What duty applies to these garments and textiles from China?

The verified 2026 CN examples —cotton T-shirts (6109 10 00), men’s cotton denim trousers (6203 42 31) and printed cotton bed linen (6302 21 00)— show 12%. This is a conventional reference: confirm the 10-digit TARIC code, composition, origin, date and additional measures. VAT is assessed separately. View the rates table.

Does cotton or polyester change the rate?

The subheading changes, although apparel rates tend to be similar. Fabrics by the metre can vary noticeably by composition.

Do textiles need CE marking?

Ordinary garments do not. Personal protective equipment does, and other special uses may. In all cases composition labelling, REACH and, for children's clothing, specific safety standards apply.

Can duty be reduced by changing origin?

Yes, by producing in countries with an EU preferential agreement, but origin must be genuine and documented. False origin declarations are a serious offence.

Duties by product

Import duties on textiles and clothing from China to Spain

Textiles carry relatively high rates among consumer goods: apparel tends to carry higher reference rates than other families, to be confirmed in TARIC. A knitted-versus-woven classification error changes the rate and the landed cost.

Updated: 18 September 2026

Written by the EC HolaHome team for guidance only. Check every figure in TARIC and with your customs representative before committing to prices.

1. CN 2026 conventional reference rates

A representative selection of garments and household textiles in chapters 61, 62 and 63 of the 2026 CN.

Representative examples — CN 2026 conventional rate of duty
Product	CN code	Conventional duty
Cotton T-shirts, singlets and other knitted or crocheted vests	6109 10 00	12%
Men's or boys' other cotton knitted jumpers and pullovers	6110 20 91	12%
Men's or boys' cotton denim trousers and breeches	6203 42 31	12%
Women's or girls' cotton denim trousers and breeches	6204 62 31	12%
Printed cotton bed linen	6302 21 00	12%
Cotton terry toilet or kitchen linen	6302 60 00	12%

Source checked on 18 September 2026: the ‘Conventional rate of duty’ column in the 2026 CN. These are references, not the guaranteed final rate for China. Before each operation, confirm the 10-digit TARIC code, origin, date and additional measures; VAT is assessed separately.

Related on this site:Quality control serviceImport management service

2. Classification: where mistakes happen

The code depends on composition, garment gender and whether the fabric is knitted or woven. Classification errors can lead to post-clearance assessments.

Knitted (chapter 61) and woven (chapter 62) use different headings for the same garment.
The dominant fibre by weight sets the subheading: cotton, synthetic or blend.
Men's/boys' and women's/girls' garments have different codes.
Ask the factory for a technical sheet with documented composition before declaring.

3. Labelling and EU compliance

Ordinary garments carry no CE marking, but fibre composition labelling is mandatory and chemical controls apply. PPE and other special uses have their own requirements.

Fibre composition labelling under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, in Spanish for sale in Spain.
Care instructions: not governed by Regulation 1007/2011; check the rules applicable at destination and your channel's requirements.
REACH limits on restricted substances (azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel in trims).
Children's clothing safety: cords and drawstrings under EN 14682. Importer details visible under the GPSR.

4. Quality control before shipment

In apparel, size and colour drift between batches is a recurring issue. Catching it at origin is far cheaper than handling it at destination.

Approved and sealed pre-production sample with a size measurement sheet.
AQL inspection of the finished lot: measurements, seams, colour and trims.
Wash and colour fastness testing for critical references, according to risk and the applicable standard.
Labelling and polybag checks before the container is sealed.

Checklist

Before importing textiles

Common checks to reduce surprises at customs and in store; adapt them to each product.

TARIC code per reference, distinguishing knitted from woven.
Composition documented by the manufacturer and, where risk justifies it, tested.
Composition labels in Spanish; care instructions as applicable.
REACH conformity evidence for the relevant restricted substances.
Approved pre-production sample and size chart.
AQL inspection and, where appropriate, wash testing before shipment.

FAQ

Textile duties: common questions

What duty applies to these garments and textiles from China?: The verified 2026 CN examples —cotton T-shirts (6109 10 00), men’s cotton denim trousers (6203 42 31) and printed cotton bed linen (6302 21 00)— show 12%. This is a conventional reference: confirm the 10-digit TARIC code, composition, origin, date and additional measures. VAT is assessed separately. View the rates table.
Does cotton or polyester change the rate?: The subheading changes, although apparel rates tend to be similar. Fabrics by the metre can vary noticeably by composition.
Do textiles need CE marking?: Ordinary garments do not. Personal protective equipment does, and other special uses may. In all cases composition labelling, REACH and, for children's clothing, specific safety standards apply.
Can duty be reduced by changing origin?: Yes, by producing in countries with an EU preferential agreement, but origin must be genuine and documented. False origin declarations are a serious offence.

Important notice

The rates shown are indicative and refer to common headings of the EU Common Customs Tariff. The final rate depends on the exact 10-digit TARIC classification, the declared origin and the measures in force (anti-dumping, quotas or suspensions) on the date of clearance. Always check TARIC or ask your customs representative before committing to prices.

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