Past iadvisory Questions and Answers: Exporting to the EU

Learn how you can send clothes samples to countries in the European Union, and considerations when trading with the UK.

I am a fashion designer and would like to send samples of my clothes collection, created by myself to a workshop in France, and subsequently, the European Union (EU). I understand that unless the clothes are "marked or mutilated samples", it must be accompanied by a Certificate of Origin.

May I know what qualifies as a "marked or mutilated sample" for EU/France?

Textile samples must be marked or mutilated in a way that ensures the use only as a sample. This will allow samples to be imported without a Certificate of Origin / Import License. The shipment must include only the number of samples necessary for the purpose of testing. The shipper must write "marked/mutilated samples with no commercial value" on all export documentation.

Generally, markings are done in indelible ink with the word "sample" written boldly across the sample piece whilst mutilating means cutting a hole in the sample piece to be large enough such that it cannot be 'patched' for subsequent use.

UK Trade Requirements by UPS:

Singapore companies looking to export to the UK should take note of the following:

• The European community has an anti-dumping import duty on certain footwear with leather originating from or manufactured in China and Vietnam. Providing detailed information about the shoes is mandatory for the exporter. An example would be to include what kind of leather was used and who (children, women, men, etc.) will be the target wearers.

• UK Customs may require an import license for textile shipments from certain countries, especially China, depending on the harmonised tariff code. The importer must obtain the import license from the Dept for Business Enterprise and Regulatory Reform (DBEER). The requirement of an import license is dependent on the country of origin of the goods not the country of export. An export license from the shipper is also required.

• When exporting software to the UK, the invoice must list the value of the blank media separately from the value of the data or software.

• The invoice for machinery parts must include a description of the part, the machine for which the part will be used, and a list of the part's components. If parts are sent for ships or aircraft in transit, the invoice should indicate "goods in transit".

Read full article here.

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