The clothing industry in India is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, with a vast export market spanning across the globe. Among the top destinations for Indian apparel exports is the United States, which has a high demand for high quality, affordable, and sustainable clothing. However, exporting clothes from India to USA requires a well structured involving legal compliance, logistics, quality assurance, and strategic marketing.
In this blog, we will walk you through the essential steps to successfully export clothing from India to the USA, covering registration, regulations, pricing, logistics, and marketing.
Register Your Business
Before you start exporting clothes, you need to ensure your business is legally registered and compliant with Indian regulations. Here are the key steps:
Company Registration
Choose the type of business entity suitable for your venture
Choose Your Business Structure
Proprietorship
Ideal for small businesses
Partnership
Suitable for collaborations
Private Limited Company
Recommended for scalability and credibility
Complete Your Business Registrations
Obtain the Import Export Code (IEC)
The Import Export Code (IEC) is mandatory for any business in India looking to engage in international trade. You can obtain this from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade by submitting the required documents such as PAN card, Aadhaar, and bank details.
Register with Export Promotion Councils
Export Promotion Councils in India
These organisations help exporters gain credibility and access to international buyers.
Understand USA Import Regulations
Exporting to the USA requires compliance with U.S. laws and import regulations. Here are some important aspects to consider:
U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP)
All apparel imports must comply with the regulations set by U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). You need to ensure accurate documentation, including:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading
- Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2)
Product Labeling Requirements
Ensure your garments comply with labeling laws set by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Ensure your garments comply with labeling laws set by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). Every garment sold in the USA must carry the right labels. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ensures fabric labels are accurate. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) checks where products come from when they arrive at the port. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) makes sure that labels on children’s products are safe. If labels are wrong or missing, your shipment might not be allowed in. Might be sent back, to you. So make sure the labels are correct before you send anything.
1. Fibre content label
- List every fibre by its generic name, such as cotton, polyester or viscose, and not a brand or trade name.
- Give each fibre’s percentage by weight, in descending order. For example: 95% Cotton, 5% Elastane.
- Fibres below 5% can usually be grouped as “Other fibers”. Wool is the exception and must always be named (wool products also fall under the separate Wool Products Labeling Act).
- Put the label inside the back neck area of tops, shirts, and jackets. For clothes that don’t have a neck opening, such as pants or shorts, put the label in a spot that’s usually on the waistband or inside a seam.
2. Country of origin
- Mark each garment “Made in India” on the label. The mark must be legible and permanent. The mark cannot be a sticker or hang tag.
- Use the exact country name. Avoid vague wording like “Imported” or just a city name.
3. Manufacturer or importer identity
- The label must name the company responsible, or show an FTC Registered Identification Number (RN) instead. An RN is free to apply for on the FTC website and saves you printing your full company name on every label.
4. Care label (required before sale)
- Give washing instructions and details about drying, bleaching or ironing that will keep the item from getting damaged. For example: wash in cold water or dry wash.
- Use standard care symbols and words. The label should be permanent and last the life of the garment.
- Care labels must be attached before the garment is sold to consumers, though customs don’t normally check them at import.
US Clothing Label Checklist for Indian Exporters
| Label Item | What to Write | Where It Goes |
|---|---|---|
| Fibre Content | “60% Cotton, 40% Polyester” (generic fibre names in descending order by weight) | A conspicuous, accessible location on the garment |
| Country of Origin | “Made in India” | Permanent label; generally inside the centre back neck for garments with a neck |
| Manufacturer / Importer Identity | Name of the responsible business or an eligible FTC RN number | On a securely attached, accessible garment label |
| Care Instructions | Applicable washing, drying, bleaching and ironing guidance | On a permanent, legible and accessible care label |
Don’t forget the paperwork. Your customs documents must accurately describe the garments, including the applicable fibre composition and country of origin. Inconsistent or inaccurate declarations can lead to customs delays or additional checks.
