Textiles & Clothing by Air Freight to India

Textiles & Fashion by Air Freight: When and Why

Most textiles and clothing are shipped by sea — ocean 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 launch date is non-negotiable, part of the order ships by air
• Fast fashion restocking — Fashion companies quickly reorder from suppliers in Bangladesh or Vietnam based on sales data
• High-end or luxury fashion — Where the value per kilogram justifies air freight rates
• Sample shipments — Prototypes and samples for showrooms or photography — speed is essential

Exporting to India

India is one of the most complex yet promising destinations for air freight. The country is growing rapidly, and the demand for specialized European products — machinery, pharmaceuticals, medical equipment, and high-tech components — increases year over year. Schiphol offers direct cargo flights to Mumbai (BOM), Delhi (DEL), and Bangalore (BLR).

Indian Customs — Be Well Prepared

India is known for its complex customs procedures. Import duties are high (averaging 10–30% per product category), and documentation requirements are strict. Incorrect HS codes or incomplete invoices are guaranteed to cause delays. Additionally, certain products require prior registration with Indian authorities (BIS, CDSCO for medical products).

Key Points

• BIS registration is mandatory for many electronic devices
• CDSCO approval for pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• FSSAI registration for food products
• Import licenses may be required depending on the type of goods
• Payment by Letter of Credit is common for higher-value shipments

Key Points for Textiles & Clothing

Origin Documentation

Textiles have strict origin rules for tariff preferences. The 'double transformation rule' states textiles acquire EU origin only if both weaving and garment manufacturing occurred in the EU. Incorrect origin declarations can lead to back payments. Aircargo.nl verifies origin on all textile shipments.

Seasonality

Fashion cargo is highly seasonal. Q4 (October–December) and Q1 (January–March) are peak periods. Plan air freight well in advance — capacity on Asia routes is scarce and expensive during peak seasons.