Importing kids’ textiles into Germany and the EU from Turkey
What a German or EU retailer or online seller needs to import kids’ textiles from Turkey: the customs union and A.TR, import VAT, the GPSR economic operator, toy and textile rules, and packaging registration.
Written by the Olyo team. Updated .
Goods in free circulation in Turkey that travel with an A.TR movement certificate enter the EU without customs duties, though import VAT applies. Products need an EU economic operator under the GPSR, toys need EN 71 testing and CE marking, and sellers of packaged goods in Germany must register with LUCID.
Customs: the EU–Turkey customs union
The EU and Turkey form a customs union for industrial goods. Goods produced or in free circulation in Turkey can move into the EU without customs duties when an A.TR movement certificate proves their status. Import VAT is still due on entry. The importer needs an EU EORI number.
Selling in the EU: the economic operator
Under the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, which applies from 13 December 2024, a product sold to EU consumers needs an economic operator established in the EU who is responsible for it. If you import the goods, that is usually you. Product listings must show the product and contact information the regulation requires.
Product rules
| Topic | Applies to | What buyers ask for |
|---|---|---|
| Toy safety | Play tents, playhouses and other products for play by children under 14 | EN 71 test reports and CE marking |
| Textile labelling, Regulation (EU) 1007/2011 | Textile products | Fibre composition on the label |
| General product safety | All consumer products | An EU economic operator, product identification and safety information |
Germany: packaging registration
Under Germany’s Packaging Act, businesses that sell packaged goods to consumers in Germany must register in the LUCID packaging register run by the Zentrale Stelle Verpackungsregister, and usually join a dual system for the packaging they put on the market. Marketplaces such as Amazon ask sellers for their LUCID number.
How we work with you
We supply commercial invoices and packing lists and share the documentation we hold for each product. Tell us you need an A.TR movement certificate and we confirm the export documents with your quotation. More detail is in our guide to EU documentation.
This guide is a practical overview, not legal or customs advice. Rules depend on the exact product and its customs code and they change, so confirm the current position with the official sources below, your customs broker or a compliance adviser.
Questions
Do I pay customs duty on kids’ textiles from Turkey?
Industrial goods in free circulation in Turkey that travel with an A.TR movement certificate can enter the EU without customs duties. Import VAT still applies. Your customs broker confirms the position for your products.
Who is the EU responsible person for products I import?
Under the GPSR, the economic operator responsible for a product must be established in the EU. When you import products and sell them, that is usually you, or someone you appoint.
