To import fabric from India to the USA, or to import garments from India to the USA, you act as importer of record, classify each item under the Harmonized Tariff Schedule, and make sure the goods carry the labels and origin evidence US rules require. Plan these before you place the order, not at the port.
US tariff treatment of Indian goods has changed more than once in recent years. Check the current rate for your exact line on the US International Trade Commission's tariff schedule, or with a licensed customs broker, and do not rely on an old quote.
What does the importer of record have to do?
The importer of record is responsible to US Customs and Border Protection for the declared value, classification and origin. The steps are:
- Appoint a licensed customs broker and arrange a customs bond.
- Obtain an importer number, and make sure the invoice shows seller, buyer, description, quantity and unit values.
- For ocean freight, have the Importer Security Filing lodged before the goods are loaded.
- Keep your records, because customs can ask for supporting documents after the goods are released.
The document pack your broker will ask for lists the papers in more detail. For how duty is calculated and why it differs by line, see how import duty on Indian textiles is set.
How are fabric and garments classified?
Fabric is classified by fibre, construction and finish, with different chapters for woven, knitted and non-woven goods. Garments are classified by whether they are knitted or woven, the fibre that predominates, the type of garment, and sometimes the gender and size range. A cotton knitted shirt and a cotton woven shirt can sit on different lines with different duty.
Give your broker the full fibre content, construction and a photo or sample. Wrong classification is expensive to correct later.
What labels do US rules require?
Most textile products sold to US consumers must carry a label showing the fibre content by generic name and percentage, the country of origin, and the identity of the business, which may be a name or a registered identification number. These rules are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission, and we explain them in US textile labelling under the FTC.
Care instructions are a separate requirement for garments. See care labelling rules in the US, UK and EU. Children's products add safety requirements, which the buyer is responsible for meeting.
What origin evidence will US customs want?
Customs cares where the goods were made and, for cotton, where the fibre came from. Since the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act, importers of cotton products may be asked to show the supply chain back to the fibre. Our guides on UFLPA and Indian cotton and proving cotton origin explain what traceability looks like.
Ask your supplier early whether it can document yarn and fibre sources. A mill that cannot do this is a risk for a US importer.
Next step
We find and audit mills and garment factories, check samples and documents, have lots tested, and supervise production and loading. Tell us what you sell in the US and we will help you build the paperwork into the order. Book a free sourcing review, or see textiles on our sourcing page.