Importing Clothing and Textiles from China

Estimated reading time: 16 minutes

There are three steps for you to open up your knowledge on how to import cloth from China: The basic of understanding the production district system, the ability to distinguish the characteristics of the products, and the ability to identify how to handle your supplier. On the other hand, it is a market that has immense potential to expand. However, navigating the market might be challenging. 

There is a lot to take note of, from the sourcing process to shipping. However, once you find the rhythm, it is easy. In this extensive guide, we cover all you need to know. Continue reading to learn the steps to take and stand out. 

Why Choose China for Clothing and Fabric Import? 

Many first-time importers have asked me this question. It is a pretty good question. I mean, there are several clothing markets, including local ones. So, why import from China? First, the country has one of the fastest-growing fabric and clothing industries. It keeps taking longer strides and beating expectations. 

The Chinese clothing manufacturers produced more than 3.23 billion meters of clothing fabric – in April 2022. The country has a 31.6% share of the global market.

Here are five solid reasons why China is an excellent choice: 

Competitive Prices: China is well-known for its low manufacturing and labor costs. Since the country’s low capital, it can afford to lower its prices. It is different from countries that have higher manufacturing and labor costs. 

Quality Products: China has many talented craftsmen. It is also technologically advanced, which has led to more quality products. China also blends traditional and modern styles, giving products a timeless design.

Wide Range of Products: Fabric and clothing are among the most diverse markets. Several clothing materials can be used to make countless types of products. You are open to various options when you visit a Chinese fabric market. 

The products are from knitting and sewing machines. They include sweaters, skirts, dresses, and several types of underwear. All these fabrics, from linen to cotton, are available. Plus, they come in different forms. You would find tablecloths and even knitted outfits. 

Major Clothing and Textile Markets in China

China has an extensive chain of markets. There are tons of options for selling different products. About 44 thousand companies deal in textiles and apparel in China. These many companies mean you can expect various options. 

When I was visiting different places in China a while back, I couldn’t fathom how many different clothing items were on sale. The media doesn’t do justice to it. The markets were packed with clothes and fabrics. There was a modern style I was used to staying in the US. 

Then, there were other unique styles imbued with Chinese culture. It will be close to impossible to mention all the different companies. You will find these companies in Jiangsu, Fujian, Guangdong, and other neighboring regions. 

Some notable places include:

• Keqiao Fabric Wholesale Market in Shaoxing, Zhejiang (China’s largest fabric wholesale market)
• Shanghai Fabric Market
• Guangzhou Zhongda Fabric Market (Guangzhou is also known for the Canton Fair)
• Jinyi Light Textile City in Zhengzhou
• Sijiqing Clothing Wholesale Market in Hangzhou
• Shengze Fabric Market in Jiangsu

Are the Chinese Textile and Clothing Quality? 

Like most markets, the quality of Chinese garments is on a spectrum. Contrary to popular belief, Chinese products are not of low quality. Instead, their quality ranges from poor to excellent. There are steps you can take to ensure quality always. 

These steps include choosing a trusted platform with a good track record. You can spot these suppliers by reading reviews and opting for factory inspections. Also, you can request samples when you find a manufacturer that interests you. But how do you get the right supplier? Let’s talk about it. 

How to Find the Perfect Suppliers for Clothing and Fabrics 

Many of the textile markets are nestled in the country’s eastern side. Aside from these markets, there are also industrial parks. However, going to these spots can still make it difficult to find the right option. Here is how to find the ideal supplier to meet your business needs. 

1) Hire a Third-party Agency to Source Suppliers 

If you are new and have a bit of cash to spare, opt for third-party agencies. These agencies can save you time and effort, especially if you are not experienced. They also prevent you from working with an unprofessional supplier.  

The Role of China Sourcing Agent

Owlsourcing’s manager, Andy, offers the following advice:

“As the Owlsourcing service manager, Andy emphasizes the significance of quality assurance when sourcing clothes and fabrics from China. He underscores the importance of due diligence and vetting suppliers to ensure that the products meet international quality standards. Andy believes that while China offers a vast array of clothing and fabric options, the key lies in establishing strong supplier relationships built on trust, communication, and stringent quality control measures. By prioritizing these factors, businesses can indeed access good-quality clothes and fabrics from China and tap into the country’s manufacturing expertise effectively.”

2) Find the Supplier Via the B2B Marketplace 

You can start sourcing for your desired supplier right from home. You can do this with e-commerce stores like Alibaba and Global Sources. These platforms are established B2B stores. They have many Chinese suppliers and are great for connecting. 

Generally, these platforms allow you to contact the suppliers directly. Hence, you can connect and negotiate with the supplier that interests you. Also, you can read up on their reviews and ask other buyers about their experience. However, knowing that each supplier’s quality might vary is important. Hence, you must still invest in quality control using third-party inspection services. 

