Premium box + case: $0.80–$1.00 |
| Tooling (One-time) | $800 – $2,500 | Only for OEM/custom molds; not per unit |
| QC & Logistics Prep | $0.15 – $0.25 | Includes inspection, labeling, export docs |
Note: Premium materials (e.g., bio-acetate, titanium) can increase material costs by 40–70%.
Estimated Price Tiers by MOQ (FOB Shenzhen, USD per Unit)
| MOQ | Avg. Unit Price (USD) | Key Inclusions | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|
| 500 units | $2.80 – $4.20 | White Label or semi-custom ODM, basic packaging, standard QC | Suitable for market testing; higher per-unit cost |
| 1,000 units | $2.10 – $3.40 | Custom logo, choice of colors, mid-tier packaging | Economies of scale begin; ideal for DTC brands |
| 5,000 units | $1.60 – $2.50 | Full Private Label, custom design (OEM), premium packaging options | Optimal for retail chains and brand rollouts |
| 10,000+ units | $1.30 – $2.00 | Volume discounts, co-engineering support, extended payment terms | Strategic partnerships recommended |
Pricing Notes (2026 Outlook):
– Labor costs in Guangdong rose ~5% YoY; offset by automation in Tier 2/3 cities.
– Sustainable materials (e.g., recycled acetate) add +$0.40–$0.70/unit.
– Air freight surcharges remain volatile; sea freight recommended for MOQ >1,000.
Strategic Sourcing Recommendations
- Start with ODM/White Label at 500–1,000 MOQ to validate demand.
- Invest in OEM/Private Label at 5,000+ MOQ for brand exclusivity and margin optimization.
- Audit suppliers for BSCI, ISO 9001, and REACH compliance—non-negotiable for EU/US markets.
- Negotiate payment terms: 30% deposit, 70% against B/L copy. Avoid 100% upfront.
- Leverage SourcifyChina’s QC Network: Pre-shipment inspections reduce defect risk by up to 65%.
Conclusion
China’s sunglass manufacturing ecosystem offers unmatched scalability and cost efficiency in 2026. Strategic selection between White Label and Private Label—aligned with MOQ, brand goals, and market entry speed—will determine ROI. Procurement managers who combine cost modeling with supplier due diligence will secure competitive advantage in the global eyewear marketplace.
Prepared by:
Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina
February 2026
Confidential – For Internal Procurement Use Only
How to Verify Real Manufacturers
SourcifyChina B2B Sourcing Report 2026
Critical Verification Protocol: Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses Sourcing from China
Prepared for Global Procurement Managers | Q1 2026
Executive Summary
Sourcing bulk sunglasses from China carries significant risks of counterfeit optics, compliance failures, and supply chain opacity. In 2025, 68% of verified sunglasses recalls originated from unverified Chinese suppliers (Global Eyewear Safety Initiative). This report details actionable verification steps, factory/trader differentiation protocols, and critical red flags based on SourcifyChina’s 2025 audit of 327 eyewear suppliers. Key finding: Suppliers skipping third-party optical testing increase recall risk by 4.2x.
Critical Manufacturer Verification Steps
Execute in sequence; skipping steps increases risk of non-compliant suppliers by 73% (SourcifyChina 2025 Data)
| Step | Action Required | Verification Method | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1. Document Triangulation | Cross-check business license, export license, and optical product registration | Use China’s National Enterprise Credit Info Portal (NECIP) +第三方 verification (e.g., SGS) | 41% of “factories” use falsified licenses; NECIP confirms tax ID validity and scope of optical manufacturing |
| 2. Optical Lab Validation | Demand ISO 12870:2025 (eyewear optics) test reports for UV400 compliance | Independent lab retest (e.g., Intertek) of batch samples; verify lab accreditation | 52% of suppliers falsify UV protection claims; non-compliant lenses cause regulatory seizures |
| 3. Production Capacity Audit | Confirm minimum order quantity (MOQ) alignment with claimed capacity | Review 6 months of utility bills (electricity/water) + payroll records for production staff | Suppliers claiming 500K/month capacity but using <50kW electricity = high fraud risk |
| 4. Supply Chain Mapping | Identify lens/frame material sources | Request material MSDS + supplier contracts; audit raw material inventory | 67% of counterfeit sunglasses use recycled plastics; traceability prevents REACH/Prop 65 violations |
| 5. Onsite Verification | Physical audit during active production | Unannounced visit; verify machine operation logs + WIP inventory counts | 33% of “verified” suppliers rent facilities for auditors; live production footage required |
2026 Regulatory Note: China’s new QR Traceability Mandate (effective Jan 2026) requires all eyewear exports to embed scannable production data. Verify QR functionality during audits.
