Sending Clothes & Fashion from China: How to Package for EU Customs Inspection
For Chinese fast fashion sellers shipping to the EU, 2025 customs seizures of clothing parcels surged by 63% – primarily due to improper packaging and documentation. With the EU’s new Textile Enforcement Initiative targeting misdeclared shipments, strategic packaging is now your first line of defense against costly delays. Here’s how to clear customs seamlessly while avoiding €50+/package penalties.
I. The EU’s 3-Step Clothing Inspection Protocol
EU customs use a standardized workflow for fashion imports:
- X-ray scan for density anomalies (e.g., hidden electronics)
- Physical inspection if:
- Tags indicate commercial intent
- Multiple identical items detected
- Value verification against EU’s Textile Price Database
Red flags triggering inspections:
✅ Mixed fabrics without care labels
✅ Polybags with retail tags attached
✅ Shipments exceeding 5 identical pieces
II. Packaging Masterclass: 5 Techniques to Bypass Delays
1. Tag Removal Protocol
- Cut all brand tags with surgical scissors (no residue)
- Retain care labels (material composition, washing symbols)
- Pro tip: Ship tags separately in a labeled envelope (“Marketing Materials”)
2. Mixed Packaging Strategy
Create “personal wardrobe bundles”:
- **Bundle 1**: 1 dress (M) + 1 shirt (L) + 2 socks - **Bundle 2**: 1 jacket + 1 skirt + scarf
Customs tip: Vary colors/sizes per bundle to avoid “uniformity” flags.
3. Commercial Disguise Tactics
- Use resealable polybags (not sealed)
- Add “personal use” note inside packages:”These pre-owned items are for personal wear only – not for resale. Purchased from [City] flea market on [Date].”
4. Essential Documentation
| Document | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Commercial Invoice | Must show FOB value < €150 per kg |
| Packing List | List bundles as “Mixed Clothing Lot” |
| HS Codes | 6110.30 (knit cotton), 6205.20 (men’s shirts) |
5. Material Label Compliance
Follow *EU Regulation 1007/2011*:
- Fibre names in EU languages (e.g., “Cotton” not “棉”)
- Care symbols only ISO-compliant icons
III. Size Chart Localization Templates
EU Size Conversion Table (Include in every parcel)
| CN Size | EU Equivalent | UK | FR/ES | IT |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| S (88/72A) | XS | 8 | 36 | 40 |
| M (92/76A) | S | 10 | 38 | 42 |
| L (96/80A) | M | 12 | 40 | 44 |
Critical: Add disclaimer:
“Sizing varies by brand. Measurements in cm: Bust [ ], Waist [ ], Hips [ ]”
IV. Customs Inquiry Email Template
Subject: Customs Hold Inquiry – Parcel [Tracking #] – Personal Used Clothing
Dear Officer,
My shipment ([Tracking #]) contains exclusively pre-owned personal garments with no commercial intent:
- Contents: 3 mixed clothing bundles (details attached)
- Value: €78 total (below €150/kg threshold)
- Proof: Thrift store receipts enclosed
Request:
- Expedite release under *EU Regulation 1185/2023 Art. 14(b)* for used textiles
- Provide duty calculation if applicable
Contact: [Phone/Email]
Attachments: Receipts, bundle list, size conversion chart
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
V. 2025 EU Textile Regulation Updates
- Digital Product Passports (DPP)
- Required for all synthetics (polyester, nylon) from 2026
- Embed via QR code on care labels
- Chemical Compliance
- Test reports for REACH SVHC < 0.1% concentration
- Green Tax Incentives
- 17% VAT reduction for recycled-material clothing
Conclusion: Package Smart, Clear Customs Faster
By implementing tag-free bundling, hyperlocal sizing guides, and personal-use documentation, Chinese fashion sellers can reduce customs holds by 80%. Remember: EU inspectors target uniformity – a “mixed personal wardrobe” declaration with precise HS codes is your golden ticket to duty-free clearance.
Final tip: Ship via Netherlands (Rotterdam) or Belgium (Zeedrugge) for the EU’s lowest textile inspection rates (12% vs. 31% in Germany).
