How to Export Shirts from India: Step-by-Step Guide
Exporting shirts (HS Code: 6105, 6205) from India involves product preparation, documentation, compliance, logistics, and payment safety. Here’s what you must do:
1. Set Up the Basic Legal Requirements
Before exporting, complete these mandatory steps:
- IEC – Import Export Code Issued by DGFT. Required for all exports.
- GST Registration For running a commercial business.
- Current Account in a Bank
Preferably an EEFC-enabled account for receiving foreign currency.
2. Choose Your Product Range
Decide what type of shirts you will export:
- Formal shirts / Dress shirts
- Casual shirts
- Printed shirts
- Denim shirts
- Workwear/uniform shirts
- Premium fashion shirts
Also decide:
- Fabric quality (cotton, poly-cotton, linen, denim, rayon)
- GSM
- Stitching standards
- Packaging style
3. Identify Your Target Market (Country)
Some strong importing countries for shirts from India include:
- USA, UK, Germany
- UAE, Saudi Arabia
- Australia
- France, Spain
- South Africa
- Canada
Research demand, price range, buyer requirements, certifications, and quality norms.
4. Find International Buyers
You can find shirt buyers through:
➤ B2B platforms
Alibaba, IndiaMART, Fibre2Fashion, etc
➤ Trade shows
- India International Garment Fair
- Dubai Apparel Expo
- Canton Fair, China
- MAGIC, Las Vegas
➤ Export Promotion Councils
- AEPC (Apparel Export Promotion Council)
➤ Direct marketing
Website, LinkedIn, Instagram, email marketing.
5. Create Samples
No buyer will place bulk orders without approving:
- Fabric sample
- Stitch quality
- Measurement chart
- Packaging sample
Ensure shrinkage, colour fastness, stitching, and fitting meet buyer expectations.
6. Negotiation: Price, Quantity & Terms
Discuss:
- Unit price (FOB or CIF)
- Minimum order quantity (MOQs)
- Lead time
- Payment terms
- Packing details
- Shipping method (FCL/LCL/Air)
7. Decide Payment Terms
Safer payment terms include:
- Advance Payment (most preferred)
- Letter of Credit (very safe)
- Documents Against Payment (CAD)
- 50% Advance + 50% before shipment (common in garments)
Avoid full credit terms for first-time buyers.
8. Manufacturing or Sourcing
You can:
- Manufacture shirts yourself OR
- Source from Tirupur, Surat, Ludhiana, Delhi, Jaipur, Bangalore
Quality check is very important before packing.
9. Complete Export Documentation
Mandatory export documents for shirts:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Purchase Order / LC
- Export Contract
- HS Code declaration
- Certificate of Origin (from Chamber or AEPC)
- Bill of Lading / Airway Bill
- Shipping Bill (generated by Customs)
- Inspection Certificate (if asked by buyer)
- Export Packing Marking
10. Compliance & Certifications
Not always compulsory, but useful:
- ISO certification
- OEKO-TEX certification for fabric
- BSCI / SEDEX audits for factories in EU markets
- GOTS for organic cotton shirts
Some countries ask for special lab tests such as colour fastness or azo-free dyes.
11. Packaging & Labelling
Follow buyer instructions:
- Size tags
- Wash care labels
- Country of Origin: “Made in India”
- Barcodes (if required)
- Polybags, carton boxes, vacuum packing (optional)
12. Book Logistics
Choose a reliable:
- Freight Forwarder
- CHA (Customs House Agent)
They will handle:
- Customs clearance
- Shipping
- Export documentation
- Booking space in vessel/airline
Send shipment as either:
- FCL / LCL by sea
- Courier / Air cargo for small orders
13. Customs Clearance
Customs will check:
- Invoice value
- HS Code
- Export benefits eligibility
- Physical inspection (if required)
After clearance, they issue the Let Export Order (LEO).
14. Receive Payment
Payment is received in your bank according to terms:
- SWIFT transfer
- LC / Letter of Credit
- Bank Collection
- Gateway (for small orders through ecommerce)
15. Claim Export Benefits (Optional)
You may get:
- RoDTEP refund / RoSCTL Claim
- Duty drawback
- GST refund (IGST)
Summary
Exporting shirts from India involves:
- Legal setup
- Product development
- Finding buyers
- Negotiating orders
- Making quality product
- Documentation
- Shipping
- Receiving payment
- Claiming incentives