Germany imports EUR 3.8 billion in Turkish apparel annually. Key requirements: REACH compliance, German LkSG Supply Chain Act due diligence, EORI registration, EU CE/CPSC labeling. Most popular categories: knitwear, modest fashion, denim.
- Imports
- EUR 3.8 billion/yr
- Top categories
- Knit, modest, denim
- Customs
- EU Union, zero tariff
- Labels
- German+English
Market size and demand
Germany is Turkey’s #1 export destination at EUR 3.8 billion annually. German retailers source heavily from Bagcilar denim, Bursa knit and Merter modest fashion. Top channels: department stores (P&C, Galeria), online retailers (Zalando, About You), DTC brands.
Mid-market and premium price points dominate. German consumers value quality, durability and certification badges (GOTS, OEKO-TEX) more than fast-fashion novelty.
Customs and import procedures
EU Customs Union zero tariff applies under Turkey-EU FTA. EORI registration needed for German importer. Import duties: 0%. VAT: 19% on landed value. Customs brokers route through Hamburg, Bremerhaven or land borders.
Common HS codes for apparel: 6109 (T-shirts), 6110 (knit jumpers), 6203 (men woven), 6204 (women woven), 6109-6117 (knit categories).
LkSG compliance (Supply Chain Act)
Germany’s Supply Chain Due Diligence Act (LkSG) requires importers above 1,000 employees to conduct due diligence on suppliers. From 2026, also applies to 3,000+ employee threshold.
Turkish suppliers should hold current BSCI A/B or SMETA 4-pillar reports and provide chain-of-custody documentation for materials.
Labeling and language
Care labels must include German language symbols and care instructions. EU REACH compliance for chemicals. Made-in-Turkey is acceptable; some retailers require fabric origin too.
Sizes: EU sizing (32-58 women, S-XXL men). Many German retailers also require waist-inseam denim sizing.
Logistics to Germany
Road freight via Kapikule to Hamburg/Munich/Berlin: 5-9 days. Sea via Ambarli to Hamburg: 9-12 days. Most retailers prefer road for replenishment, sea for seasonal volumes.
Common German DCs: Hamburg (port), Frankfurt (central), Munich (south). Many Turkish forwarders have dedicated Germany lanes.
Cultural and commercial norms
German buyers value precision, written contracts, on-time delivery and consistent quality. Verbal commitments carry less weight than written PIs. Trust builds over 2-3 successful seasons.
Trade fairs Frankfurt Premium and Munich ISPO are key entry points for new Turkish suppliers. German importers visit Istanbul textile fair (Premiere Vision Istanbul) and IF Wedding Fashion Izmir.