Used Clothes Germany: The Insider’s Guide to Buying & Importing (2026)

German engineering is famous for its quality, but here is a secret the fashion world is slowly catching onto: Germans treat their clothes with the same level of care. For buyers and importers, this makes used clothes from Germany a hidden asset class.

The market has shifted dramatically. It is no longer just about saving a few Euros due to inflation; it is about accessing high grade textiles that have been meticulously cared for. However, the landscape for 2026 is different. New EU export regulations and digital invoicing laws have changed the game for importers.

We have rewritten this guide to strip away the fluff. Below, you will find verified revenue data, updated supplier contacts, and the critical legal hurdles you need to clear to move goods across borders today.

The State of Second-Hand: Why Germany?

While inflation for new clothing has stabilized (rising just 0.4% in late 2025), the second-hand market is exploding due to quality, not just price. In Germany, the “throwaway culture” is being replaced by a circular economy.

This matters because the source determines the grade. Clothes collected in affluent German regions often retain 70-80% of their retail value, creating a lucrative margin for resellers.

For Personal Shoppers: The B2C Giants

If you are looking to fill your own wardrobe, forget the dusty bins. The German digital market is sophisticated. For a broader look at affordable fashion, check our guide on Top 10 Cheap Clothes Shopping Sites in Germany.

1. Momox: The Market Leader

Momox is the benchmark. As of 2025, they remain the largest B2C second-hand shop for clothing in Germany. The numbers speak for themselves: in 2024, they hit a record revenue of 377 million Euro. Their fashion segment alone grew by 10%.

With over 45 million customers, their inventory turnover is massive. If you are hunting for brands, this is your first stop. They rigorously check quality, so you rarely get items with hidden defects.

2. The Competitors: Zalando and Vinted

While Momox buys directly from consumers, Zalando has aggressively entered the “Pre owned” space, offering the same return policies as their new goods. Meanwhile, Vinted dominates the peer to-peer market if you prefer haggling directly with sellers.

For Business Importers: Verified Supplier List (2025/2026)

If you are planning to move containers, you need reliable partners. Many companies listed in older guides have gone bankrupt or moved. We have verified the following contacts as of late 2025.

• Knebel Textilrecycling GmbH: A veteran in the industry focusing on environmental resource preservation. They are fully operational in Attendorn.
  Contact: +49 2722 4028 | Bahnstraße 1, 57439 Attendorn.
• aktex Rohstoff-Recycling Nord GmbH: Specializing in collection from Northern Germany (Hamburg/Schleswig Holstein). Note that they have relocated.
  New Address (2025): Mittelweg 19, 28832 Achim.
  Manager: Eugen Witlif.
• TEXKAUF: Located in Kassel, they purchase textiles by the kilogram from individuals, ensuring a steady supply of “original” (unsorted) goods.
  Contact: +49 561 50616601 | Kaufunger Str. 2, 34123 Kassel.
• EL2008EXPORT LTD: A verified active exporter based in Minden, specifically focused on international trade.
  Contact: +49 179 9544683.
• BATEX TEXTILGROSSHANDEL: Founded in 2000 and still strong in Annaberg Buchholz. They specialize in export.
  Contact: +49 (0)3733 429898.

Editor’s Note: We have removed “MAAS HANDEL E. K” from previous lists as records indicate the associated entity was liquidated. Always verify commercial registry entries before sending deposits.

The Reality of Importing: Regulations & “Street Smarts”

Importing isn’t just about finding a supplier; it’s about getting through customs without your container getting seized. As of 2025, the rules have tightened.

The New 2025 Checklist

• Strict Waste vs. Goods Distinction: Since the new EU Waste Shipment Regulation (EU 2024/1157) came into force on Jan 1, 2025, you must declare goods correctly. Sorted, wearable clothing is HS Code 6309 00 00. If you mislabel unsorted rags as clothing, it may be classified as illegal waste export (Code B3030).
• Digital Certificate of Origin (dUZ): Paper certificates are becoming obsolete. Germany moved to the digital Origin Certificate (dUZ) fully in September 2025. Ensure your supplier can provide this digitally.
• E Invoicing is Mandatory: As of January 2025, B2B transactions often require E Rechnung (electronic invoicing) standards like XRechnung. Ensure your accounting software can handle this.
• Permits: If you are dealing with unsorted goods, you may need a permit under § 53 of the Circular Economy Act (KrWG). Don’t skip this; fines are heavy.

Sourcing Methods: Beyond the Email

How do you actually secure the best bales? You have three options, ranked by effectiveness:

• 1. The “Boots on the Ground” Method: Visiting warehouses in person is the only way to verify the grading. “Grade A” varies wildly between suppliers. You need to touch the fabric. If you are in the country, consider visiting Top 6 Flea Markets In Germany to understand local pricing and quality.
• 2. The Agent Model: Cooperating with a legal resident in Germany is safer than a blind wire transfer. They inspect the goods, send live video, and handle the shipping logistics for a commission.
• 3. Online Import: Convenient but risky. If you choose this, start with a small sample pallet before committing to a 20ft container.