Is there a de minimis threshold for EU apparel imports?

The EU's duty de minimis is EUR 150. Below that, no duty is charged. But VAT applies from EUR 0 since July 2021 (IOSS system). So small DTC shipments skip duty but still pay VAT.

Do EU GSP countries get lower apparel tariffs?

Yes. GSP beneficiary countries get reduced tariffs (typically 9.6% instead of 12%). GSP+ countries (like Pakistan, Sri Lanka) may get 0%. Check the EU's GSP regulation for your origin country.

EU Import Duty on Apparel — MFN Rates for Clothing & Textiles (2026)

The EU charges a flat 12% ad valorem duty on most imported apparel, whether knitted (Chapter 61) or woven (Chapter 62). Unlike the US, where cotton and synthetic rates differ by 15+ points, the EU keeps it simple. But 'simple' doesn't mean cheap. 12% on top of VAT (21% average) means your landed cost in Europe is ~35% above FOB before you add freight.

Calculate your import duty

Describe your product. Get HS code + duty rates for US, EU, UK, Canada, Brazil, Mexico in seconds.

Try:

EU apparel duty rates by HS code

All rates are MFN (Most Favoured Nation) applied rates from the EU Common Customs Tariff. These apply to imports from any country without a preferential trade agreement.

6109.10 — T-shirts, cotton, knitted: 12%
6109.90 — T-shirts, man-made fibre, knitted: 12%
6110.20 — Sweaters/pullovers, cotton: 12%
6110.30 — Sweaters/pullovers, man-made fibre: 12%
6203.42 — Men's trousers, cotton: 12%
6203.43 — Men's trousers, synthetic: 12%
6204.62 — Women's trousers, cotton: 12%
6205.20 — Men's shirts, cotton: 12%
6302.21 — Bed linen, cotton, printed: 12%
6403.19 — Sports footwear, leather upper: 8%
6404.11 — Sports footwear, textile upper: 16.5%

EU vs US vs UK — apparel duty comparison

The EU's flat 12% looks moderate until you compare it to specific US rates. US cotton t-shirts are 16.5%, but US synthetic t-shirts are 32%. If you sell polyester apparel, the EU is actually cheaper to import into than the US.

UK post-Brexit rates mirror the EU at 10-12% for most apparel. Canada is the outlier at 17-18% MFN, the highest among developed countries.

How to reduce EU apparel duty

The EU has preferential trade agreements with many manufacturing countries. Bangladesh gets Everything But Arms (EBA) duty-free access. Vietnam gets reduced rates under the EU-Vietnam FTA (EVFTA). Turkey has a customs union for most goods including textiles.

Rules of origin matter. The fabric must typically be manufactured in the beneficiary country (not just cut-and-sewn) to qualify for preferential rates. Double transformation rule: yarn to fabric to garment.

VAT on top of duty

EU customs value = CIF (cost + insurance + freight). Duty is calculated on CIF. Then VAT is calculated on (CIF + duty). So if your CIF is EUR 10 and duty is 12% (EUR 1.20), VAT at 21% is applied to EUR 11.20 = EUR 2.35. Total import cost: EUR 13.55, or 35.5% above CIF.

VAT rates vary by member state: Germany 19%, France 20%, Italy 22%, Hungary 27%. The calculator uses 21% as the EU-weighted average.

Frequently asked questions

Is there a de minimis threshold for EU apparel imports?: The EU's duty de minimis is EUR 150. Below that, no duty is charged. But VAT applies from EUR 0 since July 2021 (IOSS system). So small DTC shipments skip duty but still pay VAT.
Do EU GSP countries get lower apparel tariffs?: Yes. GSP beneficiary countries get reduced tariffs (typically 9.6% instead of 12%). GSP+ countries (like Pakistan, Sri Lanka) may get 0%. Check the EU's GSP regulation for your origin country.

Clothing HS CodeFind HS codes for clothing imports. Knitted apparel (Chapter 61) vs woven (Chapter 62). Cotton vs synthetic rates differ by 15+ percentage points. Full guide.
Import Duty CalculatorCalculate import duty for any product. AI finds the HS code, we show rates for US, EU, UK, Canada, Brazil. Free, instant, no signup needed.
US Tariff CalculatorCalculate US import duty for any product. AI picks the HS code, we apply the current HTSUS rate plus Section 301 tariffs. Get a landed-cost estimate in seconds.