Get $50,000 in potential benefits Register nowGet $50,000 in potential benefits Register nowGarment export from India: Complete guide on clothing and apparel exports
Learn how to start a garment export business from India easily with e-commerce and start selling your apparel and clothing products across the world.
India is the world's second-largest exporter of textiles, with ready-made garments (RMG) forming the backbone of its export basket.1 Backed by a vast manufacturing base, competitive pricing, and strong government support, garment export from India spans everything from everyday cotton basics to high-performance activewear. With the government targeting $100 billion in textile exports by 2030, the opportunity for Indian exporters has never been greater.2 Whether you are setting up your first export business or looking to scale an existing one, this guide covers everything you need, from top products and markets to documentation, government schemes, and a step-by-step process to get started.
Overview and trends of garment export from India
Apparel exports reached $15.99 billion in FY2025, up 10.03% year-on-year, contributing to a record $37.7 billion in total textile and apparel exports.3 A major boost for Indian garment exporters came with the India-UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA), signed in 2025, which grants duty-free access on 99% of India's textile exports to the UK. This effectively closes a significant tariff gap with competing nations, making Indian garments considerably more competitive in one of the world's most important fashion markets.4
What are the top garment products exported from India?
India exports a wide variety of garments and apparel to buyers across the world. Some of the most exported garments include:
1. Ready-made garments (RMG): Including T-shirts, button down shirts, sweatpants, briefs, and camisoles and tanks.
2. Cotton apparel: India is the world's largest producer of cotton, making cotton-based garments one of its most established export categories.5
3. Denim and jeanswear: Indian denim is sourced by global fashion retailers for its quality and durability.
4. Knitwear: Sweaters, cardigans, hosiery, and activewear from manufacturing hubs like Tirupur and Ludhiana.
5. Ethnic wear and traditional clothing: Kurtas, sarees, salwar kameez, and lehengas with strong demand in diaspora and luxury markets.
6. Silk and handloom garments: India is the second-largest producer of raw silk, with handloom fabrics like Banarasi, Ikat, and Khadi valued in premium international markets.6
7. Sportswear and activewear: Man-made fibre (MMF) based garments increasingly sourced by global retailers for performance and casualwear.7
Top countries to export garments and apparel from India
Here are some of the top export destinations for Indian garments:
8
Hear from our export champion
Learn how P. Thiruvasaga Mani, founder of Tahrr & Me, is taking Indian apparel craftsmanship to international markets.
Government bodies that promote garment export from India
Several government bodies and export promotion councils support Indian apparel exporters:
1. Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT)
Under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, DGFT administers India's Foreign Trade Policy, issues Importer Exporter Codes (IEC), and manages export incentive schemes including RoDTEP.9
2. Ministry of Textiles
The nodal ministry for textile and apparel policy in India, overseeing production, exports, and the implementation of key schemes like RoSCTL, PM MITRA Parks, and the PLI scheme for textiles.10
3. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)
The nodal agency for promoting apparel exports from India, AEPC provides exporters with RCMC, trade fair access, buyer-seller meet facilitation, and market intelligence. It is mandatory for apparel exporters to register with AEPC to avail several government export benefits.11
4. Other export promotion councils
In addition to AEPC, other export promotion councils support garment exporters depending on their product mix and materials. These include the Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL), Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC), Silk Export Promotion Council (SEPC), Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC), and Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC). Together, these councils offer a comprehensive support network spanning market intelligence, trade fair access, policy facilitation, and international trade promotion.
Government schemes that promote garment export from India
The Government of India offers several schemes to support garment exporters. Here are some of them:
1. Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL):
RoSCTL was introduced specifically for apparel and made-ups to refund embedded state and central taxes such as electricity duties, mandi tax, and stamp duty, incurred during manufacturing that are not recovered through any other scheme. Benefits are issued as transferable electronic duty credit scrips via the ICEGATE portal, which can be used to pay customs duties.12
2. Duty Drawback:
Duty drawback refunds customs duties paid on imported raw materials such as fabrics, threads, or accessories used in manufacturing exported garments. It ensures that import taxes do not get embedded in the cost of exported goods, helping Indian garment exporters remain price-competitive in international markets.13
3. Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP)
Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products, or RoDTEP, was initiated in 2021 to offset the taxes and duties incurred on exported goods. Under this scheme, a refund is provided for all concealed central, state, and local duties, taxes, and levies associated with the goods exported which haven’t been reimbursed through any existing program. This includes not only the exporter’s direct expenses but also the accumulated indirect taxes on goods incurred in earlier stages.14
4. Interest Equalisation Scheme (IES):
The Interest Equalization Scheme (IES) is an initiative designed to make export affordable and enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters. To do so, IES provides financial support through a subsidy on interest rates charged on export-related credit.
