Textiles & clothing importing from China
Professional transport of Textiles & clothing from China to the Netherlands. IATA category general, flight time approximately 10.5 hours to Schiphol.
Textiles & clothing
Specifications & requirements
- Stackable
- Commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin (for tariff preferences), AWB
- textile certificate for specific destinations
- fashion retailers
- fast fashion brands
- luxury fashion importers
- sample couriers for designers
Textiles & fashion by air freight: when and why
Textiles and clothing mostly ship by sea — sea freight is cheaper and volumes are large. But there are specific situations where air freight is unavoidable or smart:
- Seasonal pressure — If the new collection arrives late from the manufacturer in Asia and the store introduction date is fixed, part of the order goes by air
- Fast fashion replenishment — Fashion companies quickly reorder from suppliers in Bangladesh or Vietnam based on sales data
- High-end or luxury fashion — Where the value per kg is high enough to justify air freight rates
- Sample shipments — Prototypes and samples for showroom or photography — speed is essential
China
China · Asia
- electronics
- machines
- textiles
- toys
- pharmaceuticals
Importing from China
China is by far the largest exporter to Europe. Most Dutch importers receive shipments from China weekly or even daily — ranging from consumer electronics and machine parts to clothing, toys, and semi-finished products.
Air Freight vs. Sea Freight
Sea freight from China takes 25–35 days. Air freight via Schiphol takes 2–4 working days — including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery in the Netherlands. This makes air freight ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value products, or goods with limited shelf life.
Customs for Imports from China
When importing from China, EU import duties apply (depending on the product type, usually 3.5–12%). For certain product categories — including solar panels, steel, and e-bikes — anti-dumping duties are in effect. Aircargo.nl handles the full customs clearance and calculates expected import costs in advance so you avoid surprises.
Most Requested Goods from China
- Electronics and components (PCBs, displays, batteries)
- Machines and precision parts
- Textiles and fashion (with seasonal peaks)
- Pharmaceutical raw materials (APIs)
Points of attention for textiles & clothing
Origin documentation
Textiles have strict origin rules for tariff preferences. The 'double transformation rule' specifies that textiles gain EU origin only if both weaving and confection take place in the EU. Incorrect origin leads to additional charges. Aircargo.nl checks the origin for all textile shipments.
Seasonality
Fashion cargo is highly seasonal. Q4 (October–December) and Q1 (January–March) are peak seasons. Plan air freight in time — during peak periods, capacity on Asia routes is limited and expensive.
Textiles & clothing importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Textiles & clothing from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.
The import process for Textiles & clothing from China
Quote & coordination
Pickup & export in China
Arrival Schiphol & clearance
Delivery within the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Textiles & clothing from China
What IATA requirements apply for importing Textiles & clothing?
Our local agent provides export documentation according to IATA category general. Upon arrival at Schiphol, our AEO-certified customs department clears the shipment. You will receive copies of all relevant documents.
What does import of Textiles & clothing from China cost?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and possible import duties/VAT. For Textiles & clothing (typically 50–5000 kg) we calculate this upfront so you face no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does import by air freight from China take?
Flight time China → Schiphol is approximately 10.5 hours. Including pickup in China, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 working days.
What documents are needed for importing Textiles & clothing?
For import, commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Textiles & clothing additional Commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin (for tariff preferences), AWB; textile certificate for specific destinations apply. Imports from countries outside the EU incur import duties and VAT — depending on the HS code.
Is Textiles & clothing delivered to your home after clearance?
Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we deliver throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.
Textiles & clothing importing from China?
Receive a tailored quote for import of Textiles & clothing from China. We reply on average within 4 hours.