Garments & apparel · India → Netherlands
Garment Sourcing from India for Dutch Brands and Importers
Dutch fashion brands, importers and online retailers source knitwear, wovens and workwear from India, often shipping through Rotterdam to the wider EU.
The Netherlands has had textile EPR since 2023. Rules and sources are below.
Last reviewed: 28 October 2026
Garment buyers we support in the Netherlands
Dutch buyers often supply several EU markets, so labels may need several languages and EPR registration in each country.
Garment import rules to check for Netherlands
| Rule | What it means | Status | Official source |
|---|---|---|---|
| EU duty status | The EU–India FTA was concluded on 27 Jan 2026 but is not in force. GSP preferences for Indian textiles and clothing (section S-11a) are suspended for 2026–2028, so standard duty applies. | Checked | eur-lex.europa.eu |
| Textile fibre labelling | Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 sets fibre names and composition labelling, in the language of the country of sale. | Checked | eur-lex.europa.eu |
| REACH restricted substances | Annex XVII limits azo dyes, nickel, certain phthalates and other substances in textiles and trims. | Checked | eur-lex.europa.eu |
| General Product Safety Regulation | Consumer garments need an EU-based responsible economic operator and traceability information. | Checked | eur-lex.europa.eu |
| Ban on destroying unsold apparel | Large companies may not destroy unsold clothing and footwear from 19 July 2026 (Ecodesign Regulation 2024/1781). | Checked | environment.ec.europa.eu |
| Dutch textile EPR | Since 1 July 2023 producers and importers of clothing must join a scheme such as Stichting UPV Textiel or report to Rijkswaterstaat. | Checked | english.ilent.nl |
| Forced Labour Regulation | Products made with forced labour are banned from the EU market from 14 Dec 2027. | Checked | eur-lex.europa.eu |
General information checked on the date shown. It is not legal, customs or tax advice. Confirm your tariff code and product requirements with your customs broker or the official source before you order.
Labels, testing and documents
- Labels
- Dutch and other EU languages as needed.
- EPR data
- Weights of textiles placed on the market.
- Chemicals
- REACH test reports.
Shipment and order planning
Rotterdam is the main entry port and many buyers use bonded warehouses for EU distribution.
Garment sourcing guides
Netherlands garment buyer questions
Do I need to register for textile EPR in the Netherlands?
Yes, if you place clothing on the Dutch market as producer or importer. Foreign remote sellers need an authorised representative.
Can goods for other EU countries clear in Rotterdam?
Yes. Customs clearance in one member state releases goods for free circulation in the EU.
How do you check garment quality before shipment?
We run in-line and final AQL inspections against the sealed sample and arrange REACH or customer-specific lab tests through accredited labs when required.
Other destination markets
Submit your product requirements
Source garments from India for Netherlands
Share a photo, reference product or tech pack. We will identify suitable verified manufacturers and explain the next steps — no obligation.
- Phone & WhatsApp
- +91 93684 37527