5. Market Access Initiative (MAI):
The Market Access Initiative scheme is an export promotion scheme proposed to sustainably promote export trade in India. It aims to regulate a product-focus approach through market surveys to drive exports. It also assists Export Promotion Councils, trade promotion organizations, research institutions, labs and universities to access new market territories and strengthen their presence in the existing markets.15
Documents required to export apparel and garments from India
Documents required to export apparel and garments from India include:
How to start a garment export business from India? Step-by-step guide
Exporting garments involves following a structured process. Here’s how you can export garments and apparel from India:
Step 1: Set up your business
Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or company. A valid PAN is required for all export and tax-related activities.
Step 2: Complete market research and identify buyers
Study demand by market. Use export data and ecommerce platforms to identify trending products. Find buyers through trade shows and exhibitions, or through programs like Amazon Global Selling.
Step 3: Obtain product documentation
Obtain IEC, register to obtain GST for your business, and get your Registration cum Membership Certificate (RCMC). Also ensure your products are compliant and have the correct HS code.
Step 4: Manufacture and monitor quality
Begin production with clearly defined specifications aligned to buyer expectations. Implement strict quality checks at every stage to ensure durability, design accuracy, and compliance with international standards. Maintain detailed records and use third-party inspections or testing labs where required to meet marketplace and regulatory requirements.
Step 5: Manage logistics and shipping
Choose a reliable logistics partner and prepare your products for international shipping with export-ready packaging. Understand customs procedures, documentation requirements, and delivery timelines for each target market. Use fulfillment solutions like Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) that streamline cross-border delivery and reduce operational complexity.
How to export garments with Amazon Global Selling?
Here’s how you can start your garment export business from India with Amazon Global Selling:
Step 1: Register on Amazon Global Selling
Create an Amazon seller account on Seller Central to reach customers across 18+ Amazon global marketplaces. All you need to register is ID proof, address proof, and credit or debit card (international transactions enabled).
Step 2: List your products
Once registered, list your products on Amazon global marketplaces. Use the latest tools and expert support to make your listings more visible to customers.
Step 3: Ship and deliver globally
Choose to manage your own logistics through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or get expert support from Amazon to store, pack, ship, and deliver internationally with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). If you are an FBA seller and opt for Amazon SEND, partnered carriers will handle customs clearance for you.
Step 4: Receive payments and grow your business
Receive payment in INR directly in your bank account and use tools like Brand Registry and Amazon Ads to grow your business.
Conclusion
India's garment export sector offers strong opportunities for businesses of all sizes, backed by a competitive manufacturing base, diverse product range, and supportive government schemes. The key is to start with the right documentation, choose your markets strategically, and make the most of available incentives. Exporters can also use ecommerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling to reach international customers efficiently and at scale.
Amazon Global Selling: Easy e-commerce exports and hassle-free shipping
If you are a business owner and you want to sell your products to the world, Amazon Global Selling enables you to list and sell ‘Made in India’ products on 18 Amazon global marketplaces. As an e-commerce export program, Amazon Global Selling provides support and guidance at every step of your export journey, connecting you to Amazon’s Service Provider Network for tailored compliance, payments, and logistics support.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Registered sellers can choose to ship their products by themselves through Merchant Fulfilled Network (MFN) or they can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) and outsource order fulfillment to Amazon including packing, storage, delivery, and returns. Amazon Global Selling simplifies the process of international shipping to the world, helping businesses navigate customs and reach a vast audience.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the easiest way to start small-scale garment exports?
