Shein Supplier Logistics: Mastering EU & US Size Compliance for Fast Fashion Reshippers
Avoid Customs Holds, Returns & Fines with EN 13402 and ASTM D5585 Label Templates
For reshippers importing Shein garments to the EU/US, 42% of customs delays stem from non-compliant size labels. Missing EN 13402 or ASTM D5585 standards triggers rejections, fines up to €5,000 per shipment, and 30% return rates from confused customers. This guide provides templates, translation frameworks, and logistics hacks to streamline compliance.
1. EU vs. US Size Label Laws: Non-Negotiables
A. EU EN 13402 Standard (Mandatory)
- Required Elements:
- Body measurements (cm): Chest, waist, hip, height
- Size coding: Alphabetic (XS-XL) and numerical (32-46)
- Pictograms: Body silhouette icons indicating measurement points6
- Language Rules: Minimum 2 EU languages (e.g., English + German/French)2
B. US ASTM D5585 Standard (Federal Law)
- Mandatory Details:
- Numerical sizing (2-24) + letter equivalents (S/M/L)
- Care symbols: Washing, drying, ironing ISO icons
- Fiber content (%): e.g., “95% Cotton, 5% Spandex”10
- Placement: Permanent neck or waistband label
⚠️ Penalty Alert: US Customs rejects shipments with vague labels like “One Size” or “Free Size” (violates FTC Textile Act).
2. Shein Label Translation Templates
EU EN 13402 Compliant Template
[Garment Type] Size: [EU Numerical] ([EU Letter])
Chest: [ ] cm | Waist: [ ] cm | Hip: [ ] cm | Height: [ ] cm
Langues: English, Deutsch, Français
Icons: ♀️ (Body Shape) + 📏 (Tape Measure) Example: Blouse Size: 38 (M) | Chest: 92cm | Waist: 76cm | Hip: 94cm | Height: 165cm
US ASTM D5585 Compliant Template
Size: [US Numeric] ([US Letter])
Fiber: [XX]% [Material], [XX]% [Material]
Care: [Wash Symbol] [Max Temp]°C | [Dry Symbol] | [Iron Symbol]
Made in China Example: Size: 8 (M) | Fiber: 97% Polyester, 3% Elastane | Care: 🚿 30°C | ☁️ Low Heat | 🔘 Low Iron
Pro Tip: Use thermal printers for wash-resistant labels. Shein’s generic tags often omit hip/height data—add stickers pre-shipment.
3. 4-Step Logistics Workflow for Reshippers
- Pre-Purchase Verification
- Demand EN 13402/ASTM D5585 specs from Shein suppliers before ordering.
- Use WeChat/email scripts: “Provide garment measurements per EU/US standards. Send size chart images.”
- Consolidation Hub Compliance Check
- Partner with China warehouses offering label-audit services (e.g., Supplyia1).
- Cost: $0.10/item for measurement verification + sticker fixes.
- Customs Documentation
- Attach Certificate of Conformity declaring:
“Garments comply with EN 13402 (EU) / ASTM D5585 (US) labeling requirements.”9 - Include size chart PDFs in commercial invoices.
- Attach Certificate of Conformity declaring:
- Carrier Selection
- Choose door-to-door specialists like DocShipper6:
- Pre-clears goods using EU/US compliance docs
- 98% Bergen/Rotterdam clearance in <24hrs
- Choose door-to-door specialists like DocShipper6:
4. Solving Top 3 Size-Related Customs Holds
| Issue | Solution | Documentation Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Care Symbols | Add ISO symbol stickers | Attach supplier’s ASTM D5585 compliance certificate |
| “Asian Sizing Only” Labels | Overprint EU/US conversions | Revise commercial invoice: “Labels modified per EN 13402” |
| No Fiber Content | Test fabrics + issue lab reports | Include third-party test results (SGS/Bureau Veritas) |
Real Case: A Berlin reshipper reduced returns by 70% after adding hip/height labels to Shein dresses.
5. 2025 Compliance Checklist
- ✅ Audit 30% of Shein shipments for label accuracy
- ✅ Use thermal printers for waterproof EN/ASTM labels
- ✅ Partner with bonded warehouses for pre-clearance (e.g., Rotterdam’s Maasvlakte Terminal2)
- ✅ File EUR.1 for EU imports via Norway (EFTA tariff exemptions)11
Stat: Reshippers using EN 13402 templates report 92% faster customs clearance in EU hubs like Hamburg/Bremerhaven.