How to import clothes from China to the United States
POR Hispanic Entrepreneurs •
How to import clothes from China to the United States It is a question that many entrepreneurs ask themselves. This appears to be an attractive alternative due to the diversity of products offered by the Asian giant. In Hispanic Entrepreneurs We give you some clues on the steps to follow to achieve it.
Buying online or in wholesale markets?
There are many wholesale clothing suppliers and manufacturers in China. They offer the products on websites and in the main wholesale markets in the country. But how much do these clothes they produce cost? Prices vary according to quality, quantity and size. Customization also affects the total cost, as well as the delivery time. It can go from 0.8 to 8.25 dollars a piece.
Consider that buying online from China is cheaper because you will save on plane tickets and accommodation costs. But, it is more advantageous to go to China and be able to choose the merchandise directly, it is recommended if you buy in bulk to do so directly from the factory. You also avoid the risk of scams.
The clothing industry in China is large and modern, it can meet the demand of customers from all over the world, which becomes a great opportunity to grow your business.
Certification marks for these products include:
1- The China Compulsory Certificate (CCC).
2- European conformity (CE), sobre todo para ropa protectora.
3- Comet mark.
4- Ral-GZ 992 Certification.
5- China Quality Certification (CQC).
6- GB 18401-2010: National Technical Code of General Safety for Chinese Textile Products.
7- GB 20400-2006: Leather and skins - Limit of harmful materials.
8- GB 21550-2008: Restriction of hazardous materials in polyvinyl chloride artificial leather.
9- GB 28480-2012: Adornment - Provision for the limit of harmful elements.
10- GB 5296.4-2012: Instruction for the use of products of interest to the consumer.
Watch for a security breach. Chinese companies often commit design infringements. That is, they use brand names and logos without the required authorization. Keep in mind that the most popular and cheapest way to ship clothes from China is by sea.
How to Import Clothes from China to the United States
There are a few things you should keep in mind when importing clothing from China to the United States. First of all, you will need to find a trusted supplier in China who can provide you with high-quality clothing at a reasonable price.
Second, you'll need to ensure that the clothing you import complies with all applicable US laws and regulations. Ultimately, you'll need to choose the correct method of shipping your clothing so that it arrives in the United States safely and on time.
If you keep these three things in mind, you should have no problem importing clothing from China to the United States. Let's look at each of these points in more detail:
Find a reputable supplier in China: There are several ways to find a trustworthy clothing supplier in China. One way is to ask friends or business partners who have done business in China before for recommendations. Another way is to search the Internet for suppliers based in China and specialized in exporting clothing to the United States.
Ensure clothing complies with US laws and regulations: It is important to ensure that the clothing you import from China complies with all applicable US laws and regulations. This includes ensuring that clothing meets all safety and quality standards established by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Additionally, you will need to ensure that the labeling on the clothing meets all United States requirements.
Choose the right shipping method: When importing clothing from China to the United States, you will need to choose a shipping method that is reliable and cost-effective. Two popular shipping methods for clothing are air freight and sea freight. By choosing the right shipping method, you can ensure that your clothes arrive in the United States on time and without any damage.
As you can see, there are a few things you need to keep in mind when importing clothing from China to the United States. By following these tips, you can ensure that your importing experience is a success.
Best Ways to Import Clothes from China
The easiest way to import clothing from China is wholesale, which is ideal for its low price and suitable quality for reselling in your store. But, you must be careful because sometimes the clothes do not fit what your business needs.
The first thing you should do is contact the right manufacturer in China. Some recommend Shandong Jining Ruyi Woolen Textile Co Ltd, Shandong Demian Incorporated Company, Huafang Textile Co Ltd, among others. It is crucial to choose a supplier that meets quality standards and offers what you really need to grow your business.
The next thing is to ask the Chinese supplier for a sample of the product and information about the manufacturing plants to ensure quality. Calculate import duties and place your order. Most companies will require at least 10 thousand units and a deposit of between 30 and 50% to start production. The rest is paid when the order is ready.
Define the shipping method
As we already mentioned, the maritime method is cheaper. It is best to hire a customs agent who greatly simplifies this process, especially since there are several sections for textiles at customs. Prepare the necessary import documents such as: packing list, certificate of origin, loading guide, customs bond and commercial invoice.
When the order arrives, in addition to the papers, they will ask you to pay the import duties to release the merchandise. Organize the collection and transportation of the product to take it to your business.
In the case of the United States, clothing imported from China is subject to customs duties if it is valued at $200 or more. The rate for cotton garments is 16%. The tax is higher if the garments are authentic wool and leather. You must also pay the merchandise processing tax, which in this case is a small amount for the type of product.
When clothing arrives by ship, you pay the Harbor Maintenance Fee (HMF) which is applied as a customs duty. All clothing tariffs are calculated based on the free on board (FOB) value which takes into account the price of the product, transportation and export clearance.
Another factor to take into account when importing clothing from China to the US is that the US government has blocked the import of some clothing items, claiming that the production of cotton clothing from the Xinjiang region is carried out with forced labor.
Other Requirements to Import Clothing from China
US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) requires that all textiles have labels that describe their contents. In addition, they must contain instructions for their care.
Labels must be included that show the country of origin, fiber content and the identity of the manufacturer. Aside from CBP, other agencies can intervene in inspections, such as the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), which verifies flammability regulations, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to test for pesticides or toxic substances , and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), which verifies clothing and labels. Additionally, the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) inspects organic clothing claims and requires a children's product certificate for clothing for children under 12 years of age.