🇪🇺 Importing from India to European Union
Terry Towel Import
Compliance — European Union
The European Union is the world's largest single textile import market. All 27 member states share the same external tariff and compliance framework. This guide covers what EU-based buyers — in Germany, Netherlands, France, Italy, Spain, and beyond — need to know when importing Indian terry towels.
HS Code
6302.60
Duty Rate
12%
Authority
European Customs
Mandatory Cert
3 required
HS Code & Import Duty
HS Classification
6302.60
Terry towelling and similar woven terry fabrics, toilet linen and kitchen linen
Duty Rate
12% (EU Common External Tariff)
The EU Common External Tariff applies uniformly across all 27 member states. VAT varies by country (typically 19–25%) and is applied separately on (CIF + duty). An India-EU FTA is under negotiation.
Required Certifications & Standards
Labeling Requirements
All textiles sold in the EU must state fiber composition by generic name and percentage under EU Textile Regulation 1007/2011.
"Linen" (incorrectly used for bed linen) is a restricted term — only flax fiber can be called linen.
Country of origin ("Made in India") must appear on the product or its packaging.
Labels must be in the official language(s) of the country of sale.
REACH restricts use of hazardous chemicals. Test reports or supplier declarations may be required for high-risk substances like AZO dyes.
EU Green Deal and textile strategy (in force 2025) increasingly requires durability and sustainability declarations.
Required Import Documents
Commercial Invoice
EUR value, HS code (6302.60), detailed description, origin.
Packing List
Per-carton breakdown with gross/net weights.
Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
Sea or air transport document.
Certificate of Origin (GSP Form A)
India has GSP preferences in the EU. Form A issued by Indian customs or DGFT may reduce duty — verify current GSP status.
Import Declaration (Single Administrative Document)
Filed by EU customs agent via national customs portal.
EORI Number (EU)
Required for all importers in the EU.
REACH Test Report / SDS
Recommended for hotel/institutional buyers; required if SVHC substances are present.
Anabyn provides all standard export documents — Commercial Invoice, Packing List, Bill of Lading, Certificate of Origin — with every shipment. Certification documents (GOTS, Oeko-Tex) are available on request.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use GSP to reduce duty on Indian towels imported to the EU?
India was a GSP beneficiary country for the EU. However, the EU GSP status for India may be affected by the EU's withdrawal of GSP from certain countries. Verify the current status on the EU Trade Helpdesk before claiming preferential duty.
What is REACH and does it apply to towels?
REACH (Registration, Evaluation, Authorisation of Chemicals) restricts hazardous substances in products sold in the EU. For towels, this means AZO dyes, formaldehyde, and heavy metals must be within permitted limits. OEKO-TEX certified towels automatically comply.
What are EU labeling requirements for towels?
Fiber content by percentage is mandatory. "Made in India" origin is required. Labels must be in the local language of the country of sale. Care symbols per ISO 3758 are expected.
What is the EU duty rate for terry towels from India?
The Common External Tariff for HS 6302.60 is 12% of CIF value. GSP preferences may reduce this — check the EU Trade Helpdesk for current preference rates.
Ready to Import?
Source Certified Towels from India
Anabyn handles all export documentation and certification. We ship to European Union with full compliance support.