Selling children’s clothing? Children’s garments may also require permanent tracking labels and applicable product safety testing and certification under CPSIA rules.
Product Safety Standards
Clothing products must comply with U.S. safety standards, particularly for flammability, lead content, and chemical usage. If you are exporting children’s clothing, compliance with the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) is mandatory.
Tariffs and Duties
Different types of clothing products have varying duty rates. You can check the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine applicable tariffs.
How the HTS code works:
The code itself: The first six digits are the HS code and that same HS code is used in India and the USA. The United States adds digits: eight digits for the duty rate and ten digits for statistics.
Where clothes sit: Chapter 61 covers knitted or crocheted clothing such as T-shirts and sweaters. Chapter 62 covers clothing that is not knitted or crocheted, such as woven shirts, jackets and trousers.
What decides the rate: The duty rate depends on the garment’s fibre composition, whether it is knitted or woven, its product category and, where relevant, whether it is intended for men, boys, women or girls. The correct classification determines the applicable rate.
How duty is charged: Customs duty is generally calculated using the customs value of the imported goods, which is usually based on the transaction value. International freight and insurance may be excluded when separately identified and subject to applicable valuation rules. Read the US Customs valuation guidance.
No preferential FTA rate for India: India does not currently have a free trade agreement with the United States providing preferential tariff treatment for these garments. The standard Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty rate, usually listed under Column 1 General of the US Harmonized Tariff Schedule, is the starting point.
How total duty is calculated: Total import duties may include the base MFN duty and additional tariffs applicable to the product and its country of origin, taking account of exclusions and other customs provisions. Small parcels are not automatically duty-free. The general US duty-free de minimis exemption was suspended effective 29 August 2025. Check the CBP guidance on low-value shipments.
Tariff note (22 October 2026): The United States introduced an additional 10% Section 301 tariff on covered Indian-origin goods, effective 24 July 2026. Product-specific exclusions and customs provisions may apply, so the additional duty should not be assumed for every garment. Check the full 10-digit HTS classification and applicable Chapter 99 tariff provisions before quoting a buyer. Refer to the Government of India tariff update and the US Customs Section 301 guidance.
Not sure which code your product falls under? Use the HSN Finder to identify the relevant HS code, then check the applicable US HTS classification and review the duty table by garment type.
How to Export Sarees from India to the USA
Sarees go to the US by air courier. Every shipment now needs a proper customs entry and pays duty, so accurate fabric and HS details matter more than before.
Documents required (India side)
- IEC, GST registration, LUT (to export without IGST), and your bank’s AD code
- Commercial invoice with your GSTIN, IEC and 8-digit HS code. Silk sarees fall under 5007 20 10, printed cotton under 5208 11 20, and polyester under 5407 54 30
- Packing list, airway bill and KYC
- Courier shipping bill, filed by the courier. CSB-IV covers non-commercial goods and samples, and CSB-V covers commercial and e-commerce exports.
US duty
- Classification: The US tariff has no “saree” line. Unstitched sarees are treated as fabric lengths, while stitched, ready-to-wear sarees may fall under apparel headings. Confirm with a customs broker
- Base duty: Silk fabric with 85% or more silk (HTS 5007.20.00) is currently listed as duty-free, though an older CBP ruling showed 5%. Cotton and synthetic sarees carry higher rates, so check HTS 5208 and 5407
- Additional tariff: Trackers report a 10% additional tariff on Indian goods since 24 July 2026. This rate has changed several times and trackers lag, so check it on the day you ship.
How to Export Casual Wear from India to the USA
The US is a major market for Indian T-shirts, jeans, hoodies and shirts, but the rules have changed. Courier parcels now need a full customs entry and carry higher duty than a year ago. Here is what you need to know before you ship.
