Importing cotton knit hosiery from India to Germany
A practical guide for Germany brands sourcing cotton knit hosiery from India — landed economics, duty access, freight transit and the government incentives that make Indian pricing 16% sharper than China.
Duty & market access into Germany
Goods clear under the EU Common Customs Tariff at modest MFN rates, with none of the Section-301-style penalties levied on China. The EU–India FTA under active negotiation is expected to reduce duties further.
Getting it there
Shipments typically move FCL or LCL from Mundra or Nhava Sheva to Hamburg, Bremerhaven in 18–24 days by sea, or 3–6 days by air for samples and urgent top-ups. We manage freight booking, customs documentation and the certificate of origin end-to-end, so the goods clear cleanly on arrival.
Customs tip: Obtain an EU EORI number, apply CE marking where required, and use the IOSS scheme for low-value B2C consignments to simplify VAT.
Why India lands cheaper
Under RoDTEP, the Government of India refunds embedded duties worth 2.4% of FOB on cotton knit hosiery — a saving Indian factories pass into their quote. Combined with no Section-301 tariff exposure, that is most of why landed cost into Germany runs 16% below China.
Buyer FAQ
Importing cotton knit hosiery to Germany — FAQs
- Goods clear under the EU Common Customs Tariff at modest MFN rates, with none of the Section-301-style penalties levied on China. The EU–India FTA under active negotiation is expected to reduce duties further.
- Ocean freight runs about 18–24 days from Mundra or Nhava Sheva to Hamburg, Bremerhaven, plus 3–6 days by air for samples and urgent top-ups.
- Yes — EU Common Customs Tariff (EU–India FTA in negotiation). We issue the matching certificate of origin so you can claim any preferential duty you qualify for.
- MOQs start around 1,000 units at an indicative FOB of $0.40–$2.50 per pair — roughly 16% below comparable China landed cost into Germany.
Import cotton knit hosiery from India to Germany, fully managed.
We handle sourcing, QC, freight and documentation end-to-end. You stay focused on growing the brand.