Importing Travel Accessories from China to the EU: GPSR, Duties, and Best Suppliers

After two decades of sourcing travel accessories from China for EU buyers, I’ve learned that the right gear can transform a trip—and your business. But navigating supplier selection, EU compliance, and logistics is where most importers stumble. Let me share the critical steps to source travel accessories from China profitably and safely.

Importing travel accessories from China to the EU

If you want to import travel accessories from China, first, you need to find suppliers and check whether their products comply with the regulations in the destination market. To estimate the costs, you have to factor in customs duties and other fees.

Where are travel accessories produced in China?

We have compiled a list of various travel accessories and identified their manufacturing bases:

• jewelry case
  • Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou)
  • Fujian (Fuzhou)
• toiletry bag
  • Guangdong (Shenzhen, Dongguan)
  • Shanghai
• travel bag/weekender bag
  • Fujian (Quanzhou)
  • Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou)
• cosmetic bag/pouch
  • Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou)
  • Zhejiang (Jinhua)
• packing cubes
  • Guangdong (Guangzhou)
  • Anhui (Hefei)
• passport cover
  • Guangdong (Shenzhen)
  • Anhui (Qingdao)
  • Shandong (Jinan)
• luggage tag
  • Guangdong (Zhongshan, Shenzhen)
  • Sichuan (Chengdu)
• travel pillow
  • Zhejiang (Hangzhou, Ningbo)
  • Shanghai
• eye mask, portable charger
  • Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
  • Shanghai
• secret waist bag/money belt
  • Anhui (Qingdao)
  • Guangdong (Dongguan, Guangzhou)
• travel bottles
  • Zhejiang (Jinhua, Ningbo)
  • Guangdong (Guangzhou)
• sunglasses
  • Zhejiang (Wenzhou, Taizhou)
  • Guangdong (Guangzhou)
• compression socks
  • Zhejiang (Jiaxing, Shaoxing)
• headphones, portable steamer, bottle travel case
  • Guangdong (Guangzhou, Shenzhen)
• power adapter
  • Guangdong (Shenzhen)
  • Zhejiang (Ningbo, Wenzhou)
• luggage scale
  • Jiangsu (Yancheng)
  • Guangdong (Foshan, Dongguan)

Standards for travel accessories in the European Union

Your products must comply with obligatory EU and local requirements to enter the EU market. 

General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR)

The General Product Safety Regulation (GPSR) is the EU’s updated legal framework that ensures all non-food consumer products meet strict safety standards before entering the European market.

As an importer, you are now legally obligated to verify that manufacturers have completed detailed risk assessments and that all technical documentation is readily available. You must also ensure that every product is clearly labeled with the contact details of an EU-based “Responsible Person” to maintain traceability and facilitate consumer protection. Failure to meet these requirements can lead to significant financial penalties and the immediate removal of your products from all EU member states.

Restricted chemical substances (REACH)

Restricted chemical substances in the European Union are listed in the REACH regulation. There are many chemicals in products such as textile accessories, so make sure to check if your goods comply with the REACH.

Textile labelling in the EU

Make sure to attach textile labels indicating fiber composition and other necessary information.

Electrical and electronic equipment in the EU

If your product has electrical and/or electronic elements, it can fall under numerous directives and regulations depending on the functions. Most of them require undergoing conformity assessment procedures and affixing CE marking. The main ones are:

• RoHS 2011/65/EU
• LVD 2014/35/EU
• EMC 2014/30/EU
• WEEE 2012/19/EU
• RED 2014/53/EU.

What are the customs duties on travel accessories from China?

Customs duties are taxes charged on imports. To estimate the overall cost of importing, you must know how much the customs duties are. The EU duties can be found in the TARIC system.

Customs duties on travel accessories from China

• Travel pillow (9404 90 90 00) – 3.7%
• Secret waist bag/money belt: handbags, with a shoulder strap or without textile materials (4202 22 90 90) – 3.7%
• Travel bottles up to 2 liters (3923 30 10 00) – 6.5% 
• Compression socks: ladies’ knee-length stockings of synthetic fibers (6115 96 10 00) – 12% 
• Portable steamer in “other electrothermic appliances” (8516 79 70 90) – 2.7%
• Power bank (8507 60 00 90) – 2.7%
• Headphones (8518 30 00 90) – 0%
• Luggage scale and other balances (9016 00 10 00) – 3.7%
• Sunglasses with plastic lenses (9004 90 10 00) – 2.9%
• Leather passport cover (4202 31 00 90) – 3%
• Trunks, suitcases, and vanity cases made of leather or part-leather (4202 11 90 90) – 3%
• Trunks, suitcases, and vanity cases made of plastics or textile materials (4202 12 19 00) – 9.7%
• Backpacks, sports, and travel bags made of textiles (4202 92 91 90) – 2.7%

EU customs duties on travel accessories from China are predominantly low.

Travel accessories trade shows in China

If you want to meet a lot of suppliers in a short time, we recommend attending trade shows in China. You can see the products with your own eyes and determine their quality. You can establish valuable new contacts in the industry and get inspired.

Here is a list of trade shows that exhibit travel accessories in China.

China (Chengdu) Gifts & Houseware Fair

• Gifts & Home Chengdu is a dedicated sourcing platform for gift and home product manufacturers.
• It exhibits products from categories such as bags, cases, and leisure products

Venue: Chengdu – Century City New International Convention and Exhibition Center

Official website: jun.rxhuabo.com.cn 

Shanghai International Gifts & Home Products Expo

• This trade fair covers the entire gift industry chain model.
• The expo’s scope includes household products, welfare, gifts, and more.

Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)

Official website: cghe-expo.com

Shanghai International Bags Leather Handbags Exhibition

• It is a major professional bag & luggage show in China.
• It focuses on the bag industry, connecting global luggage manufacturers, brands, agents, traders, designers, and buyers.

Venue: Shanghai New International Expo Centre (SNIEC)

Official website: cshbox.com

Guangzhou International Travel Fair

• GITF is a large-scale international tourism fair with the earliest and longest history in China.

Venue: Guangzhou, China Import and Export Fair Complex

Official website: gitf.com.cn

Canton Fair

• Canton Fair is the biggest and most influential trade show in China.
• It is held twice a year, and every edition is divided into three phases. The phase that covers travel accessories is phase 3.

Venue: Guangzhou, China Import and Export Fair Complex

Official website: cantonfair.org.cn/en-US

Summary of importing travel accessories from China

Don’t let a bad supplier ruin your travel accessory business. The difference between a smooth import and a costly headache often comes down to verification and quality control. Before you place that first order, invest in a supplier verification and a pre-shipment inspection. At China-Check, we’ve been doing this for years—let us help you protect your margins and your reputation.