How to import clothing and footwear into Spain?

Table of Contents

1. Before buying: what should you take into account?
   • Correctly identified product
   • Real and traceable supplier
2. Correct tariff classification
   • Common classifications
3. Mandatory labelling
   • Clothing (textiles)
   • Footwear
4. What is SOIVRE control and when does it apply?
   • When is it triggered?
   • Purpose of SOIVRE
5. Essential documentation for importing clothing and footwear
6. Most common mistakes when importing clothing and footwear
7. How to import clothing and footwear without problems (professional method)
8. Do you want to import clothing or footwear without risk?

Importing clothing and footwear into Spain is a real opportunity for companies and entrepreneurs, but it is also one of the sectors most closely monitored by Customs and SOIVRE.

The most common mistakes we detect once the goods have already arrived are: incorrect labelling, incorrect tariff classification, incomplete documentation or errors regarding origin. All of this causes blockages, inspections, additional costs and delays.

1. Before buying: what should you take into account?

Control begins at origin and with the supplier.  Before closing the purchase, key aspects must be addressed.

✔ Correctly identified product

• Is it clothing (textiles) or footwear?
• What is the main material? (cotton, polyester, leather, synthetic material, etc.)
• What is its intended use? (adult, children’s, workwear, fashion)

➟ Incorrect identification blocks customs clearance.

✔ Real and traceable supplier

Real country of origin (not to be confused with the country of dispatch).  On many occasions, origin is confused with provenance, which causes significant incidents.

Complete commercial invoice

Verifiable tax details

2. Correct tariff classification

The tariff heading (TARIC) determines:

• The customs duty
• Whether there is SOIVRE control
• The applicable European regulations

Common classifications

• Clothing: Chapters 61 and 62
• Footwear: Chapter 64

➟ A single incorrectly classified digit can lead to regularisation, penalties or the goods being stopped. Classification must be carried out before the purchase, not when the container is already at the port.

3. Mandatory labelling  

Labelling cannot be easily corrected at Customs. If it is wrong, the problem already exists. This is one of the main reasons for rejection.

✔ Clothing (textiles)

It must obligatorily indicate:

• Textile fibre composition, as a percentage
• Information in Spanish
• A label sewn in or permanently attached

The following are not valid:

• Labels only in English
• Technical abbreviations
• Loose labels inside the packaging

✔ Footwear

It must indicate:

• The material of the upper
• The material of the lining and insole
• The material of the sole
• Using pictograms or text

For footwear, the control may be carried out piece by piece, not only on samples.

4. What is SOIVRE control and when does it apply?

SOIVRE control is an official inspection that verifies that imported products comply with European safety, labelling and conformity regulations before customs clearance and sale.

When is it triggered?

During import customs clearance, when:

• The tariff heading is subject to control
• There are doubts about the labelling, materials or product safety

The control may be:

• Documentary
• Physical
• With sampling

Purpose of SOIVRE

• Protect the end consumer
• Guarantee correct labelling
• Prevent non-compliant products from entering the EU

➟ SOIVRE does not correct mistakes. If the product does not comply, the goods may be blocked, rejected or require re-export, with the cost borne by the importer.

For this reason, it is essential to anticipate SOIVRE control in order to avoid weeks of blockage and extra costs.

5. Essential documentation for importing clothing and footwear

Correct customs clearance requires:

• A consistent and complete commercial invoice
• A detailed packing list
• Bill of lading (BL or AWB)
• Certificate of origin (if applicable)
• Labelling compliant with EU regulations
• Real and justifiable customs value

Undervaluation is one of the main reasons for inspection.

6. Most common mistakes when importing clothing and footwear

• Labels only in English
• Incorrect textile composition
• “Approximate” tariff heading
• Incorrectly declared origin
• Invoices inconsistent with the real value
• Trying to “fix it at Customs”

7. How to import clothing and footwear without problems (professional method)

1. Preparation for SOIVRE control (if applicable)
2. Prior product analysis
3. Correct tariff classification
4. Labelling review
5. Document validation

Do you want to import clothing or footwear without risk?

At Omnia Aduanas, we work:

• As preventive inspectors
• Anticipating the criteria of Customs and SOIVRE
• Avoiding blockages, costs and penalties

Contact us before importing and we will review your operation before the problem arises.

➟ Importing properly is not a matter of luck.

➟ It is method, experience and control.