The same steps apply whether you want to know how to export a shirt from India, how to export a pullover from India, how to export a jacket from India, or how to export sarees from India to USA
Which HS code applies to casual wear
Apparel is classified by how the fabric is made (knitted or woven), then by fibre and gender.
| Product | HS Heading | Typical US Base Duty (Cotton) |
|---|---|---|
| T-shirts | 6109 (knitted) | 16.5% |
| Pullovers, hoodies and sweatshirts | 6110 (knitted) | 5% to 16.5%, depending on the exact line |
| Jeans and trousers (men’s) | 6203 (woven) | 16.6% |
| Shirts (men’s, woven) | 6205 (woven) | 19.7% |
| Jackets | 6201 (men’s) / 6202 (women’s) | Varies by fibre. Confirm the exact line. |
Use the 8-digit HS code on Indian paperwork. The US needs a 10-digit HTS code, and customs entries must be filed at that 10-digit level. Synthetic and blended garments usually carry higher rates than cotton, so confirm the exact line for your fabric and for men’s, women’s or children’s styles.
Documents required (India side)
What US duty will you pay
Duty has two parts:
Start with the base Most Favoured Nation (MFN) duty from the garment duty table above. Confirm the applicable rate using the product’s full 10-digit HTS classification.
The United States introduced an additional 10% Section 301 duty on covered Indian-origin goods, effective 24 July 2026. This duty generally applies on top of the standard MFN rate, subject to exclusions and applicable customs provisions. India was not included in the textile and apparel tariff-rate quota arrangements announced for certain other countries.
Labelling rules for the US
Garments are checked at entry, and non-compliant goods can be refused. US apparel must carry the fibre content, country of origin, manufacturer or dealer identity and care instructions. Care labels must be permanently attached. The identity can be a business name or an FTC-issued RN number. Only US-incorporated businesses can apply for an RN, so Indian exporters usually print their company name or use their importer’s RN.
Children’s wear: stricter rules
If you ship kids’ T-shirts, hoodies or jeans, add these checks:
- Children’s apparel for ages 12 and under must meet strict lead and phthalate limits under the CPSIA, and a CPSC certification is mandatory.
- Children’s sleepwear must meet the flammability standards in 16 CFR 1615 and 1616.
- Neck and hood drawstrings on children’s hoodies are treated as a safety hazard in the US, so design them out.
- Expect third-party lab testing and permanent tracking labels. Confirm the current requirements with a CPSC-accepted lab.
How to Export Innerwear from India to the USA
Innerwear usually ships by air courier. The US now requires a customs entry and duty on courier parcels, so the right HS code and fabric details matter.
Documents required (India side)
- IEC, GST registration, LUT and your bank’s AD code
- Commercial invoice with your GSTIN, IEC, 8-digit HS code, fabric composition and gender
- Packing list, airway bill and KYC
- Courier shipping bill, filed by the courier. CSB-V is for commercial exports and CSB-IV for non-commercial goods and samples.
- Incentives: Drawback, RoDTEP and RoSCTL can be claimed. RoSCTL was last extended to 31 March 2026, and I couldn’t confirm what applies now, so check with AEPC or DGFT first.
US side
- Customs entry: The de minimis suspension became indefinite on 24 June 2026 for every mode except the international postal network, so courier parcels need a proper entry. Name a US importer of record and agree who pays duty.
- Base duty: Cotton men’s briefs are 7.4%, cotton women’s briefs 7.6% and bras 16.9%. Man-made fibre briefs and silk-rich styles carry different rates, so confirm the 10-digit US code for each style.
- Additional tariff: The US imposed a 10% Section 301 duty on a wide range of Indian goods, generally added on top of the MFN duty. That makes cotton briefs roughly 17.4% in total and bras roughly 26.9%. Rates have changed often, so check on the day you ship.
- Labels: Garments must show fibre content, country of origin, manufacturer or dealer identity and care instructions. Children’s innerwear also needs CPSC certification.
