Sourcing Bed Linen from India: A Guide for European Importers

European buyers outside the UK, including Dutch wholesalers, German hotel suppliers and importers in Serbia and the wider Balkans, are a growing share of India's home textile exports. The products are the same, but the sizes, paperwork and shipping terms are not. This guide covers what to settle before your first order.

EU bed sizes are not US or UK sizes

Continental Europe sizes by centimetres, and duvet covers are sold separately from fitted sheets. Common mattress sizes:

German and Dutch duvet covers usually measure 135 × 200 cm or 140 × 220 cm for singles, and 200 × 200 cm or 240 × 220 cm for doubles. Pillowcases are often square (60 × 60 or 80 × 80 cm) rather than rectangular. Fitted sheet pocket depths are commonly 25–30 cm for box-spring beds. Confirm exact sizes per market before sampling.

Incoterms: who pays for what

• FOB (Free on Board): the manufacturer delivers to the Indian port and loads the goods. You arrange and pay ocean freight, insurance and import clearance.
• CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight): the manufacturer pays freight and insurance to your port, for example Rotterdam, Hamburg or Koper. You handle import clearance and duties.
• DDP (Delivered Duty Paid): the manufacturer delivers to your warehouse with duties paid. It is the simplest for you, but agree it in writing early.

First-time importers often choose CIF to a major port and appoint a local customs broker.

Documents you will need

• Commercial invoice and packing list
• Bill of lading
• Certificate of origin
• HS code for each item (bed linen is generally heading 6302)
• Pre-shipment inspection report

EU import duty on bed linen from India is set by the EU tariff for the specific code. Check the current rate in the EU's TARIC database, or ask your broker, before costing your landed price.

Product safety and labelling

The EU requires fibre content labelling under Regulation (EU) No 1007/2011, and chemical safety rules under REACH apply to textiles. Being ISO 9001:2015 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified is widely recognised by European retailers as evidence of consistent quality and tested product safety. Royal Mills is ISO 9001:2015 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.

Minimums and quality

Order minimums at Royal Mills:

• Bed sheets, duvet covers and custom/private label: 100 pieces per SKU
• Pantone-matched private label: 300 pieces per SKU
• Quilts and comforters: 500 pieces per SKU
• Pillowcases: 1,000 pieces per SKU

Every shipment passes AQL 2.5 pre-shipment inspection, and buyers can appoint their own third-party inspector.

To discuss EU sizes, Incoterms and a first sample, contact our export team.

Frequently asked questions

What bed sizes should I order for the Dutch and German markets?

Mattresses of 90 × 200, 140 × 200, 160 × 200 and 180 × 200 cm cover most of the market. Duvet covers are commonly 140 × 220 or 135 × 200 cm (single) and 200 × 200 or 240 × 220 cm (double), with square pillowcases.

Which Incoterm is best for a first import from India to Europe?

Many first-time importers choose CIF to a major port such as Rotterdam, Hamburg or Koper and use a local customs broker for clearance. FOB gives you more control over freight. DDP is simplest but must be agreed in detail.

What documents are needed to import bed linen from India into the EU?

A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, certificate of origin and the correct HS code (generally heading 6302). A pre-shipment inspection report is strongly recommended.

Is OEKO-TEX certification required in the EU?

It is not legally required, but European retailers widely expect it as evidence of chemical safety alongside REACH compliance. Royal Mills is ISO 9001:2015 and OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certified.

What is the minimum order for European buyers?

The same as for other markets: 100 pieces per SKU for bed sheets, duvet covers and custom/private label; 300 for Pantone-matched private label; 500 for quilts and comforters; and 1,000 for pillowcases.