EORI numbers, commodity codes, trade preferences, product safety and textile labelling: what UK and EU buyers should prepare before importing from Sialkot.
Sialkot is one of the world's best-known centres for sports goods and sportswear manufacturing, and many UK and European brands source from there. Importing goes smoothly when you prepare the paperwork and compliance points before production starts. This checklist covers the main ones. It is general guidance, not legal or customs advice, so confirm details with your customs broker or freight forwarder.
Buying in bulk? See our wholesale sports goods page for materials, customization and ordering.
1. Register for an EORI number
Businesses importing into the UK or the EU need an EORI number. UK importers register with HMRC; EU importers register with the customs authority of their member state. Get this before your goods ship.
2. Agree the commodity code for each product
Every product is classified with a commodity (HS) code, which decides the import duty rate and any rules that apply. Footballs, gloves and sportswear all fall under different codes. Agree the codes with your broker and include them on the commercial invoice.
3. Check trade preferences for Pakistan
Pakistan is a beneficiary of the UK's Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) and of the EU's GSP+ scheme. These can reduce or remove duty on eligible goods, but only when the goods meet the rules of origin and the correct proof of origin is provided. Ask your broker whether your products qualify and what origin documents your supplier must supply.
4. Product safety
Products placed on the EU market must meet the General Product Safety Regulation (EU) 2023/988, and the UK has its own product safety rules. Some products, such as children's clothing or protective equipment, have extra requirements. Decide what testing and documentation you need before production, and agree it in writing with your manufacturer.
5. Textile labelling
Sportswear sold in the EU must show its fibre composition under the Textile Regulation (EU) 1007/2011, and the UK has equivalent rules. Agree the label content, languages and care symbols with your manufacturer so labels are sewn in during production rather than added later.
6. Commercial documents
- Commercial invoice with product descriptions, codes, values and Incoterms
- Packing list with carton counts, weights and dimensions
- Bill of lading or air waybill
- Proof of origin where you claim preferential duty
7. Choose Incoterms and shipping
Incoterms such as FOB or EXW decide who pays for and controls each stage of shipping. Air freight is faster for samples and small orders; sea freight is usually more economical for large bulk orders. Agree the Incoterm in your quotation.
8. Inspect before shipment
Agree inspection points against the approved sample before goods leave the factory. Read about our quality inspection and export shipping.
Frequently asked questions
Does the manufacturer handle customs in the UK or EU?
Usually the importer, or their broker, handles import clearance. Your manufacturer supplies the export documents.
Can labels and packaging be prepared for EU sale?
Yes. Agree the content in your brief so they are produced with the goods. See custom packaging.
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