Sourcing and Manufacturing
Find Reliable Suppliers
If you are not manufacturing your clothing yourself, partner with ethical and reliable suppliers in India. Key textile hubs include:
| City / Region | Specialisation |
|---|---|
| Tiruppur (Tamil Nadu) | Knitwear and cotton garments |
| Ludhiana (Punjab) | Woolen garments |
| Surat (Gujarat) | Synthetic and polyester fabrics |
| Delhi & Mumbai | Fashion apparel |
| Bengaluru (Karnataka) | High-quality garments, shirts, trousers, kidswear, major export hub |
| Chennai (Tamil Nadu) | Leather garments, cotton textiles, uniforms |
| Kolhapur & Ichalkaranji (Maharashtra) | Powerloom fabrics, denim, cotton textiles |
| Kanpur (Uttar Pradesh) | Leather garments, canvas fabrics, uniforms, industrial textiles |
| Varanasi (Uttar Pradesh) | Handloom, silk sarees, traditional textiles |
| Jaipur (Rajasthan) | Hand block prints, ethnic wear, cotton fabrics |
| Kolkata (West Bengal) | Jute textiles, handloom, ethnic wear, kidswear, fashion apparel |
| Erode (Tamil Nadu) | Towels, bedsheets, home textiles, cotton fabrics |
| Panipat (Haryana) | Home furnishings, blankets, rugs, textiles |
Pricing
Costing Strategy
To determine a profitable yet competitive price, consider:
- Cost of raw materials and production
- Packaging and labeling costs
- Logistics and shipping expenses
- Custom duties and taxes in the USA
- Profit margin
Your real cost is not just the factory price. Add shipping, US duties and customs fees to calculate the landed cost of your shipment.
Pricing tip: Set your selling price above the landed cost to cover operating expenses and your profit margin.
| Comparison | DDP (Delivered Duty Paid) | DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) |
|---|---|---|
| Pays US duties and taxes | You (the seller) | Your US buyer |
| Handles US clearance | Seller, through a courier or customs broker | Buyer, usually assisted by a courier or broker |
| Best for | Consumer shipments and buyers who prefer upfront costs | B2B buyers who manage their own import duties |
Shipping and Logistics
Choose the Right Mode of Transport:
- Air Freight – The transportation of goods via aircraft. It is the fastest mode of shipping, ideal for urgent and high value shipments, but it is also more expensive than sea freight.
- Sea Freight – The transportation of goods via cargo ships. It is a cost effective solution for large and bulk shipments but takes longer than air freight.
Customs Clearance in the USA
Marketing and Distribution in the USA
Find Buyers in the USA
To reach potential buyers, you can:
- Register on B2B platforms like Alibaba, IndiaMART etc.
- Connect with fashion retailers and distributors.
Selling Directly to Customers
If you want to sell directly to consumers, consider:
Branding and Positioning
Challenges and How to Overcome Them
Conclusion
Exporting clothes from India to the USA can be highly profitable with the right approach. By ensuring legal compliance, maintaining high-quality production, and leveraging smart marketing strategies, you can build a successful export business. Start by registering your company, understanding U.S. import regulations, sourcing quality garments, setting competitive pricing, and choosing the right shipping and distribution channels.
If you need assistance with finding buyers, logistics, or documentation, consider working with an experienced export consultant or joining relevant trade associations for guidance. With dedication and the right strategies, your clothing export business can thrive in the U.S. market!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Yes, you need an Import Export Code (IEC) from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) in India.
Key documents include a commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, Importer Security Filing (ISF 10+2), and certificates of origin and compliance
You can find buyers through B2B platforms like Alibaba, trade fairs, and direct partnerships with retailers and wholesalers.
Air freight is faster but more expensive, while sea freight is cost-effective for bulk shipments.
Yes, the USA imposes customs duties on imported garments. The exact rate depends on the fabric type, garment category, and HS code classification. It’s important to check the U.S. Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) to determine applicable duties.
Yes, depending on the garment type. The USA requires compliance with Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) standards, including flammability, labeling, and safety certifications—especially for children’s clothing. Always confirm compliance before shipping.
