Guidance

Textiles, interior textiles and carpets: international trade regulations

Regulations for importing or exporting textiles or carpets, including special rules on textile labelling, and where to get help and advice.

• From: Department for International Trade
• Published: 1 August 2012
• Last updated: 13 June 2013 — See all updates

This guidance was withdrawn on 26 February 2019

This page has been withdrawn because it’s out of date.

Introduction

This guide explains how the textiles sector is made up, what the main drivers are, and provides statistics for textile imports and exports.

You will find information on export licences and how to research an export country, as well as how to classify your goods and find the tariffs, quotas and licences required for importing textiles.

In addition to regulations governing exports and imports of textiles, the guide provides access to a database of domestic regulations.

Find commodity codes and other measures applying to imports and exports by accessing the UK Trade Tariff .

See the guide on classifying textile apparel for help and advice.

Export regulations

Regulations, charges or other restrictions may apply to textiles exports as they leave the UK and when they arrive at their destination country. It is important that you research both sides of the transaction.

For more information, see the guides on exporting your goods from the European Union (EU) to a third country and dispatching your goods within the EU.

First, you need to classify your goods. Use of standardised classification codes makes it easier to check if any restrictions or charges apply. You can use the Integrated Tariff of the United Kingdom to classify your goods. For more information, see the guide on classification of goods.

Find commodity codes and other measures applying to imports and exports by accessing the UK Trade Tariff .

Remember that in general it is much simpler to trade with other EU countries than with those outside it. This is because the goods are in free circulation. The EU is a single market and the UK is in a customs union, so you can export to other EU countries without restriction (although some local charges may still apply).

Authorised Economic Operator status

In response to increased security requirements, HMRC has introduced a new status for businesses - Authorised Economic Operator (AEO). While the scheme is not compulsory, companies that meet the requirements of the scheme will be registered as AEOs and can take advantage of simplified customs procedures that relate to the security and safety of their goods in transit.

Export licensing and certification

An export licence is required in order to export specified goods with military or dual uses. You may require an export licence for goods with a potential military use. Learn more about the security and dual-use products that may need an export licence.

Read about strategic export controls. This includes guidance about how to determine if your goods require an export licence issued by the ECJU as well as guidance on types of licences available and other licensing considerations, such as end-use concerns.

For information on export licences, see the guide on Do I need an export licence.

You will need an export licence to dispatch or export from the UK any article of clothing or any article manufactured from textiles and textiles in the length or piece - excluding any carpet or tapestry that is over 50 years old and valued at £12,000 or more. ‘Tapestry’ for the purposes of export licensing means a fabric with a non-repetitive pattern woven in during making. The Export Licensing Unit at the Arts Council handles these applications.

Exporting goods for processing

While the UK is in the EU, you may be able to obtain relief from customs duties when you re-import European Community (EC) goods that have previously been exported from the EC for processing. Outward Processing Relief (OPR) enables you to claim relief from customs duty if you can show that the exported goods were used in - or incorporated into - the products being imported.

Before you can claim duty relief under OPR, however, you must have the appropriate authorisation.

Researching your export destination

You should thoroughly research your export destination country when planning to export.

There are a number of issues that you ought to consider. As a starting point you may wish to seek advice from Department for International Trade (DIT). Find your local international trade team.

There are also various ways that you can research a potential export destination, including trade associations.

You should also consider product safety and other technical standards in your export market. Your goods may need to be adapted to comply with these. Rules in your export market may be less or more strict than in the UK.

You can ask for information about your export destination country from a range of organisations, including:

• your local DIT trade team
• your DIT team within the commercial section of the UK embassy in your destination country
• textiles and carpet sector trade associations
• the Chambers of Commerce in your destination country

DIT is a government organisation that supports UK businesses trading internationally and overseas enterprises seeking to set up or expand in the UK. DIT has an impartial global presence in countries throughout the world and helps businesses realise their international potential through knowledge transfer and ongoing partnership support.

You should also be aware of any sanctions and embargoes which apply to your intended export destination. For more information see the guide on sanctions, embargoes and restrictions.

For restrictions in specific countries, see the guide on current arms embargoes and other restrictions.

Tariffs and duties

There is a range of import-specific regulations that must be complied with by all businesses in this sector. The key issues relate to the Tariff, duties, Intrastat and intellectual property.

Using the Integrated Tariff

A common customs tariff is applied across all EU countries on goods imported from outside the EU. Find information on customs tariffs by reading Classify imports and exports using the UK Integrated Tariff. Details of specific tariff duties and measures are contained in the Tariff.

Find commodity codes and other measures applying to imports and exports by accessing the UK Trade Tariff.

Government sources of help and information

In addition to DIT, other government bodies that provide business support in the textiles sector include:

• gov.uk - find more information about importing and exporting

Textiles sector trade associations and other bodies

Find trade associations for the textile industry on the Trade Association Forum website.

Further information

HMRC tariff classification advice service

HM Revenue and Customs tariff classification service

DIT Enquiry Line

020 7215 5000

DIT ECJU helpline

020 7215 4594

DIT International trade adviser search

Trade data access information on the uktradeinfo website

Export licensing information on the Arts Council website

Guidance on textile products labelling guidance

Trade association search on the Trade Association Forum website

Published 1 August 2012
Last updated 13 June 2013 + show all updates

1. 13 June 2013

   Fixing references to specialist guides

2. 1 August 2012

   First published.