How to Successfully Import Clothes from China

Many importers face challenges like high manufacturing expenses and slow turnaround times that reduce competitiveness in today’s fast-paced market. Import clothes from China to overcome these rising costs and limited product variety that’s holding your business back. They bring you affordable costs, diverse clothing styles, advanced manufacturing with faster delivery, and a well-developed supply chain that can scale with your business needs. Discover why China remains the top destination for importing apparel economically and efficiently.

Why Import Clothes from China?

Based on many reports about why to import clothes from China, it is well known that importing clothes from China offers several significant advantages, including:

• Lower Manufacturing and Labour Costs: Compared to many other countries, importing clothes from China gives you a chance to have lower operational costs, as it allows you to reduce production expenses and certainly increase your profit margins.
• Different Clothing Style: You will enjoy having access to a vast and diverse range of clothing styles and products, from high-end fashion to affordable apparel, catering to different markets and consumer preferences.
• Efficient Manufacturing Processes: What’s more, China is now well known for its usage of advanced technology and skilled labour. This ultimately ensures faster production times and consistent quality.
• Scalability in Manufacturing: This enables you to have flexible order volumes to meet market demand quickly.
• Well-developed Supply Chain: China’s Clothes market is thriving, and they have infrastructure and logistics services that help deliver goods on time and reduce overall supply chain costs.

These factors make China a top sourcing destination for both global brands and smaller businesses looking to import apparel economically and efficiently.

How to Determine the Correct HS Code for Your Clothing Items

Based on recent reports, more than 98% of all merchandise in international trade is classified using the Harmonised System (HS). Accurate HS code classification determines the duties you pay, quota, and governs whether cargo clears customs in hours or sits under hold for weeks. For clothing imports into China, a single error in the HTS number can expose you to audits, penalty assessments, and unexpected landed-cost increases that destroy margin forecasts.

Read More : HS Code for Saudi Arabia

There are 5 steps to determine the correct HS (Harmonised System) code for your clothing items, including:

1- Construction method: Determine if your clothing is knitted or crocheted versus woven. Knitted garments (stretchy, looped yarns) fall under HS Chapter 61, while woven garments (interlaced threads) are classified in Chapter 62.

2- Garment function and style: Classify the item by type, T-shirts, dresses, jackets, trousers, etc.

3- Consider material composition: Note the fabric type, such as cotton, polyester, wool, or blends.

4- Account for the intended user: Classify by gender and age group, men’s, women’s, or children’s clothes.

5- Use official resources: Utilise official customs rulings databases like the Customs Rulings Online Search System (CROSS), government tariff schedules, or consult customs brokers/logistics partners for assistance.

How to Ensure Your Products Comply with SASO Requirements

To ensure your products comply with SASO (Saudi Standards, Metrology and Quality Organisation) requirements for import into Saudi Arabia, follow these essential steps:

1- Identify Applicable SASO Standards: Determine whether your product falls under SASO technical regulations by checking the product category and specific standards on the SASO or SABER platform.

2- Register Your Product in SABER: Use the SABER electronic system to register your product by entering accurate product details and classification.  –  click here for  Saber Registration 

3- Engage an Accredited Certification Body: Choose a SASO-notified certification body like Tabseer to perform conformity assessment and product testing, either in accredited labs locally or internationally recognised centres.

4- Obtain Product Certificate of Conformity (PCoC): This certificate confirms that the product model meets SASO technical standards. It is valid for one year and must be obtained before shipment.

5- Acquire Shipment Certificate of Conformity (SCoC): This certificate is required for each shipment and ensures compliance for specific batches of goods before entry into Saudi Arabia.

6- Prepare Complete Documentation: Include technical specifications, lab test reports, certifications (ISO, CE if applicable), invoices, and packing lists as required by SASO and customs authorities.

7- Stay Updated on Regulatory Changes: SASO regulations are periodically updated to enhance product safety and quality. Regularly review SASO announcements and adjust compliance processes accordingly.

Following these steps ensures compliance with SASO regulations, avoids shipment delays, customs penalties, and facilitates smooth market access for your products in Saudi Arabia

How Tabseer Helps Importers of Clothing from China

With years of accumulated experience shaping Saudi Arabia’s technical standards, Tabseer is your trusted partner in helping you import clothes from China. Our expert team is dedicated to supporting the Saudi Vision 2030 by ensuring product safety, transparency, and fairness in the market. As an accredited body with a wide local and international reach, we provide innovative and reliable technical solutions tailored to your business needs.

Take the next step in securing your product’s compliance and market success… Connect with Tabseer now and experience the future of quality assurance.