Here we discussed “Alibaba Alternatives: 12 Sites Like Alibaba for Sourcing” and “Top Chinese Wholesale Websites to Buy from China“. Don’t miss it.

3) Leverage Chinese Exhibition Shows 

Many companies invest in hosting several fashion shows and trade fairs in China. These opportunities are perfect to see the product and connect with manufacturers. Here are some of the fashion exhibitions: 

• Canton Fair 
• China International Fashion Fair 
• Yiwu Trade Fair 
• East China Import and Export Commodity Fair

4) Find Suppliers on LinkedIn 

LinkedIn is a well-known social media platform where businesses connect. Although the platform is banned in the country, it is still an avenue to meet suppliers. You can search for these suppliers. An alternative is joining groups to connect with other buyers and suppliers. 

Everything you need to know about importing private-label clothing from China

Critical Specifications to Provide:

• Sizes and quantities Design sketches Fabrics, types of yarns, and types of colors These include quality requirements, treatments, and coatings.
• Governance standards (for example, safety control, restrictions from the utilization of certain substances) Stating information regarding the kind of washing and treatment that should be given on the item, origin of the cloth used in the item, and type of material used.
• Logo files are created for the purpose of branding specific products for manufacturer specialization.

Chinese factories usually are divided by the type of product and sector, for example, sportswear, fitness, cycling, etc. The supplier must fit your particular needs because they may source their materials from subcontractors, which will affect the quality of the end product.

Tips for Sourcing Clothing & Fabric Manufacturers in China

So, what tips can you take to ensure you source the right manufacturers? Below are the tips that you can take to ensure you get the best experience. 

1) Find the Right Suppliers for Your Business Size

There are suppliers for big businesses. Then, those are better suited for smaller businesses because of their MOQ. Choosing the right Chinese suppliers prevents complications associated with order sizes. 

While a minimum order quantity from Chinese manufacturers can be understood by buyers from Asia, especially those from other developing countries, Western buyers find it rather odd. These MOQs can be discussed and changed depending on several circumstances.

Types of Minimum Quantities:

Per Product: This means that manufacturers have set limits to the number of units that must be manufactured so as to break an equal number of profits. In most of the cases, the factory has the discretion of determining this particular aspect.
Per Size: There is always a business order of units that is commonly recommended when it comes to setting the sizes to produce. Note that these size quantities must be verified before finalizing an order value.
Per Fabric and Color: High MRO costs are a result of minimum order quantities for each fabric type and color used in production since fabrics and materials are purchased from subcontractors. Instead, these subcontractors have their own standards that manufacturers have to adhere to as well.

2) Pick Suppliers with a Formal Manufacturing System

 There are several certifications. Suppliers with these certifications are more legitimate and trustworthy. Plus, they often have higher-quality products and more production capabilities. 

3) Choose Suppliers That Match Your Speciality

There are tons of suppliers. However, some suppliers specialize in something more than others. For instance, there is a supplier which specializes in linen. Then, some suppliers make underwear and other products. Match your products with the supplier for the best products. 

4) Shipping

 Pick a shipping method that aligns with your business needs. Choose air freight if the delivery is urgent and you can spare the cost. However, sea freight is a much more affordable alternative. 

There are freight forwarders you can use, too. This option helps you avoid any customs complications you would typically face. Handling customs alone can be stressful.

How You Can Reduce the Risks Associated with Importing from China 

Sourcing products is a challenge and often has lots of risks. To ensure a seamless experience, you can learn these risks and how to handle them. Here are three ways you can guarantee that you have a risk-free experience: 

1) Inspect the Goods 

Inspecting the goods you hope to seek before they are shipped to you is wise. This practice saves you a lot of money. It reduces the instances of ending up with fake products. If you can’t be there to inspect the products physically, you can hire a third party. Many organizations do this. 

All you need to do is pay a small fee. The third-party quality inspection in China usually ranges from the entire production to the pre-shipment inspection. Note that both options vary in cost. 

2) Testing the Products 

You can send the products to independent and unbiased testing labs. Here, they will test the clothing or fabric to ensure they are up-to-par in quality. The test reveals many aspects of the products. It offers insights into the fabric composition, color, and other important details. Some of these details can shed light on the quality of the materials. 

3) Audits 

Audits are crucial to ensure that the company follows the best practices. These audits provide the company’s machinery and practices to follow the standard. It also ensures your product line is the best throughout your supplier partnership. 

Note: Like any business, imports are risky. However, following these measures lowers the risks. You can also opt to use escrow services. It ensures the supplier is paid after you receive and approves your delivery. 

Legal and Regulatory Considerations of Importing Clothes and Fabrics 

There are different legal and regular considerations when importing fabric and clothes. These considerations ensure that your goods are cleared at customs. I usually discuss a few of these documents. 

