What duty applies to clothing imported from China?

Most garments pay 12% duty plus 21% Spanish VAT on the customs value, freight to the EU and the duty itself.

Does cotton or polyester change the rate?

The subheading changes, but apparel usually stays at 12%. Fabrics by the metre do vary noticeably by composition.

Do textiles need CE marking?

No. They need EU composition labelling, REACH compliance and, for children's clothing, specific safety standards.

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 some of the highest and most stable duty rates: apparel usually sits at 12%. A knitted-versus-woven classification error changes the rate and the landed cost.

Updated: 9 September 2026

Written by the EC HolaHome team, based on real import operations from China into Spain and the EU.

1. Typical duty rates

Apparel falls under chapter 61 (knitted) and 62 (not knitted); chapter 63 covers home textiles and other made-up articles.

Knitted and woven garments (61 and 62): 12% for the large majority of headings.
Home textiles, bed linen, towels and table linen (63): around 12%, some headings at 9.6%.
Fabrics by the metre (chapters 50 to 60): typically 4% to 8%.
Textile accessories such as hats and scarves: 2.7% to 12% depending on heading.

2. Classification: where mistakes happen

The code depends on composition, garment gender and whether the fabric is knitted or woven. This is the category with the most 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 certified composition before declaring.

3. Labelling and EU compliance

Textiles need no CE marking, but labelling and chemical controls are strict.

Fibre composition labelling under Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, in Spanish for sale in Spain.
REACH limits on restricted substances (azo dyes, formaldehyde, nickel in trims).
Children's clothing safety: cords and drawstrings under EN 14682.
Importer and EU responsible person details visible on the product or packaging.

4. Quality control before shipment

In apparel, size and colour drift between batches is the recurring issue. You catch it before shipping or not at all.

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 in an accredited lab for critical references.
Labelling and polybag checks before the container is sealed.

Checklist

Before importing textiles

Minimum checks to avoid surprises at customs and in store.

TARIC code per reference, distinguishing knitted from woven.
Lab-certified composition for each fabric.
Composition and care labels in Spanish.
REACH restricted substances report.
Approved pre-production sample and size chart.
AQL inspection with wash testing before shipment.

FAQ

Textile duties: common questions

What duty applies to clothing imported from China?: Most garments pay 12% duty plus 21% Spanish VAT on the customs value, freight to the EU and the duty itself.
Does cotton or polyester change the rate?: The subheading changes, but apparel usually stays at 12%. Fabrics by the metre do vary noticeably by composition.
Do textiles need CE marking?: No. They need EU composition labelling, REACH compliance and, for children's clothing, specific safety standards.
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 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 broker before committing to prices.

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