Germany Curtain Market: A Comprehensive Guide for Exporters | E5 Global Trade

Germany is one of the EU's most mature and large home textile markets. Functional (blackout/thermal) and sustainable products are prominent in the curtain/upholstery category. This guide covers buyer types, product segment map, compliance/labeling, logistics, and pricing approaches.  Demand focuses: blackout, heat/energy efficiency, easy-to-clean fabrics.Buyer profiles: chain retail & DIY, online markets, wholesaler–distributor, project/HORECA. Compliance: OEKO-TEX Standard 100, REACH chemical compliance, fiber composition label (EU). HS Code (recommendation): Commonly HS 6303 for textile curtains. Tips: Clear size sets, EAN barcode, German label, quick reordering.  1) Market Dynamics and TrendsFunctionality: Curtains with blackout lining, thermal/energy-saving lining. Sustainability: Recycled polyester, organic cotton; OEKO-TEX certified production. Ready-made: Standard sizes (e.g. 140×245 / 140×260 / 140×295 cm) are very popular in retail. Designs: Solid colors, soft textures, minimal patterns; FR (flame retardant) may be requested in project/HORECA. 2) Buyer ProfilesDIY & Home Stores: Curtain/accessory categories are strong; ready-made sizes and economical sets are preferred.Online Markets: Platforms like Amazon.de, Otto, Wayfair; EAN barcode, visual set and return policy are critical.Wholesaler/Distributor: Maintains regional stock; replenishment and series/color continuity are expected.Project/HORECA: Hotel, dormitory, hospital; FR certificates (e.g., EN 13773 equivalent) and blackout ratio are required.  3) Product – Segment Map (Example) Segment Usage Area Expected Features Note Tulle / Transparent Living Room / Bedroom Low weight, form after washing Plain / soft pattern Backdrop Curtain Living Room / Bed Draped, light reduction Color stability Blackout Bedroom / Project 85–100% blackout, lined Preference in hotel standards Thermal / Lined Cold zones Thermal insulation, thick lining Energy saving emphasis Children's Room Children / Youth Washable, color fast OEKO-TEX important Accessory (tie/cornice) General Matching color, package set Cross-selling opportunity 4) Compliance, Labels and Documents EU Textile Labeling: Fiber composition percentages (e.g., 100% PES) → mandatory on the label. OEKO-TEX Standard 100: For Germany trust signal. REACH Compliance: Chemical management in accordance with the restricted substances list. FR (Project works): Flame retardant standards/documents may be requested in tenders/contracts. Language: Label and care instructions German (EN provides additional benefits). Barcode: EAN-13; on the box top and individual packaging.   5) Size & Packaging Ready-made set dimensions: Sizes such as 140×245 / 140×260 / 140×295 cm; double wing packages receive high turnover. Hanger & fold: Transparent sleeve + cardboard hanger for retail; vacuum/compact package for e-commerce. Box: Write model-color-size/measurement-quantity clearly on the outer packaging; Make EAN and PO number visible. 6) Pricing ApproachCreate a base offer based on Cost + target margin → FOB/EXW. Typical logic for retailers/online retailers: EXW → (logistics + customs) → wholesale → retail. Provide a method instead of a band: fabric type (poly/cotton), lining quality (blackout/thermal), workmanship (pleat, overlock) determine the price. Sample price and scale discounts (MOQ 500/1000/3000) speed up the turnaround. 7) Logistics & IncotermsRoad (TR→DE): ~4–7 days door to door (LCL/FULL), depending on density. Seafreight (TR→DE): Typical 10–14 days band with port + domestic lines. Incoterms: EXW/FOB/CIF/DDP in B2B; DAP/DDP requests may be received on online platforms. Customs: Classification verification for HS 6303; origin and invoice/packing list compliance are critical.   8) Contract & Payment Staging: 20–30% deposit + balance after production (before BL/CMR). Sample approval: Written confirmation of color/weight/lining; keep golden sample for large orders. Warranty & returns: Open procedure for sewing/accessory defects.   9) Working with the First Importer Checklist - Product card: composition, weight, size, color codes - OEKO-TEX/REACH compliance - German care/label text + EAN - Visual packaging approval (retail/e-commerce) - Sample approval + production plan - Incoterms, delivery time, payment plan - Box markings & PO/label control - Logistics booking & insurance 10) Ready-made RFQ/Offer Texts for E5RFQ (Request for Purchase) – GermanyRFQ: Blackout Curtain (140×260)Monthly: 3,000–5,000 sets • Target: blackout 95%+ • Color: neutral tonesDocuments: OEKO-TEX • Delivery: DE warehouse (DAP/DDP) • Label: DE language + EANOffer (Sales)Offer: Made-to-measure Curtain (140×260 / 140×295)MOQ: 500/color • Delivery: 10–14 days • Documents: OEKO-TEX/REACHPackaging: retail hanger + EAN • Option: blackout/thermal lining