EU baby textile import: customs, REACH & labelling

Required import documents

For each textile batch Madagascar → EU, prepare:

• Commercial invoice with value, HS code, incoterm
• Packing list in detail
• Certificate of origin EUR.1 or Form A (for GSP+)
• Bill of Lading or AWB (air)
• Certifications GOTS/OEKO-TEX if claimed
• Product sheet with fibre composition, care, size

A local customs broker (forwarder) handles the SAD declaration. Count 24-72h for standard clearance.

Customs duties & GSP+ regime

Madagascar is eligible to the EU Generalised System of Preferences Plus (GSP+) which reduces textile duties to 0% for most HS 61-62 positions (finished garments).

Condition: the Form A (or EUR.1 per agreement) certificate must accompany each shipment and confirm Madagascar origin (double transformation rule for textile).

Without it, you pay the standard duty (~12%). A direct impact on your landed cost.

REACH & restricted substances

The REACH regulation (n° 1907/2006) and its annex XVII restrict over 60 substances in textiles:

• Azo dyes carcinogenic (limit < 30 mg/kg)
• Formaldehyde (< 30 ppm for baby clothing < 3 years)
• Heavy metals (lead, cadmium, nickel)
• PFAS and brominated flame retardants
• Nonylphenol ethoxylates

For baby layette, require from your manufacturer an SGS or Bureau Veritas REACH-compliant test before every first order. Brands certified GOTS or OEKO-TEX are compliant by construction.

EU textile labelling

Regulation 1007/2011 requires on each piece:

• Fibre composition as percentage (± 3% tolerance) in country language
• Made in with manufacturing country (Madagascar)
• Care symbols ISO 3758 (5 pictos)
• Size in cm or standard size (EN 13402)
• Name/address of EU importer

For layette < 36 months, add EN 14682 compliance (no drawstrings) on the internal compliance label.

Customs & market surveillance

Two control levels:

1. At import — customs can sample for REACH testing (at your cost). No import until compliant result.
2. On the market — DGCCRF (France) or equivalent controls in stores. A non-compliant product triggers recall + fine (up to €300,000) + criminal risk.

Secure yourself: ask your manufacturer for test reports dated from the same batch as your production, not old generic tests.

Layette import checklist

Before every layette order:

• GOTS or OEKO-TEX certified manufacturer verified
• REACH test for the specific batch (< 6 months)
• Form A / EUR.1 certificate confirmed at departure
• Labels compliant 1007/2011 in target language validated
• EN 14682 compliance label integrated
• EU forwarder appointed with EORI number
• Transport insurance (ICC A) in place

LOI Confection systematically delivers these documents for any EU-bound order. Contact us for an import process audit.