Printable Version Regulations relaxed and simplified for EU Importers of Textiles manufactured in China

The EU’s import licensing regulations for the 2008 shipping year in respect of textiles originating in China included the requirement for importers to provide both export and import licensing documentation for eight textile product categories as follows:

Category 4 T shirts
Category 5 Pullovers
Category 6 Trousers
Category 7 Blouses
Category 20 Bed linen
Category 26 Dresses
Category 31 Brassieres
Category 115 Flax or Ramie yarn

The regulations also provided for this double control surveillance regime to remain in force for a full year so as to allow an orderly transition from set quotas to open trading according to the WTO Agreement on Textiles and Clothing. 

The European Commission has now confirmed that all double control surveillance licensing procedures have been officially abolished with effect from 1st January 2009.

As from January 1, 2009, therefore, no import licenses are required for imports into the EU of any textiles originating in China, even if these were shipped before January 1 2009.

Importers should, however, note that documentary proof of origin will still be required for all such imports.

For further information on importing from China, you can also contact our Customer Service on 1800 535  800