How do you import custom fight gloves and gym bags from Pakistan into the EU and UK?
Buying direct from a factory in Sialkot is simpler than many first-time importers expect. This guide covers prices, duty schemes, shipping and timing for buyers in Spain, Romania, Ireland, the rest of the EU and the UK.
Published 12 October 2026 · Blackthorn World
In short
Order a sample first (about 2 weeks), then bulk (3 to 4 weeks after approval), then ship by courier, air or sea. Our prices are FOB, so freight, import duty and import VAT are extra. We are an EU REX registered exporter, so qualifying shipments may get reduced duty under EU GSP+ or UK DCTS. Always confirm with your customs broker before you budget.
Gyms, clubs and fight brands across Europe buy gloves and bags from Sialkot every week. The process is not complicated, but the numbers on a factory quote are not the numbers you will pay at your door. This guide explains the difference and sets out a realistic timeline.
Who this guide is for
It is written for boxing, MMA, BJJ and Muay Thai gyms, academies, retailers and distributors in Spain, Romania, Ireland, the rest of the EU and the UK. It applies to the new collection of custom boxing gloves, MMA and grappling gloves and fight gym bags, all at MOQ 30 pieces per colourway.
FOB price vs landed cost
Our prices are FOB. That means the goods are made, packed and handed over for export in Pakistan. Everything after that is a separate cost. Your landed cost per piece is:
- FOB price per piece
- plus freight (courier, air or sea)
- plus import duty, if any applies
- plus import VAT
- plus your customs broker or courier clearance fee
Indicative FOB prices per piece are: boxing gloves $11 to $18, sparring gloves $12 to $20, MMA gloves $9 to $15, grappling gloves $8 to $14, backpacks $14 to $22 and duffle bags $15 to $24. These are tentative until your sample is approved. Use landed cost, not FOB, when you set a retail or member price.
A simple way to plan is to price one glove style in full before you commit to a range. Take the FOB price, add your share of the freight quote, then ask your broker to add duty, import VAT and fees. If the result leaves room for your margin, scale up. If not, look at a lighter shell material or a different shipping method.
REX, GSP+ and DCTS
Blackthorn World is an EU REX registered exporter. REX is the system the EU uses to accept origin statements from exporters in countries that get trade preferences. In practice, it means qualifying shipments from us may get reduced import duty under EU GSP+ for EU buyers, or under the UK DCTS for UK buyers.
We cannot tell you the exact rate for your order. That depends on the product code, the scheme rules at the time and how your goods are declared. Always confirm with your customs broker before you budget. Import VAT is separate and still applies.
Notes by market
Spain
Spanish gyms often start with one glove style for classes and one for sparring, for example the Crimson Carbon fight camp boxing gloves and the Obsidian Gold pro sparring gloves. Our fight gear blog also has a buyer guide written in Spanish.
Romania
Romanian clubs and distributors often mix gloves and bags in one order to share freight. The Cobalt Volt club MMA gloves and the Burgundy Copper boxing club backpack are common pairings. A guide in Romanian is also on our blog.
Ireland
Irish boxing clubs tend to order junior and adult sizes together. The Cobalt Volt junior sparring gloves sit well alongside an adult option such as the Burgundy Copper heritage boxing gloves.
UK
UK buyers import under UK rules, not EU rules, so the relevant scheme is DCTS rather than GSP+. Our UK manufacturing page has more on working with British clubs.
Rest of the EU
The same EU rules apply in every member state, but import VAT rates differ. Our Europe manufacturing page covers wider teamwear and fightwear options.
Air vs sea shipping
We ship by DHL, UPS and FedEx, and by air and sea freight. As a rule:
- Courier is simplest for samples and small orders. The courier usually handles clearance.
- Air freight suits mid-size orders that are needed quickly.
- Sea freight is slower but can lower cost per piece for larger or bulky orders, such as many Stone Orange box gym duffles.
Gloves are light and compact. Bags are light but bulky, so volume matters more than weight. Ask us to quote two options so you can compare landed cost.
Sampling first
Every order starts with a pre-production sample. It takes about 2 weeks. You check the shell material, foam, fit, stitching and your 50 mm logo, which is printed on gloves and made as a molded TPR patch on bags. Glove weights and final materials are confirmed at this stage. Do not skip it, even if you are in a hurry. If you sell online, use the sample for product photos so your listings are ready when bulk lands. Changes are cheap at sample stage and costly after bulk.
Timeline
| Stage | Typical time | What you do |
|---|---|---|
| Quote and spec | A few days | Send styles, colourways, quantities and logo |
| Pre-production sample | About 2 weeks | Check and approve or request changes |
| Sample shipping | Courier transit | Receive by DHL, UPS or FedEx |
| Bulk production | 3 to 4 weeks after approval | Book your customs broker |
| Freight | Courier or air faster, sea slower | Confirm duty, VAT and REX paperwork |
| Clearance and delivery | Depends on broker and route | Pay duty and import VAT, receive goods |
Picking a first range
A simple first order for a European gym is two glove styles and one bag. For example, the Teal Graphite striker MMA gloves, the Ivory Violet women's no-gi gloves and the Midnight Silver private label backpack. At 30 pieces each, that is 90 pieces in one shipment. More options are in the fightwear range.
Checklist before you order
- Get an FOB quote and a freight quote.
- Ask your customs broker for the duty rate and whether GSP+ or DCTS applies.
- Add import VAT and fees to reach landed cost.
- Approve the sample before bulk.
- Share your broker's contact with us so documents match.
The full process is on our how to order page, and common questions are on the FAQ page. Our factory is ISO 9001:2015 certified. Email Sales@Blackthorn-textile.com or WhatsApp +92-332-832-8802 for a quote.
Related guides
- Boxing gloves vs sparring gloves: which weights and foam should you stock?
- MMA gloves vs grappling gloves: which does your program need?
- ¿Cómo encargar guantes de boxeo con la marca de tu gimnasio?
- Cum comanzi mănuși de box personalizate cu logo-ul clubului tău?
FAQ
Do I pay import duty on boxing gloves from Pakistan?
Duty depends on the product code and the trade scheme. We are an EU REX registered exporter, so qualifying shipments may get reduced duty under EU GSP+ into the EU or DCTS into the UK. Import VAT still applies. Always confirm the exact rate with your customs broker before ordering.
What does FOB mean on your price list?
FOB means the price covers the goods packed and handed over for export from Pakistan. It does not include freight, insurance, import duty, import VAT or your broker's fees. Add those to get your landed cost per piece, which is the number to use when you set your retail or club price.
Should I ship by air or by sea?
For first orders of 30 to a few hundred pieces, courier or air freight is usually simpler and faster. Sea freight is slower but can cost less per piece for large or bulky orders, such as many duffle bags. Ask us to quote both so you can compare the landed cost.
Can I order from Spain, Romania or Ireland in small quantities?
Yes. The MOQ is 30 pieces per colourway for gloves and bags in the new collection. That suits a single gym, a club or a new brand testing the market. You get a pre-production sample first, so you can check quality before paying for bulk.
What documents should I expect with my shipment?
Expect a commercial invoice and packing list, plus the shipping document from the courier or forwarder. For qualifying shipments we add the REX origin statement your broker needs to claim GSP+ or DCTS. Share your broker's contact early so paperwork matches what they need.