Importing Textiles & clothing from China
Specialized 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
- machinery
- 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 business days — including pickup, customs clearance, and delivery within the Netherlands. This makes air freight ideal for urgent replenishment, high-value products, or goods with limited shelf life.
Customs on Imports from China
EU import duties apply when importing from China (depending on the type of goods, generally 3.5–12%). For certain product categories — including solar panels, steel, and e-bikes — anti-dumping duties are in effect. Aircargo.nl handles full customs clearance and calculates expected import costs upfront so you won’t face surprises.
Popular Goods from China
- Electronics and components (PCBs, displays, batteries)
- Machinery 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.
Import {[|]} Textiles & clothing from China?
Request a customized quote for importing Textiles & clothing from China. We respond on average within 4 hours.
How We Import Textiles & clothing from China
Quote & Coordination
Pickup & Export in China
Arrival at Schiphol & Clearance
Delivery in the Netherlands
Frequently Asked Questions — Textiles & clothing from China
What IATA requirements apply for importing Textiles & clothing?
Our local agent handles 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 it cost to import Textiles & clothing from China?
The total cost includes air freight rates, handling, clearance, and any import duties/VAT. For Textiles & clothing (typically 50–5000 kg), we quote upfront so there are no surprises. Request a quote.
How long does importing by air freight from China take?
Flight time from China to Schiphol is about 10.5 hours. Including pickup in China, flight, clearance, and delivery, the turnaround time averages 3–5 business days.
What documents are required for importing Textiles & clothing?
For import, a commercial invoice, packing list, and Air Waybill are mandatory. For Textiles & clothing, Commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin (for tariff preferences), AWB; textile certificate for specific destinations are also required. Imports from outside the EU are subject to import duties and VAT, depending on the HS code.
Is Textiles & clothing delivered to your home after clearance?
Yes. After clearance at Schiphol, we handle delivery throughout the Netherlands and the Benelux. You can also pick up yourself at our warehouse in Aalsmeer.
Import {[|]} Textiles & clothing from China?
Request a customized quote for importing Textiles & clothing from China. We respond on average within 4 hours.