Labelling for the UK
UK textile labelling law requires the fibre composition to be shown by percentage, in English, using the standard fibre names. The label must be durable and attached to the garment. Unlike the United States, care instructions are not legally required in the UK, but every serious retailer expects them and most buyers will reject goods without them, so treat care labelling as mandatory in practice.
Country of origin marking is not generally required on garments sold in the UK, but it is required on the customs paperwork, and many brands include it on the label anyway for transparency.
Duty and VAT
Two separate charges apply when apparel enters the UK: customs duty, which depends on the commodity code for your specific garment, and import VAT, charged on the value of the goods including duty and freight. VAT-registered businesses can normally reclaim import VAT, so the real cost to your business is usually the duty, not both. Check your product's commodity code on the UK Trade Tariff and confirm the treatment with your accountant.
Because VAT is charged on duty and freight as well as goods, a DDP quote and an FOB quote can look very different. Add your own landed costs to an FOB price before comparing; the cost calculator does this.
Shipping from Sialkot to the UK
Air courier for samples and urgent stock; sea freight to a UK port for bulk. Many brands importing from Pakistan use a UK customs broker to handle entry, which is worth arranging before the first shipment rather than when the goods arrive.
UK sizing
UK women's numeric sizes run four numbers above US sizes: a US 8 is a UK 12. Men's tops are commonly sold by chest measurement in inches, the same as the US. If you sell into both the UK and continental Europe, print both systems on the size label. The size converter shows the full table.
What we need from you
Label artwork with fibre composition, your care instructions, your size chart and the Incoterm you want. We produce and attach the labels. Responsibility for the accuracy of composition and care claims sits with you as the brand owner.
Cartons labelled and packed for export from Sialkot
Questions buyers ask
Is a care label legally required in the UK?
Care labelling is not legally mandated in the UK, but retailers and customers expect it, so include it. Fibre composition labelling is required.
Do I pay VAT on imported clothing?
Import VAT is charged on the value of the goods including duty and freight. VAT-registered businesses can usually reclaim it; check with your accountant.
Is UK sizing the same as European sizing?
No. UK women's sizes run four above US, while German sizes run thirty above US. If you sell in both, print both systems on the label.