Unstitched suits · 4 October 2026 · 4 min read
Filling in the customs form for a fabric parcel
How to fill in a customs declaration when you post fabric for stitching: describing the contents, stating the value, choosing the reason and keeping your records.
InspirationThe short version: describe it honestly
When you fill in a customs form for a fabric parcel, describe exactly what is inside in plain words, give an honest value, and choose the reason for sending that matches the truth. That is the whole principle. Customs declarations exist so the authorities can see what is crossing a border, and a clear, accurate form is the easiest kind to process.
This article is general guidance for the first stage of a Stitching Only order, when you send your own fabric to us in Pakistan. It is not tax or legal advice. The forms, rules and any charges on that leg are set by the countries involved and handled through your postal service or courier, so ask them if anything on the form is unclear.
Before you reach the form
Do not post anything until we have confirmed your fabric, the quantity and how to send it. The address and any reference to include come from your written quote. Our guide to posting your fabric for stitching covers the order of events, and packing embroidered and delicate fabric covers the parcel itself.
The usual fields, one by one
Forms differ between postal services and couriers, and many are now completed online, but most ask for the same handful of things.
- Description of contents: be specific. “Unstitched cotton lawn fabric, three pieces” tells an officer far more than “clothes” or “textiles”. If any of it is embroidered, say so.
- Quantity: the number of pieces or packs, matching the contents note inside the parcel.
- Weight: weigh the parcel at home, or let the counter staff weigh it and use their figure.
- Value: what the fabric is worth, usually what you paid for it. Do not invent a low figure; an undervalued declaration can hold a parcel up or cause problems later.
- Country of origin: where the goods were made, if the form asks. If you do not know, go by what the label shows.
- Reason for sending: read the options carefully and pick the one that matches. Your fabric is neither a sale nor a present to us. Many forms have an “other” box with space to explain, such as “customer’s own fabric sent for stitching, to be returned”; if you are unsure which category fits, ask your courier.
Keep your paperwork
Photograph the completed form or save the online confirmation, and keep the receipt for the fabric along with the postage receipt and tracking number. If the parcel is queried, you can answer quickly and accurately. Keep the tracking number until we confirm the parcel has reached us.
It also helps to keep the photos you sent with your quote request. Together with the contents note, they are a clear record of what you posted and when.
The return trip is already in your quote
The second stage is different. When your finished outfit is shipped from Pakistan to you, the written quote already includes delivery to your address and any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees at your end, so there is nothing to pay when it arrives. That parcel is shipped delivered duty paid.
If you want to understand the rules that sit behind that, our Europe customs and delivery guide explains the EU picture, and country pages such as the UK and the USA link to the official sources. The worldwide delivery page sums up how shipping works.
Ready to start?
Begin with photos on the Stitching Only quote form. The unstitched suit stitching service explains the two shipping stages, and pages such as Stitching Only in France or in Kuwait explain the quote currency where you live.
Common questions
Should I mark my fabric parcel as a gift?
Only if it truly is one. Fabric sent to be stitched and returned to you is not a present to the person receiving it, so choose the option on the form that matches, or ask your courier which category fits.
Will I pay import charges when my finished outfit arrives?
No. Your written quote includes delivery and any import duties, taxes and customs or courier fees at your address, so there is nothing extra to pay on arrival.
Can you fill in the customs form for me?
The first shipment, from you to us, is arranged by you unless your quote says otherwise, so the form is completed by you or with your courier. We tell you the address and any reference to include.
