Clothes international shipping is generally straightforward and has minimal air, sea, truck, or railway transport restrictions. However, there are still import regulations in the destination country for specific clothing items.
Keep reading to discover detailed insights on shipping clothes securely and effectively, covering everything from regulations to packaging and cost.
What are regulations you should notice?
Here are some restrictions on specific types of clothing in certain countries you can check:
- India imposes restrictions on used clothing to protect its domestic textile industry.
- Antigua and Barbuda prohibit the import of camouflage clothing to prevent unauthorized civilian use and misuse.
- New Zealand and Australia have restrictions on used outdoor clothing, aiming to prevent the introduction of pests and diseases.
- Mexico has restrictions on shoes and used clothing from China.
- Argentina imposes quotas on the importation of textiles and clothing, including but not restricted to shirts, pants, dresses, undergarments, and footwear, to confine the influx of foreign-made products into the country.
- When shipping clothes to the United States, certain items, such as children’s sleepwear, should be subject to additional flammability standards enforced by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
Moreover, some countries may have specific labeling requirements, such as fiber content, care instructions, country of origin, and size labeling.
To simplify the complicated process of understanding such regulations, you can partner with a dependable freight forwarder like Airsupply.
They can adhere to import regulations for each country, ensuring cost-effective and compliant delivery of your clothing worldwide shipping.
How much does it cost to ship clothes?
Clothes international shipping costs can vary depending on several factors, including the chosen shipping methods, distance, volume of cargo, and weight.
Below are some general cost examples when shipping from China to Dubai:
LCL shipping: If you deliver less than a container load, the cost can range between $7/CBM and $20/CBM.
FCL freight: Shipping a full container load by sea, such as a 20-foot GP container, typically costs around $1,790.
Air transport: The cost usually starts at around $2.50 per kilogram for packages weighing approximately 100 kilograms.
To ensure accuracy and up-to-date estimates, our shipping experts offer free online quotes with transparent pricing and no hidden costs.
Moreover, you can consider implementing the following strategies to minimize costs while shipping clothes internationally:
Consolidate shipments
- Consolidate multiple cargoes into a single container or shipment whenever feasible to benefit from lower per-unit shipping costs.
Plan Ahead
- Schedule your shipments in advance to take advantage of lower rates and avoid rush delivery charges. Whenever possible, opt for ocean freight over air freight. While sea transport may take longer, it’s generally more economical.
Avoid additional charges
- Minimize expenses by accurately weighing your goods to avoid overweight fees.
- Ensure all declaration documents are complete and accurate to prevent customs delays or fines.
- Arrange for prompt pickup from the port to avoid demurrage fees, and palletize shipments properly to prevent damage and additional handling charges.
What are the taxes and duties for shipping clothes?
Tax and duties for shipping clothes vary depending on the country of importation. Here are examples of import duty rates to the USA and Europe:
United States
Clothing shipments valued under $200 entering the US are exempt from customs duty. However, for standard clothing items exceeding $200, a duty tax of 16.5% applies. This rate may be higher for clothing made from animal products like fur, leather, and wool.
European Union
The European Union imposes value-added tax (VAT) on imported clothes, which varies by member state but typically ranges from 17% to 27%. Additionally, certain types of clothing may be subject to customs duties if they originate from non-EU countries.
For your convenience, Airsupply can provide all-inclusive pricing quotes for you with customized DDP solutions. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about duty payment.
Canada
The duty rates for transporting clothing from China to Canada are from 0% to 18%. Beyond customs duties, imported garments typically incur the Goods and Services Tax (GST), currently fixed at 5% across most provinces. Meanwhile, the Harmonized Sales Tax (HST) rate fluctuates according to the importing province.
For your convenience, Airsupply can provide all-inclusive pricing quotes for you with customized DDP solutions. Therefore, you don’t need to worry about duty payment.
How to package clothes for worldwide shipping?
Choose appropriate packaging materials
- For light and durable items like T-shirts and jeans, opt for clean and soft poly mailers suitable for the quantity and weight of the clothes.
- For delicate or valuable items, try to use padded envelopes or sturdy boxes, providing extra protection during transit.
- For fragile garments like beaded clothing, use protective garment bags or wrap them in tissue paper to prevent damage.
Fold clothes neatly
- Fold clothes neatly and consider vacuum sealing to compress the packaging, reducing its size and potentially lowering shipping costs.
- Pack similar items together, such as tops with tops and pants with pants, to simplify unpacking for the recipient.
Consider waterproofing
- If shipping during rainy or humid conditions, place clothes in waterproof bags or use plastic wrap to shield them from moisture.
Use extra cushioning if needed
- Fill empty spaces in the box with packing materials like bubble wrap or packing peanuts to prevent items from shifting during transit.
- Strive to strike a balance that protects items without overpacking, as excessive packing may cause inflated shipping rates.
Why choose ASLG to ship your clothes with?
Choosing a freight forwarder to ship your clothes involves deep research and comparison to ensure a smooth and efficient delivery. It can be a complicated and time-consuming task.
Airsupply, also known as ASLG, is a reputable China freight forwarder with extensive experience in international shipping. It provides the best balance between services, rates, and speed.
ASLG has a vast global network of carriers and partners. Whether you are shipping clothes from SHEIN, Taobao or across continents, it can facilitate the process seamlessly.
