You've approved your samples, confirmed your bulk order, and paid your factory. Now comes the part that trips up most first-time clothing brand founders: actually getting the goods from China to your door without running into customs holds, unexpected fees, or weeks of delays.
This guide walks you through the entire import process step by step.
Step 1: Choose Your Shipping Method
The right shipping method depends on your timeline and budget. Here are the main options:
| Method | Transit Time | Cost (100 kg) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Air Express (DHL / FedEx / UPS) | 3–7 days | $400–$900 | Urgent orders, samples, small first runs |
| Air Freight | 7–14 days | $250–$500 | Mid-size shipments needing speed |
| Sea Freight (LCL) | 25–40 days | $150–$350 | Larger shipments, budget-conscious |
| Sea Freight (FCL) | 25–40 days | $1,500–$3,500/container | Very large orders (1,000+ units) |
| Rail (China–Europe) | 18–25 days | $300–$600 | Europe-bound brands wanting a middle option |
For most startup clothing brands (first run of 50–300 units), air express or air freight is the most practical choice. The higher cost is worth it for the speed and simplicity — your goods arrive door-to-door with minimal customs complexity.
Step 2: Understand Import Duties
Import duties are taxes your government charges on goods entering the country. They're calculated as a percentage of the CIF value (Cost + Insurance + Freight).
United States
| Situation | Duty Rate (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Standard apparel tariff | 12–32% | Depends on HS code / product type |
| Section 301 tariffs on China | +7.5–25% | Additional tariffs on Chinese goods |
| Combined effective rate (2025) | ~26–44% | Varies by product classification |
Example: If your goods cost $3,000 (CIF value) and the combined duty rate is 35%, you pay $1,050 in import duties on top of your production cost.
European Union
| Product Type | Duty Rate |
|---|---|
| T-shirts and vests | 12% |
| Sweatshirts / hoodies | 12% |
| Trousers / shorts | 12% |
| VAT (varies by country) | 20–25% on top of duty |
United Kingdom
Post-Brexit, the UK has its own tariff schedule. Standard clothing duty is 12%, similar to the EU. Check the UK Global Tariff for your specific HS code.
Step 3: Get Your HS Code Right
The HS code (Harmonized System code) is a 6–10 digit number that classifies your product for customs. Using the wrong HS code can result in fines or goods being held at the border.
Common HS codes for clothing brands:
| Product | HS Code (US) |
|---|---|
| Men's cotton t-shirts | 6109.10.0012 |
| Women's cotton t-shirts | 6109.10.0045 |
| Cotton hoodies / sweatshirts | 6110.20.2079 |
| Cotton joggers / sweatpants | 6103.42.1020 |
Always verify with a licensed customs broker or the official CBP Rulings database (US) before filing.
Step 4: Work with a Freight Forwarder
A freight forwarder is a logistics company that manages your shipment — booking cargo space, preparing customs documents, and coordinating delivery. For your first import, using a freight forwarder is strongly recommended.
What they handle:
- Bill of Lading or Air Waybill
- Commercial Invoice and Packing List from your factory
- Customs Entry filing (ISF for sea freight entering the US)
- Delivery to your warehouse or fulfillment center
For small air express shipments (DHL/FedEx), you typically don't need a forwarder — the courier handles customs clearance automatically.
Step 5: Required Shipping Documents
Your factory must provide these documents with every shipment:
- ✅ Commercial Invoice — lists items, quantities, unit price, total value, HS codes, country of origin
- ✅ Packing List — number of boxes, weight, dimensions, items per carton
- ✅ Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill (air) — the contract between shipper and carrier
- ✅ Certificate of Origin (if needed) — proves goods were made in China
Important: The value on the commercial invoice must be accurate. Undervaluing goods to reduce duties is illegal and can result in fines, seizure, or import bans.
Step 6: Plan for Delivery Delays
Even experienced importers build buffer time into their schedules. Common delay causes:
- Chinese national holidays (Chinese New Year — typically February — can delay production by 2–4 weeks)
- Port congestion (especially during peak season October–December)
- Random customs inspections (adds 3–7 days)
- Incomplete or incorrect shipping documents
Rule of thumb: Always add 2 weeks buffer on top of your carrier's estimated delivery date for your first few shipments.
How Storiginator Helps with Shipping
At Storiginator, we prepare all shipping documents correctly, pack your goods professionally, and can coordinate with your preferred freight forwarder or ship via DHL/FedEx door-to-door. We'll also give you a complete commercial invoice with accurate HS codes to simplify your customs clearance. Get a shipping quote with your production order.
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