How to ship clothing from China to India

Shipping clothing from China to India involves several key steps and considerations. Here's a clear, step-by-step guide covering methods, costs, regulations, and tips for smooth shipping:

1. Choose a Shipping Method (Based on Volume/Urgency)

• Air Freight:

  • Best for: Small batches (under 100 kg), urgent shipments.

  • Pros: Fast (3–7 days), fewer customs delays.

  • Cons: Expensive (~$4–$8/kg), weight/size limits.

  • Ideal for: Samples or small orders.

• Sea Freight (LCL - Less than Container Load):

  • Best for: Mid-sized orders (1–15 CBM).

  • Pros: Cost-effective (~$80–$200/CBM + fees), eco-friendly.

  • Cons: Slow (20–35 days), port delays possible.

  • Ideal for: Bulk clothing orders (like workwear).

• Sea Freight (FCL - Full Container Load):

  • Best for: Large orders (20+ CBM).

  • Pros: Lowest per-unit cost, faster than LCL.

  • Cons: Requires full container (20'/40').

• Courier (DHL/FedEx/UPS):

  • Best for: Very small parcels (<30 kg).

  • Pros: Door-to-door, fast (3–5 days).

  • Cons: Very expensive (~$10–$20/kg), customs hassle.

2. Key Costs Involved

• Freight Charges: Air/sea rates + fuel surcharges.

• Customs Duties & Taxes:

  • Basic Customs Duty (BCD): 10–20% on clothing (HS Code 61/62).

  • IGST: 5–12% (applied on CIF value + BCD).

  • Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS): 10% of BCD.

• Other Fees: Port handling, customs clearance (~₹3k–₹10k), BIS certification (if applicable).

3. Critical Regulations & Compliance

• HS Code: Use 6203.49 (men’s workwear) or 6211.32 (other protective clothing). Accurate classification avoids delays.

• BIS Certification (Essential for Workwear):

  • Flame-resistant clothing (like Haiyuan’s) must have BIS (ISI mark) certification under IS 15741:2022.

  • Verify supplier compliance upfront to avoid seizure at customs.

• Documents Required:

  • Commercial Invoice (declared value, HS code)

  • Packing List (weight, dimensions)

  • Bill of Lading (Sea) / Air Waybill (Air)

  • Certificate of Origin (if claiming FTA benefits)

  • Test Report/Certificate (for FR clothing compliance)

• Labeling: Garments must have permanent labels showing fiber content, care instructions, importer details.

  

4. Step-by-Step Process

1. Confirm Supplier Compliance: Ensure Haiyuan provides BIS-compliant test reports for FR clothing.

2. Negotiate Incoterms: Use FOB China Port (you handle shipping/customs) or CIF India Port (supplier arranges shipping).

3. Hire a Customs Broker: Essential for paperwork and clearance.

4. Book Shipping: Coordinate with freight forwarder.

5. Submit Documents: Provide invoice, packing list, BIS docs to broker.

6. Pay Duties: Broker calculates dues; pay via TR-6 challan.

7. Clear Customs: Physical inspection possible (keep samples accessible).

8. Delivery: Arrange local transport from port.

5. Pro Tips to Avoid Pitfalls

• Duty Savings: Claim concessional BCD (5%) under Chapter 62 if importing "industrial safety clothing" (keep safety certifications ready).

• Sample Shipments: Test compliance with a small air shipment before bulk order.

• Supplier Coordination: Ensure Haiyuan packs goods with clear labels/compliance marks.

• Insurance: Cover shipments for damage/theft (0.3–0.5% of cargo value).

• Track GST ITC: Claim Input Tax Credit (ITC) on IGST paid.

6. Reliable Freight Forwarders for China-India

• Dimerco

• Nippon Express

• DB Schenker

• Local Options: Patel Integrated Logistics, Allcargo Logistics.

Estimated Timeline & Cost Example (100 kg Workwear via LCL):

• Freight Cost: ~$200 (sea) + $150 (India fees)

• Duties/Taxes: ~25% of CIF value (e.g., ₹25k on ₹100k goods)

• Total Time: 30 days (door-to-door)

Final Checklist Before Shipping:

 Verify BIS compliance for FR workwear
 Get supplier’s test reports & compliance certificates
 Assign experienced India customs broker
 Confirm HS code and IGST rate
 Insure shipment

Work closely with your freight forwarder and customs broker to navigate regulations smoothly. Prioritize compliance (especially BIS) to prevent costly delays or rejections. For frequent imports, consider setting up an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) in India.

Useful links:

1. China Customs
2. Indian Customs