How to Import Clothing from India to Europe
India is one of Europe's most established garment sourcing partners. France, Germany, Denmark, Poland, Italy, and the Netherlands all import significant volumes of Indian-made clothing every year. For fashion brands based in Europe — particularly smaller labels and DTC brands looking for low MOQ private label manufacturing — India offers a compelling combination of competitive pricing, quality craftsmanship, and flexible minimum quantities.
This guide covers everything a European fashion brand needs to know about importing garments from India — EU customs duties, how the GSP preference works, shipping routes to France and Germany, documentation requirements, and what to look for in an Indian manufacturer.
EU Import Duties on Indian Garments
The EU applies the Common Customs Tariff (CCT) to imports from third countries. For garments, the standard (MFN) rate is 12% for most categories. However, India qualifies under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP), which reduces this for eligible products.
| Product Category | HS Chapter | MFN Rate | GSP Rate (India) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Knitted garments (T-shirts, hoodies, joggers) | HS 61 | 12% | 9.6% |
| Woven garments (dresses, trousers, shirts) | HS 62 | 12% | 9.6% |
| Nightwear (woven) | HS 6207 / 6208 | 12% | 9.6% |
| Babies' / children's garments | HS 6111 | 12% | 9.6% |
| Ethnic / embroidered garments | HS 6211 | 12% | 9.6% |
Rates are indicative. Always verify with your customs broker or the EU TARIC database for your exact product's HS code and applicable rate. VAT is payable on importation at your country's rate (e.g. 20% France, 19% Germany) and is reclaimable for VAT-registered businesses.
How the EU GSP Preference Works
The Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP) is an EU trade arrangement that grants developing countries preferential (reduced) tariff rates on exports to the EU. India qualifies under the standard GSP arrangement, meaning most Indian garments enter the EU at a reduced rate of approximately 9.6% instead of the standard 12%.
To claim the GSP rate, your Indian manufacturer must provide one of the following:
- GSP Certificate of Origin (Form A): The traditional document issued by Indian export authorities (DGFT). Still accepted but being phased out.
- Statement on Origin (REX): A declaration made by a Registered Exporter (REX) in India. This is the current preferred method. Your manufacturer should be registered in the REX system.
Ask your Indian manufacturer whether they are REX-registered before placing your order. If they are not, you'll pay the full 12% MFN rate instead of the reduced 9.6%.
Shipping Routes: India to Europe
✈️ Air Freight
- From: IGI Airport Delhi (DEL)
- To Paris CDG: 2–4 days
- To Frankfurt FRA: 2–4 days
- To Amsterdam AMS: 2–4 days
- To Copenhagen CPH: 3–5 days
- Cost: ~€4–€8 per kg
- Best for: Samples, urgent orders, first shipments
🚢 Sea Freight
- From: JNPT Mumbai Port
- To Le Havre (France): 20–28 days
- To Hamburg (Germany): 22–30 days
- To Rotterdam (Netherlands): 20–26 days
- Cost: LCL from ~€150/CBM · FCL 20ft from ~€1,200
- Best for: Bulk orders, cost-sensitive shipments
Most European importers use a combination — air freight for samples and urgent top-ups, sea freight for main seasonal bulk orders.
EU Documentation Requirements
Your Indian manufacturer should prepare all of the following for every shipment:
- Commercial Invoice: In English. Must include HS codes, country of origin, Incoterms, and declared value in EUR or USD.
- Packing List: Carton count, gross and net weights, dimensions.
- Bill of Lading (sea) / Airway Bill (air)
- Statement on Origin / Form A: For GSP duty reduction claim
- Insurance Certificate
Your European customs broker will file the import declaration (SAD / Single Administrative Document) and handle any customs examination. For France, this goes through DOUANE (Direction générale des douanes). For Germany, through the Zollamt.
Special Note for French Brands
France has one of Europe's strongest markets for women's nightwear, loungewear, and lingerie — categories where Indian manufacturers like The Urban Charm excel. French fashion consumers and buyers place high value on fabric quality and garment finish, both areas where Indian viscose rayon and cotton manufacturing performs strongly.
French brands sourcing nightwear and loungewear from India can position the products as "Fabriqué en Inde" (Made in India) — increasingly a positive provenance story in the French market given India's association with artisan textile heritage and ethical manufacturing.
French import documentation follows standard EU customs procedure. All documents should be in English or French. Your customs agent (commissionnaire en douane agréé) handles the déclaration en douane.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the import duty on clothing from India to France / EU?
The standard EU duty is 12% MFN. Under the EU GSP, India qualifies for a reduced rate of approximately 9.6% on most garment categories. Your manufacturer needs to provide a REX Statement on Origin or Form A to claim the lower rate.
How long does shipping from India to France take?
Air freight from IGI Delhi to Paris CDG takes 2–4 days. Sea freight from JNPT Mumbai to Le Havre takes approximately 20–28 days.
Do I need a GSP certificate to import Indian garments at reduced duty?
Yes. You need a Statement on Origin from a REX-registered exporter, or a traditional Form A Certificate of Origin. Ask your Indian manufacturer whether they are REX-registered before ordering.
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