Textiles & clothing via air freight to India

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

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 — is increasing year after 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 (on average 10–30% per product category) and documentation requirements are strict. An incorrect HS code or incomplete invoice will inevitably lead to delays. Additionally, certain products require prior registration with Indian authorities (BIS, CDSCO for medical devices).

Points of attention

• BIS registration mandatory for many electronic devices
• CDSCO approval for pharmaceuticals and medical devices
• FSSAI registration for food products
• Import license may be required depending on the type of goods
• Payment via Letter of Credit common for higher values

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.