The easiest way to start small-scale garment exports is through an ecommerce export program like Amazon Global Selling, which lets you sell your garments directly to international customers without needing to identify buyers independently. Get your IEC and RCMC, then test the market with a small product range before scaling up.
2. Can you export garments without a manufacturing unit?
Yes. Merchant exporters who source garments from manufacturers and export them do not need to own a manufacturing unit. They are eligible for an IEC and can also avail of benefits under schemes like Duty Drawback and RoSCTL, provided they meet the eligibility criteria.
3. How can you handle currency fluctuations in clothing exports?
Pricing in stable currencies like USD or EUR provides a natural hedge. E-commerce platforms like Amazon Global Selling also simplify this by converting and remitting payments directly in INR, removing the need to manage foreign exchange independently.
4. Which countries import clothes from India?
India's top garment export destinations include the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, France, UAE, and other EU countries. The US accounts for the largest share, followed by the EU collectively.
5. What certifications are required for exporting apparel from India?
The key documents required include a valid IEC, RCMC from AEPC, commercial invoice, packing list, shipping bill, certificate of origin, and GST documentation. Depending on your destination market and product category, additional certifications such as quality or testing certificates may also be required.
6. What are the taxes for apparel and garment exports from India?
Garment exports are zero-rated under GST, meaning exporters can claim a full refund of input taxes. Export duties are generally not applicable on most garment categories. Exporters can avail RoSCTL and Duty Drawback benefits to recover embedded taxes.16
7. How do I find buyers for export garments?
You can find buyers through international trade fairs, B2B platforms, government-supported buyer-seller meets by AEPC, and ecommerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling, which gives you direct access to millions of international shoppers.
8. What is the procedure for AEPC membership registration?
Apply online via the AEPC website by submitting your IEC, business registration documents, GST certificate, and bank details. On approval, you receive an RCMC valid for five years, which enables access to government export schemes and AEPC services.
9. Is the garment export business profitable?
Yes, garment export from India can be highly profitable, particularly when exporters leverage government schemes like RoSCTL and Duty Drawback to reduce embedded tax costs, choose the right markets, and build long-term buyer relationships.
10. Is Importer Exporter Code required for apparel exporters in India?
Yes. An IEC is mandatory for all exporters in India, including garment exporters. Without a valid IEC, no export shipment can be processed. It is issued free of charge by DGFT.
Published on April 30, 2023.
Updated on March 24, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-uk-fta-textile-gains-for-exporters-and-importers-38236.html/
2. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
3. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
4. https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-uk-fta-textile-gains-for-exporters-and-importers-38236.html/
5. https://www.ibef.org/exports/cotton-industry-india
6. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
7. https://www.nonameglobal.com/post/the-complete-guide-to-the-garment-export-industry-in-india
8. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
9. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=about-dgft
10. https://www.texmin.gov.in/ministry
11. https://www.aepcindia.com/about-aepc
12. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=rosctl
13. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-in/small-business-advice/business-innovation-trends/duty-drawback-scheme-for-exporters
14. https://indiantradeportal.in/
15. https://www.commerce.gov.in/
16. https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/govt-extends-export-incentive-scheme-for-apparel-garment-till-march-2026-124020101070_1.html
Updated on March 24, 2026.
Sources:
1. https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-uk-fta-textile-gains-for-exporters-and-importers-38236.html/
2. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
3. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
4. https://www.india-briefing.com/news/india-uk-fta-textile-gains-for-exporters-and-importers-38236.html/
5. https://www.ibef.org/exports/cotton-industry-india
6. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
7. https://www.nonameglobal.com/post/the-complete-guide-to-the-garment-export-industry-in-india
8. https://www.pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx
9. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=about-dgft
10. https://www.texmin.gov.in/ministry
11. https://www.aepcindia.com/about-aepc
12. https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=rosctl
13. https://www.dhl.com/discover/en-in/small-business-advice/business-innovation-trends/duty-drawback-scheme-for-exporters
14. https://indiantradeportal.in/
15. https://www.commerce.gov.in/
16. https://www.business-standard.com/economy/news/govt-extends-export-incentive-scheme-for-apparel-garment-till-march-2026-124020101070_1.html
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