Importing Clothing from EU to UK

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Importing Clothing

You may be thinking of filling the local demand for clothing from major European brands such as Zara, H&M, Mango, Stradivarius and Bershka. Admittedly, Brexit and the TCA have made the process of importing clothing more complicated, and businesses importing clothing from EU to UK will now require new registration details, licences and certificates. Here is a guide on the most critical processes to follow when importing bulk clothing and shoes from the EU to the UK to make the process easier.

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Renewing Your Registration and Identification Details

All companies importing to the UK require an Economic Operators Registration and Identification (EORI) number. Before Brexit, EU simplifications had allowed traders to import using EU EORI numbers. However, under the TCA, you will not import clothing from the EU to the UK without a GB EORI number. For HMRC to give you a GB EORI number, you will need to be permanently established in the country and have:

  • A Unique Taxpayer Reference (UTR),
  • A Standard Industrial Classification (SIC) code,
  • A Government Gateway user ID and password, and
  • A VAT number and National Insurance number

You may also want to consider getting VAT registered and applying for Authorised Economic Operator status. As a VAT registered business, you can apply for a refund of any VAT you pay for your clothing during the import process. With AEO status, you will enjoy faster applications for declarations and be subject to fewer checks at the border.

REQUIREMENTS

Import Requirements

Getting the Classification Codes

Getting the Classification Codes

When importing shoes, clothing or any other goods into the UK, you must include the correct commodity code in the customs declarations; otherwise, you risk paying the wrong duties, severe legal consequences and delays to your delivery.

Before you can look up the commodity codes from the tariff tool, you will need to know the types of material making up your clothing import, e.g. cotton, polyester, silk etc., whether it is woven or non-woven and if it is printed or not.

The tariff covers clothing and footwear in detail in chapters 61 and 62, with chapter 61 covering knitted or crocheted apparel and clothing accessories, and chapter 62 covering articles of apparel and clothing accessories that are not knitted or crocheted. Sections in each chapter cover a specific type of garment, for example;

  • 6201 covers (non-knitted) men’s or boys’ overcoats, car coats, capes, cloaks, anoraks
  • 6215 covers (non-knitted) ties, bow ties and cravats
  • 6210 covers clothing made of felt, non wovens and wadding
  • 6109 covers knitted baby garments

Filling an Import Declaration

Filling an Import Declaration

You need to complete an import declaration, also known as a C88 document. The process of completing an import declaration is quite complicated; that is why many importers choose to have a specialist freight forwarding company deal with this aspect.

VAT, Import Duty and Getting Preferential Rates

VAT, Import Duty and Getting Preferential Rates

If you are importing wholesale clothing (valued at over £135) from the EU to the UK, you will need to account for import VAT. You can choose to pay VAT at the point where your clothing and footwear consignment enters free circulation or take advantage of the postponed VAT accounting system.

Children’s or Babies’ clothing is also zero-rated (0.0%) for VAT. If you are importing children’s items, including bridesmaid dresses, make sure to mark this clearly in all your invoices and paperwork.

Most EU clothing and footwear brands produce their clothing in the far east, and you will need to request your supplier for an exporters proof of origin with each consignment if you want to get preferential rates. If you are importing clothing samples, ensure to import items in minimal quantities. Request your supplier to mark the clothing items as “Samples – Not for Resale”, or pack them in a condition where they cannot be re-sold, such as single gloves or a single item in each colour.

We are friendly, easy to work with, honest and we do not charge the earth.

Here at Barrington Freight, we are experts in providing quick, cost-effective deliveries from Europe to the UK. Whether you are looking for next day delivery from Italy, France or Spain, you can trust that we will put all our expertise into getting your freight to its destination in good time. From commercial deliveries from manufacturers and exporters to air and road freight sent by individuals importing or shipping their goods and belongings abroad, we have the necessary experience to complete efficient and dedicated next day delivery freight shipments. Contact us today for a quote!

Sophie Benge
Sophie Benge
2024-02-06
Joshua at Barrington Freight is friendly and patient. Their service hassle-free and affordable compared to other freight forwarders.
Alex Burton
Alex Burton
2024-02-04
Fantastic service from Barrington Freight. It was our first time exporting goods from the UK and it was very reassuring to have them manage the shipment. The process was made easy and hassle free and Simon was always quick to respond to any queries. I would highly recommend.
Mat Wilkinson
Mat Wilkinson
2024-01-22
these guys are excellent. Incredibly helpful, flexible and friendly- i cant recommend them highly enough- genuinely a brilliant team.
Top Tips
Top Tips
2023-11-14
The guys at Barrington are brilliant! I've used them for my shipments for around 12 years now and they never let you down. Always happy to help with anything!
David Darrock
David Darrock
2023-11-10
Barrington Freight are extremely helpful and professional, promptly answering any questions or queries. Communication from them has been great and they have taken the difficulty out of importing freight.
Scott Glazebrook
Scott Glazebrook
2023-11-01
Our business is the supply of high end luxury furniture and as such we rely on Barrington Freight to provide a 5* delivery service which they have done time and time again. Reliable, friendly and efficient sums up this great approachable freight forwarding business.
Krishan Dhillon
Krishan Dhillon
2023-11-01
10/10, dealt with everything start to finish. Customer service was friendly and helpful
Sharmane Barrett
Sharmane Barrett
2023-10-20
We had a last minute request and Lee was fantastic in helping us to arrange transportation and facilitate delivery from Europe, very quickly with no hiccups. I would highly recommend.
Simon Edgecombe
Simon Edgecombe
2023-10-16
HAVING USED MANY SHIPPERS TO IMPORT OUR GOODS FROM THE USA (NONE OUTSTANDING) I DECIDED THIS TIME TO HAVE A SEARCH AROUND TO SEE IF I COULD FIND A BETTER OPTION. I FOUND BARRINGTON FREIGHT AFTER EMAILING MANY OTHERS, SOME OF THEM (UPS,DHL,FEDEX) SIMPLY TOOK SO LONG TO CONTACT ME, THAT IT BECAME STUPID, SIMON AT BARRINGTON CAME BACK TO ME VIRTUALLY STRAIGHT AWAY WITH A VERY GOOD PRICE, ALSO GOOD SHIPPING TIMES. NOW A SERVICE IS ONLY AS GOOD AS THE RESULTS, AND THEY WERE AS GOOD AS THEIR WORD. HAPPY TO HAVE FOUND THEM AND SIMON AT BARRINGTON FREIGHT WILL BE THE FIRST PERSON WE GO TO NEXT TIME, WELL DONE!!