Apparel is the category with the lightest product certification and the heaviest dependence on specification. Success comes from tech packs, sizing and quality control, and from classifying the garment correctly.
Clothing and textiles are a natural fit for first-time importers: low value per unit, huge variety, and flexible order sizes. Compared with electronics or toys, there is generally less product certification. The challenge shifts to the product itself: fit, fabric, colour, finishing and consistency from one batch to the next.
That makes written specifications and inspection the heart of the process. A garment that is "close enough" in a sample can arrive in a different weight of fabric or a different size scale in bulk.
| Hub | What to know |
|---|---|
| Guangzhou (Shahe and Zhanxi areas) | Large wholesale garment markets and trading ecosystem, good for fast-fashion and small-batch buying. |
| Humen (Dongguan) | A well-known women's fashion manufacturing and wholesale cluster. |
| Keqiao (Shaoxing) | One of the largest fabric markets in China, relevant if you source fabric and have garments made separately. |
| Yiwu | Strong for fashion accessories, hosiery and low-cost items. |
| Shenzhen | Known for branded and OEM fashion and underwear manufacturing. |
| Check | Why it matters for this category |
|---|---|
| Tech pack and size chart | Write down measurements, fabric, GSM, colour references, stitching and trims. Do not rely on a verbal description or a photo. |
| Fabric composition | Composition (cotton, polyester, blends) affects both classification and duty. The label and the invoice must say the same thing. |
| Labelling | Textile labelling and Legal Metrology packaging declarations must be right on arrival. Fibre content and care details are commonly required on the product. |
| Colourfastness and chemical content | Colour bleeding, shrinkage and azo dye restrictions are known quality and compliance risks. Ask for relevant test reports for volume orders. |
| Special-case textiles | Some technical or specialised textiles have specific quality orders. Check the current list if your item is anything beyond ordinary garments. |
Applicability depends on what the specific item is and does, and the rules are revised from time to time. Treat this page as a map of what to look at, and confirm the current requirement for your product before you place an order.
Classification of garments follows the type of garment, whether knitted or woven, the fabric and the intended wearer, so one shipment can span several headings with different rates. Confirm the heading for each product type before you calculate landed cost.
Valuation matters more here than almost anywhere. Customs may compare your declared price with its own reference data. Declare accurately, and keep the supplier invoice, payment records and contract consistent.
Use our landed-cost calculator to model it, and the HS code reference as a starting point for classification. Neither replaces a customs professional's decision on your actual filing.
Ordinary garments generally do not, but some specific textile products are covered by quality control orders. Check the current list for your exact item, and make sure labelling and Legal Metrology requirements are met.
Finished garments are simpler for a first order. Buying fabric and having it made up gives more control and better margins but needs more production management.
It depends on the supplier's minimums and your budget. Many suppliers will accept small trial orders at a higher unit price. See our sourcing quiz for how to approach it.
Use a written tech pack, a golden sample, and a third-party or agent inspection before payment of the balance. See the inspection checklist.
Send us the exact item, not the category. We will tell you honestly what certifications apply, what the landed cost looks like, and whether it is worth importing.
