Since the UK left the EU single market and customs union, moving clothing between the UK and EU is no longer frictionless. Fashion brands on both sides now deal with customs declarations, rules-of-origin paperwork, and potential duties. This guide lays out the practical sourcing realities — no politics, just the mechanics.
Rules of Origin: The Duty Question
Under the UK-EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, apparel moves tariff-free only if it qualifies as originating — generally meaning it was substantially manufactured in the UK or EU from qualifying materials. Garments sewn in the UK from non-UK/EU fabric often fail origin rules, attracting full MFN duty (typically around 12% for clothing) when entering the EU, and vice versa. Check origin before assuming zero duty.
Customs, EORI, and Paperwork
Every UK-EU shipment now needs a customs declaration, an EORI number, commodity codes, and a statement on origin. Commercial invoices must be precise — vague descriptions trigger inspections and delays. Many brands outsource this to a customs broker or freight forwarder; the cost per shipment is modest, but the administrative load is permanent.
How Brands Adapted
Common responses include: holding stock on both sides of the border (UK and EU 3PL warehouses) to keep deliveries fast; restructuring returns flows, since customer returns now cross a customs border too; reviewing Incoterms so duty responsibility is clear; and for some, shifting production into the market they serve most. Lead times grew by days, not months — but the friction is structural, not temporary.
FAQs
- Do I pay duty on UK-made clothing shipped to the EU?
- Only if it meets rules of origin under the UK-EU TCA. UK-sewn garments from non-originating fabric generally do not qualify and face standard third-country duty rates.
- What is an EORI number?
- An Economic Operators Registration and Identification number, required to move goods into or out of the UK and EU. UK and EU EORI numbers are separate; you may need both.
- Are returns from EU customers to a UK brand a customs issue?
- Yes. Returned goods crossing the UK-EU border are subject to customs formalities; many brands use returned-goods relief procedures or local returns hubs to manage this.
- Has Brexit affected lead times?
- Yes, typically adding several days for customs clearance, plus time to prepare documentation. Brands that pre-lodge declarations and use trusted-trader schemes minimize the impact.
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