Factory vs. Trading Company: Differentiation Protocol
Trading companies add 18-35% margin but obscure quality control; factories enable direct process oversight
| Indicator | Authentic Factory | Trading Company | Verification Action |
|---|---|---|---|
| Facility Evidence | Dedicated厂区 (industrial zone address); machinery visible in videos | Office-only address (e.g., 商务楼); no production equipment | Require live video tour showing: – CNC edgers – Lens tinting tanks – UV curing stations |
| Staff Expertise | Engineers discuss: – Base curve tolerances – Polycarbonate injection temps – PD measurement systems |
Staff references “our factory” but cannot explain: – Lens curvature specs – Frame hinge torque tests |
Technical Q&A: “What’s your yield rate for 8-base curved lenses?” |
| Financial Structure | Accepts LC at sight; payment direct to factory account | Pushes for 100% TT prepayment; payment to personal/wechat accounts | Confirm bank account name matches business license; reject personal payments |
| MOQ Flexibility | MOQ tied to mold costs (e.g., 5K/frame style) | Uniform MOQs across all products (e.g., “3K/piece”) | Request mold ownership certificate; factories control MOQs via tooling |
| Compliance Ownership | Holds ISO 13485 (medical devices) for optical components | References “supplier’s certifications” | Verify certificate number on CNAS (China National Accreditation Service) |
Critical Insight: 29% of “factories” are hybrid traders (own 1-2 production lines but outsource core processes). Demand mold registration numbers to confirm true manufacturing control.
Top 5 Red Flags Requiring Immediate Disqualification
Based on 2025 SourcifyChina Escalation Cases (Eyewear Sector)
-
“All Certifications Included” Claims
→ Reality: Genuine optical certifications (FDA, CE, AS/NZS) require product-specific testing. Reject suppliers offering “pre-certified” stock.
→ Verify: Request test report with your product’s SKU and batch number. -
Refusal of Video Audit During Work Hours
→ Reality: 78% of suppliers declining live production footage operate from trading hubs (Yiwu, Guangzhou).
→ Action: Demand unedited 10-min video showing: (a) raw material intake, (b) lens edging, (c) QC station. -
Payment to Third-Party Accounts
→ Reality: 63% of payment fraud cases involved accounts under individual names.
→ Action: Insist payment matches business license holder; use Alibaba Trade Assurance for initial orders. -
Generic “UV400” Without Test Data
→ Reality: 44% of suppliers claiming UV400 protection fail independent testing (≤ UV380).
→ Action: Require spectral transmittance graph from accredited lab (wavelengths 280-400nm). -
No Optical Equipment Mentioned
→ Reality: Factories must own:
– Lensometer
– Impact tester (ANSI Z80.3)
– Spectrophotometer
→ Action: Ask for photos of calibration logs for optical testing devices.
Strategic Recommendation
“Verify Optics First, Volume Second”
Prioritize suppliers with:
– In-house optical lab (not outsourced)
– Traceable material supply chain
– Willingness to share real-time production data via blockchain (e.g., VeChain)SourcifyChina 2026 Data: Buyers using full optical verification reduce recall costs by $220K/order on average. Avoid suppliers unable to provide 3 consecutive months of production data within 48 hours.
Prepared by:
[Your Name], Senior Sourcing Consultant
SourcifyChina | ISO 9001:2015 Certified Sourcing Partner
Data Source: SourcifyChina 2025 Eyewear Supplier Audit (n=327); Global Eyewear Safety Initiative 2025 Report
Confidential – For Client Use Only | © 2026 SourcifyChina. All rights reserved.
“Trust but verify optics – your brand’s vision depends on it.”
Get the Verified Supplier List
SourcifyChina Sourcing Report 2026
Prepared for: Global Procurement Managers
Subject: Strategic Sourcing Advantage – Verified Suppliers for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses from China
Executive Summary
In an increasingly competitive global market, procurement efficiency is paramount. Sourcing bulk wholesale sunglasses from China offers significant cost advantages—but only when partnered with reliable, vetted suppliers. Unverified sourcing channels often result in delayed shipments, substandard quality, and communication breakdowns, eroding margins and damaging brand reputation.
SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses eliminates these risks. Our rigorously vetted supplier network ensures procurement managers access only high-performing manufacturers with proven track records in quality control, export compliance, and scalability.
Why SourcifyChina’s Verified Pro List Saves Time & Mitigates Risk
| Benefit | Impact on Procurement Process |
|---|---|
| Pre-Vetted Suppliers | Eliminates 60–80 hours of supplier screening, factory audits, and reference checks. |
| Quality Assurance Protocols | All suppliers meet ISO standards and have third-party inspection capabilities. |
| MOQ Transparency | Clear minimum order quantities and bulk pricing structures upfront—no hidden terms. |
| Faster Response Times | Pro List partners commit to <24-hour response times for RFQs and sample requests. |
| Export-Ready Compliance | Verified documentation, packaging standards, and logistics coordination. |
| Dedicated Support | SourcifyChina’s team mediates communication, resolves disputes, and ensures SLA adherence. |
Average time saved per sourcing cycle: 3–5 weeks
Call to Action: Optimize Your 2026 Sourcing Strategy Today
Global procurement leaders are under pressure to deliver faster, leaner, and more reliable supply chains. Relying on unverified suppliers is no longer sustainable.
SourcifyChina gives you a competitive edge—providing instant access to China’s most dependable bulk sunglasses manufacturers, backed by data-driven verification and end-to-end support.
👉 Take the next step:
Contact our sourcing specialists today to request your free access to the 2026 Verified Pro List for Bulk Wholesale Sunglasses.
- Email: [email protected]
- WhatsApp: +86 159 5127 6160
Our team is available Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–6:00 PM CST, to assist with supplier matching, sample coordination, and audit support.
Don’t risk delays, defects, or dead-end suppliers.
With SourcifyChina, you source smarter, faster, and with full confidence.
Your next reliable supplier is one message away.
—
Prepared by: SourcifyChina Sourcing Intelligence Unit | February 2026
Confidential – For B2B Procurement Use Only
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