However, the clothing market is rapidly evolving, and regulations are changing. That said, I recommend you discuss it with an attorney. This way, you are guaranteed a seamless experience. Also, this tip applies to the regulations regarding intellectual property. 

U.S. Clothing Standards and Requirements

For the U.S. market, understand standards set by agencies like the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), including fiber content disclosure, care labels, flammability requirements, etc.

1. Care and Labeling: Each garment must include care and labeling instructions, providing clear washing and care guidelines, including temperature, washing methods, and ironing requirements.
2. Material and Component Labels: Garments must specify the materials’ components to ensure consumers understand the composition. These labels are typically located inside the collar or waistband.
3. Size Standards: Clothing size standards should align with the U.S. sizing system, often represented as XS, S, M, L, XL, rather than specific numerical sizes.
4. Flammability Performance: Certain types of clothing, such as children’s sleepwear, may need to meet flammability performance standards for safety.
5. Dye and Color Fastness: Dyes used in clothing must be safe and resistant to fading. Colorfastness testing is a common requirement.
6. Chemical Restrictions: Clothing must not contain harmful chemicals beyond legal limits, such as heavy metals or harmful dyes.
7. Wearability and Comfort: Clothing must meet standards for comfort and wearability to ensure the wearer’s comfort.
8. Country of Origin Labeling: Indicating the manufacturing country or region of clothing is mandatory for consumers to know the product’s origin.
9. Tariffs and Import Taxes: Understand applicable tariffs and import taxes in the U.S. to ensure compliance and understand import costs.
10. Certifications and Compliance: Some clothing may require specific certifications, such as organic certification or non-anesthetic certification, depending on the product type.
11. Safety Testing: Baby and children’s clothing may require safety testing to ensure there are no small, ingestible parts or other potential hazards.
12. Flammability Labels: Certain types of clothing, such as sleepwear, may need to include flammability warning labels to alert consumers to potential fire hazards.

To inquire about tariff information in the United States for clothing and fabrics imported from China, please click here.

European Union Clothing Standards and Requirements

For businesses targeting the European Union market, familiarize yourself with relevant EU directives covering product safety standards, chemical restrictions (REACH), labeling requirements (CE marking), and more.

1. CE Certification: Many types of clothing, especially those involving baby and children’s wear, require CE certification. The CE mark signifies compliance with EU safety requirements. Ensure your clothing meets specific EU directives, such as the Children’s Product Safety Directive.
2. Material and Component Labels: Clothing must specify the materials’ components to ensure consumers understand the composition. These labels are typically located inside the collar or waistband.
3. Size Standards: Clothing size standards should align with the European sizing system, often represented as XS, S, M, L, and XL, rather than specific numerical sizes.
4. Dye and Color Fastness: Dyes used in clothing must be safe and resistant to fading. Colorfastness testing is a common requirement.
5. Chemical Restrictions: Clothing must not contain harmful chemicals beyond the limits set by EU regulations, such as those specified in the REACH regulation.
6. Wearability and Comfort: Clothing must meet standards for comfort and wearability to ensure the wearer’s comfort.
7. Country of Origin Labeling: Indicating the manufacturing country or region of clothing is mandatory for consumers to know the product’s origin.
8. Tariffs and Import Taxes: Understand the tariffs and import taxes applicable in EU countries to ensure compliance and understand import costs.
9. Sustainability Labels: The EU is increasingly focused on sustainability and environmental concerns. Some clothing may need to comply with environmental standards or obtain relevant sustainability certifications.
10. Chemical Registration: If your clothing contains specific types of chemicals, registration may be required under the REACH regulation.
11. Flammability Performance: Certain types of clothing, such as children’s sleepwear, may need to meet flammability performance standards for safety.
12. Safety Testing: Baby and children’s clothing may require safety testing to ensure there are no small, ingestible parts or other potential hazards.

Please note that these standards and requirements may vary based on the type of product, its intended use, and changes in regulations. To ensure your clothing meets local market requirements, it’s advisable to consult with regulatory authorities, importers, lawyers, or consulting firms in your country for specific guidance and information.

Ethical Sourcing and Manufacturing

Ensure that your suppliers adhere to ethical labor practices through thorough audits or by requiring certifications like BSCI (Business Social Compliance Initiative). This includes paying fair wages to workers, providing safe working conditions, prohibiting child labor exploitation, and complying with international labor standards.

Read More:

• Import Tariffs from China to the US
• What is a Sourcing Agent
• The Best Methods to Ship Your Product Directly from China
• How To Import Bags From China: A Detailed Guide

Final Thoughts!

Importing clothes and fabric is like importing other devices. You must be cautious and follow all the steps this guide highlights. We have covered how to find a manufacturer in China and mitigate the risks of importation. 

Nonetheless, we know this process can be overwhelming for a first-timer. Hence, we recommend you hire a sourcing agent. If you need help on these grounds, you can contact us. We are ready to assist all the steps of the way.