Introduction: The Power of Preferential Trade with Europe

Import duties can significantly increase your cost of goods, especially in the textile and apparel industries. For European brands and retailers sourcing internationally, working with suppliers who can offer duty-free shipping through preferential trade agreements provides a clear competitive advantage.

At Festival Factory, we help our EU clients lower their landed costs and streamline customs by leveraging the EUR.1 Certificate of Origin — a key document that ensures duty-free access for eligible goods from Madagascar into the European Union.

What Is the EUR.1 Certificate?

The EUR.1 certificate is a customs document used within the framework of trade agreements between the European Union and certain non-EU countries, such as Madagascar. It serves as proof of origin for goods, confirming that they were manufactured in a country eligible for preferential tariff treatment.

When you import products into the EU with an EUR.1 certificate:

  • You do not pay customs duties

  • Customs procedures are faster and simpler

  • You benefit from the terms of the EU’s Economic Partnership Agreements (EPAs)

Madagascar and the EU: A Strong Trade Relationship

Madagascar is one of the African, Caribbean, and Pacific (ACP) countries with a favorable trade agreement in place with the EU. This agreement provides:

  • Full duty-free access to EU markets for most manufactured goods

  • Rules of origin that allow regional input under flexible conditions

  • A clear regulatory framework for both large and small importers

As a Madagascar-based manufacturer, Festival Factory issues EUR.1 certificates with every eligible shipment, helping EU businesses save up to 12% or more in import duties, depending on the product category.

Which Products Qualify for Duty-Free Status?

Most apparel and costume products manufactured by Festival Factory qualify for EUR.1-based duty-free import into the EU, provided they meet origin criteria. This includes:

  • Event costumes and theme apparel

  • Custom uniforms and branded clothing

  • Children’s costumes and dress-up outfits

  • Lightweight garments for retail and e-commerce

If your product is designed and made in Madagascar using approved regional inputs, it likely qualifies. Our team helps you verify eligibility and prepare the correct documentation.

Benefits of EUR.1 for EU Importers

Importing through EUR.1 offers several distinct advantages for businesses across Europe:

1. Lower Import Costs

Without import duties, you can reinvest savings into marketing, product expansion, or pricing strategies to stay ahead of competitors.

2. Simplified Customs Clearance

EU customs recognize EUR.1 documentation and process such shipments more efficiently, which reduces delays and administrative costs.

3. Sourcing Diversification

In a global environment marked by disruptions and overdependence on Asia, sourcing from Madagascar helps reduce risk and increases flexibility.

EU Countries That Benefit

Every country in the European Union accepts EUR.1 certified goods from Madagascar, including:

  • France

  • Germany

  • Italy

  • Spain

  • The Netherlands

  • Sweden

  • Belgium

  • Austria

  • Ireland

  • Poland
    …and all other EU member states.

Whether you’re a French fashion brand or a German e-commerce store, the cost savings are immediate and substantial.

Festival Factory’s Role: From Manufacturing to Customs

At Festival Factory, we go beyond manufacturing — we’re your full-service export partner. Here’s what we offer with every EU-bound shipment:

  • Accurate EUR.1 certificate preparation

  • Rules-of-origin compliance checks

  • Coordination with freight forwarders and customs brokers

  • Reliable production timelines and quality control

Our team understands European market expectations and helps your products meet both design and regulatory requirements.

Who Should Consider EUR.1 Sourcing?

Our duty-free EU export service is ideal for:

  • European apparel retailers sourcing private-label products

  • Children’s costume wholesalers

  • E-commerce fashion startups needing affordable inventory

  • Event suppliers who work with corporate clients across Europe

With low minimums, fast turnaround, and the added benefit of duty-free shipping, we’re a reliable partner for both growing and established brands.

Make the Most of the EUR.1 Advantage

Whether you’re importing small runs or bulk shipments, taking advantage of the EUR.1 trade preference can significantly reduce your landed costs and increase your bottom line. Festival Factory handles every step — from design and sampling to documentation and logistics — with precision and care.

Let’s Get Started

Looking to grow your presence in Europe without inflating your costs? Contact Festival Factory today to learn more about our duty-free manufacturing and export services under the EUR.1 agreement.

Reach out to us for a custom quote or compliance check.