Textile and Fabric Import to Turkey and Apparel Logistics: A Guide

Importing fabrics, yarn and trims is manageable even for a small workshop or a brand-new label, as long as you plan the season, the duties and the paperwork in advance. This page covers sourcing countries, the steps of your first order, textile-specific duties and inspections, inward processing for exporters and road transport of garments to Europe.

Where textiles are imported from

The sourcing country depends on the product:

China: synthetic and blended fabrics, knitted fabrics and trims such as zips, buttons, labels and packaging. By sea, usually LCL or FCL.
India and Pakistan: cotton fabrics and yarn, home textiles. By sea from ports such as Nhava Sheva (Mumbai) and Karachi.
Bangladesh: cotton fabrics and finished goods, by sea via Chittagong.
Uzbekistan and Central Asia: cotton yarn, by road or combined transport.
Europe (Italy, Germany, etc.): high-value fabrics and trims, by road as groupage.

If you are just starting, LCL (less than container load) is the sensible choice for samples and first batches: a few pallets of fabric rolls do not need a full container, and you pay only for the volume you use. Air freight or express courier suits sample yardage and urgent trims.

Your first import, step by step

Define the product technically. Fibre content (e.g. 65% polyester, 35% cotton), knitted or woven, weight and width determine the tariff code (GTİP). Textile duties and measures are very sensitive to these details.
Calculate cost by tariff code and origin. Work out customs duty, additional customs duty and any anti-dumping duty with your customs broker. The same fabric can cost very differently depending on where it is made.
Approve samples. Check colour, hand feel and shrinkage on samples and give written approval before bulk production.
Choose your Incoterms. Buying FOB lets you control the transport. Our Incoterms selector helps you decide.
Set the loading date by season. Build a backwards timeline covering production, sea transit and clearance.
Get the documents right. Commercial invoice (with fibre content and metres/kg), packing list (roll numbers, yardage, weight), bill of lading and certificate of origin.
Clearance and delivery. Once inspections and duties are done, the fabric is delivered to your workshop or warehouse.

Regulations and permits

The information below reflects the situation as of October 2026. Textiles are among the sectors with the most trade policy measures in Turkey, and rates change often, so confirm with your broker before ordering.

Additional customs duty (İGV)

Many yarns, fabrics and garments from countries without a free trade agreement with Turkey carry an additional customs duty on top of the standard duty. Rates depend on the tariff code and origin and are updated regularly; for example, a decision published in the Official Gazette of 31 December 2025 changed the rates for several textile items. When choosing a supplier country, look at the origin-related duty burden as well as the product price.

Anti-dumping and surveillance

Some products, such as polyester yarns and fabrics woven from synthetic filament yarn, are subject to anti-dumping measures on imports from China and several other Asian countries, and these measures are reviewed periodically. For some products, a surveillance certificate may be required when the declared unit value falls below a set threshold. Which measure applies is determined by tariff code and origin.

Product safety inspection and labelling

Some textile, apparel and leather products may be inspected on import for chemicals harmful to health under the Ministry of Trade’s annual product safety communiqués, with applications made through TAREKS. Textile products placed on the Turkish market must carry a Turkish label showing fibre composition.

Inward processing (DİR)

If you export, import duties on fabric or yarn can be suspended or secured under the inward processing regime (Dahilde İşleme Rejimi), provided the material is processed and re-exported. This requires an inward processing authorisation from the Ministry of Trade. A dedicated circular for textiles and apparel sets rules such as capacity reports, limits on a first application relative to capacity, and authorisation periods. DİR gives exporting garment makers a real cost advantage, but failing to meet the export commitment carries penalties. Assess your eligibility with an adviser.

Transport and packaging tips

Protect the rolls: wrap fabric rolls in polyethylene, protect the ends and number every roll.
Moisture is the biggest risk: condensation inside a container can stain fabric or cause mould. Ask for desiccants and avoid wet pallets.
Detailed packing list: roll number, colour, yardage and weight make counting and shortage checks easy on delivery.
Pack trims separately: send zips, buttons and labels in separate, labelled cartons so they do not get lost among the rolls and are easy to count.
Bulky but light: textiles are usually charged by volume. Share full carton and roll dimensions at the quote stage to estimate freight accurately.

Season timing

In China, factories close for long periods around Chinese New Year (January–February) and the holiday week in early October; in Bangladesh and Pakistan, religious holidays slow production. Order fabric for spring-summer and autumn-winter collections several months ahead, allowing for these closures and sea transit time.

Common mistakes

Missing or incorrect fibre content on the invoice, leading to the wrong tariff code and duty differences.
Looking only at unit price and ignoring origin-related additional duty and anti-dumping costs.
Ordering too close to the season and receiving fabric late for the collection.
Moving to bulk production without sample approval.
Selling fabric imported under DİR on the domestic market, which carries serious penalties.

Exporting apparel to Europe

Turkey is one of Europe’s key apparel suppliers. According to exporters’ association registration data, Turkey’s apparel and ready-made clothing exports were around USD 16.8 billion in 2025; roughly 60% went to the EU, and Germany was the largest market. Road transport leads for apparel bound for Europe, as short transit times suit quick in-season replenishment. Jackets, suits and similar items can travel in vehicles fitted for hanging garments, arriving crease-free and ready for the shop floor. Groupage works for small batches and full trucks for larger orders.

How Medius helps in this sector

Medius is a boutique freight forwarder based in Istanbul. If you are starting with small shipments, you are in the right place: we stay with you step by step through your first fabric or trims import.

We plan LCL and FCL shipments from China, India, Bangladesh and Pakistan (sea freight).
We organise groupage, full truck and hanging garment transport to Europe (road freight).
We coordinate documents, duties and inspections together with your customs broker (customs clearance coordination).
We offer logistics consulting on choosing sourcing countries and transport modes.

Frequently asked questions

Does importing a small quantity of fabric make sense?

Yes. With LCL you can bring in a few pallets of fabric economically; for sample yardage, air freight or express courier is more practical.

Why does fabric from China cost more than I expected?

Textiles may carry origin-related additional customs duty and, for some products, anti-dumping duty. Have the total landed cost calculated by tariff code before ordering.

Who can use inward processing?

Generally, manufacturers and foreign trade companies that process imported inputs and export the result. Special rules apply to textiles and apparel, so check your eligibility with an adviser.

What is hanging garment transport?

Garments travel on rails inside the vehicle instead of folded in cartons. They arrive without creases, reducing the need for pressing and repacking.

Planning new-season fabric or your first apparel shipment to Europe? Share your cargo details and we will find the right solution together: request a quote.