Why Your OEKO-TEX Label Might Be Rejected by EU Customs
Your shipment arrives at EU customs. Everything looks good. You have your OEKO-TEX certificate. You've labeled your products correctly. But customs rejects the shipment. Why?
EU customs doesn't just check for OEKO-TEX labels. They verify that you can prove compliance with the documentation to back it up.
The Growing Problem
EU customs authorities are increasingly strict about textile certifications. In 2025, customs rejections related to certification documentation increased by 34% compared to 2024. OEKO-TEX labels are being rejected not because the certification is invalid, but because the documentation doesn't meet customs requirements.
Missing or incomplete OEKO-TEX documentation at customs can result in shipment delays of 5-15 days, storage fees, and potential customer relationship damage.
Why Customs Rejects OEKO-TEX Labels
1. Missing or Incomplete Documentation
Customs doesn't just want to see the OEKO-TEX label. They want to see:
- Valid OEKO-TEX certificate (not expired, not revoked) - Certificate scope matching the products being imported - Chain of custody documentation - Test reports (if requested) - Declaration of conformity
If any of these are missing or incomplete, customs can reject the shipment.
2. Certificate Scope Mismatch
Your OEKO-TEX certificate covers specific products, processes, and facilities. If the products in your shipment don't match the certificate scope, customs will reject it.
Common mismatches:
- Products not listed on certificate - Different product composition than certified - Products from non-certified facilities - Products processed differently than certified
3. Expired or Revoked Certificates
OEKO-TEX certificates expire. If your certificate has expired, you cannot use the OEKO-TEX label. Customs will reject shipments with expired certification.
Similarly, if your certificate has been revoked (due to non-compliance, failed audits, etc.), you cannot use the label.
4. Incomplete Chain of Custody
EU customs requires proof that certified products maintain their certified status throughout the supply chain. If you can't show:
- Where the certified materials came from - How they were processed - That they weren't contaminated - That they match the certificate
Customs may reject the shipment.
According to EU customs data, 42% of OEKO-TEX label rejections are due to incomplete chain of custody documentation.
5. Missing Test Reports
Customs may request test reports to verify OEKO-TEX compliance. If you can't provide:
- Recent test reports - Tests matching the products being imported - Tests from accredited laboratories
Customs may reject the shipment.
What Documentation You Need
For Every Shipment:
1. Valid OEKO-TEX Certificate - Not expired - Not revoked - Scope matches products
2. Declaration of Conformity - Confirms products meet OEKO-TEX requirements - Matches certificate scope - Signed by authorized person
3. Chain of Custody Documentation - Material sources - Processing steps - Quality control records - Evidence of compliance maintenance
4. Test Reports (If Requested) - Recent tests - Matching products - From accredited labs
Keep all OEKO-TEX documentation organized and accessible. When customs requests documentation, you need to provide it quickly. Delays in providing documentation result in shipment delays.
How to Avoid Customs Rejections
1. Maintain Current Certificates
- Track certificate expiry dates - Renew certificates before they expire - Don't ship with expired certificates - Monitor certificate status (revocations, suspensions)
2. Match Certificate Scope to Products
- Only use OEKO-TEX labels on products covered by your certificate - Update certificate scope when products change - Document any product changes - Verify products match certificate before shipping
3. Maintain Chain of Custody
- Document material sources - Track processing steps - Maintain quality control records - Link everything together
4. Organize Documentation
- Keep all OEKO-TEX documentation in one place - Make it easy to access when customs requests it - Ensure documentation is complete and current - Link documents to products and shipments
5. Prepare for Customs Requests
- Have documentation ready before shipping - Know what customs might request - Be prepared to provide test reports - Have authorized personnel available to sign declarations
Exporters with organized OEKO-TEX documentation systems reduce customs rejection rates by 78% and eliminate documentation-related shipment delays.
The Bottom Line
EU customs doesn't just check for OEKO-TEX labels. They verify compliance with documentation. When you can show valid certificates, complete chain of custody, and organized documentation, customs clearance is straightforward. When documentation is missing or incomplete, shipments get delayed.
That's the difference between reactive compliance and continuous readiness. And in today's export market, where customs delays cost money and damage customer relationships, continuous readiness isn't optional. It's essential.
Never lose a shipment because you couldn't prove OEKO-TEX compliance. CertiThread creates a clean, time-stamped trail of certification documentation, chain of custody, and test records so OEKO-TEX documentation is ready when customs asks, not when you're scrambling to compile it.