Apparel Shipping from China
Export freight for apparel — packing specification, container loading, HS classification and clearance. Quoted EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP or delivered duty-paid.
Apparel shipping from China is straightforward once the cargo is understood: this is freight that made-up garments, where classification and origin move the duty rate more than the freight does, and the routing follows from that.
It changes how the shipment prices. Volume-limited in almost every case. Baled fabric compresses well and prices sensibly; hanging garments trade cube for presentation and cost noticeably more per unit shipped.
One thing specific to this material. Duty on fibre composition. A garment at 60% cotton and one at 60% synthetic can sit in different headings at materially different rates, and the composition on the label must match the invoice. Get the composition statement from the mill, not from the sales office.
One compliance step accounts for most delays on this commodity: OEKO-TEX or REACH evidence, and origin documents for preferential duty. Classification sits in chapter 50–63 / 64 / 42; the exact code varies by specification, so verify it before budgeting duty.
Freight reference — Apparel
| Typical HS chapter | 50–63 / 64 / 42 |
|---|---|
| Cargo behaviour | Made-up garments, where classification and origin move the duty rate more than the freight does |
| How it prices | Volume-limited |
| Usual service | Sea FCL, air in season |
| Main compliance step | OEKO-TEX or REACH evidence, and origin documents for preferential duty |
| Trade terms available | EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP or delivered duty-paid |
HS chapters are indicative. The binding classification depends on your exact specification — confirm the heading before relying on a duty estimate.
Packing and protection
Fold and poly-bag into standard cartons, or ship garment-on-hanger where the goods must arrive press-ready — GOH costs noticeably more cube but removes pressing at destination. Cartons must state style, colour and size breakdown on the outside; receiving warehouses will not open cartons to find out.
Loading the container
In the box: Keep bales clear of the container walls, where condensation forms first. Kraft or cardboard lining between cargo and wall is cheap and prevents most water staining.
Choosing the service
Which service: Sea FCL for replenishment volume; air for fashion where the season is the constraint and a missed window destroys the margin.
Where it usually goes wrong
Duty on fibre composition. A garment at 60% cotton and one at 60% synthetic can sit in different headings at materially different rates, and the composition on the label must match the invoice. Get the composition statement from the mill, not from the sales office.
Live rates on lanes that carry this cargo
Published per-kilo and per-CBM rates from China, updated from carrier feeds. Rates are lane-based rather than commodity-based, so these apply to apparel as much as to any other general cargo on the same route.
Frequently asked questions
How is freight priced for apparel?
Volume-limited in almost every case. Baled fabric compresses well and prices sensibly; hanging garments trade cube for presentation and cost noticeably more per unit shipped.
How should apparel be packed for export?
Fold and poly-bag into standard cartons, or ship garment-on-hanger where the goods must arrive press-ready — GOH costs noticeably more cube but removes pressing at destination. Cartons must state style, colour and size breakdown on the outside; receiving warehouses will not open cartons to find out.
Air or sea for apparel?
Sea FCL for replenishment volume; air for fashion where the season is the constraint and a missed window destroys the margin.
What customs paperwork does apparel need?
The step that most often holds a shipment is OEKO-TEX or REACH evidence, and origin documents for preferential duty. Classification normally falls in HS chapter 50–63 / 64 / 42, but the exact heading depends on your specification — send the product details and we will confirm the code and the duty position for the destination before you commit.
What goes wrong most often with apparel shipments?
Duty on fibre composition. A garment at 60% cotton and one at 60% synthetic can sit in different headings at materially different rates, and the composition on the label must match the invoice. Get the composition statement from the mill, not from the sales office.
Is there anything specific to apparel we should know?
Textiles absorb and hold moisture, then mildew. Line the container walls, add desiccant proportioned to the load, and never stuff bales still warm from a press.
Can you quote apparel on FOB or CIF rather than duty-paid?
Yes. We quote EXW, FOB, CIF, CIP, DAP and delivered duty-paid on this cargo. The term decides how much of the journey is already inside the price — the trade-terms table on any of our rate pages sets out exactly who carries which cost at each stage.