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Garments and apparel export from India: A guide to export garments and apparel
Start exporting garments and apparel from India. Learn current trends, documents, govt schemes, and the step-by-step process of exporting clothes in this blog.
Garments and apparel export from India is a dynamic and thriving sector, offering vast opportunities for businesses aiming to tap into the global fashion market. India’s rich textile heritage, skilled workforce, and competitive manufacturing capabilities make it a preferred sourcing destination worldwide. This blog explains how businesses can leverage the opportunity of garment export from India, explores the latest trends, reveals government incentives, and demystifies the step-by-step process for apparel export from India.
Overview and trends of India’s apparel and garment export industry
As one of the world’s largest exporters of textiles and apparel, India offers a competitive advantage through raw material availability, skilled labor, and government-backed incentives.
● In 2024-25, India was the sixth-largest exporter of textiles and apparel worldwide. readymade garment (RMG) exports were worth $12.91 billion in FY 2025.
● The country has a strong presence in cotton, man-made fibres, and blended garments, catering to diverse consumer needs across global markets.
● Major export destinations include the USA, EU, UK, and UAE, making India a preferred sourcing hub for international retailers.
● With PLI and PM MITRA Parks, the government is driving modernization, infrastructure growth, and export competitiveness within the sector.1
Most exported apparel and garment products from India
Exporters benefit from a range of product categories when considering garment exports from India. Leading segments include both traditional and modern apparel styles, making the sector highly competitive worldwide.
Key product categories include:
Key product categories include:
● Readymade garments: Shirts, t-shirts, trousers, jeans, dresses, skirts, jackets, activewear, and kids’ wear are widely exported and in high demand globally.
● Cotton apparel: India’s cotton shirts, dresses, blouses, and ethnic wear enjoy a strong footprint in the garment export and clothes export from India sectors.
● Wollen and synthetic garments: Blended fiber apparel for men and women, including sportswear, uniforms, and fashion wear are in high demand.
● Handloom and ethnic products: Sarees, dupattas, shawls, and traditional regional wear appeal to niche and luxury markets.2
Top countries to export apparel and garments from India
India’s top export markets for apparel and garments include the USA, UAE, UK, Germany, and France, among others, with the USA being the largest importer, accounting for nearly one-fourth of total exports.
Country
Key highlights
United States
Largest importer of Indian garments, demand for cotton and casual wear with 29% market share.
United Arab Emirates (UAE)
Popular destination for traditional and festive wear due to a strong NRI base.
United Kingdom
Focuses on ethical and sustainable fashion.
Germany
Strong demand for high-quality woolens and formals.
France
Fashion-forward market, good for unique Indian textiles.3
Government bodies promoting apparel and garment export from India
Several government bodies assist apparel export in India with certifications, subsidies, and promotional efforts. These include:
Export Promotion Councils (EPCs):
EPCs operate under the Government of India to promote specific segments of Indian exports. Some of the EPCs help apparel exporters in India with international marketing, policy guidance, and participation in global trade fairs, such as:
• Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC) – AEPC promotes readymade garments and provides training, buyer-seller meets, and global outreach support.
• Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL) – TEXPROCIL supports exporters of cotton yarn, fabrics, and home textiles in global compliance and marketing.
• Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC) – HEPC focuses on the promotion of Indian handloom products globally.
• Silk Export Promotion Council (SEPC) – SEPC helps the exporters of Indian silk products, including garments, scarves, and fabrics.
• Synthetic & Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC) – SRTEPC facilitates export of man-made fibre textiles and blended garments.
• Wool & Woollens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC) – WWEPC supports exporters dealing in all types of wool and woollen/acrylic blended garments and accessories.
These councils are valuable allies for those looking to expand their apparel export from India across categories and product types.
Regulatory bodies:
Regulatory institutions ensure compliance with trade regulations, quality norms, and export documentation.
• Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT): DGFT issues Importer Exporter Code (IEC), handles foreign trade policies, and provides export authorization.
• Textile Committee (Ministry of Textiles): Assists with quality control, laboratory testing, and standard certifications.
• Indian Trade Portal: Acts as a centralized platform for export-import policy updates, tariff notifications, and trade facilitation.4
Government schemes promoting apparel and garment export from India
To support growth in apparel export from India, several schemes and incentives are available:
1. Remission of Duties or Taxes on Export Products (RoDTEP)
RoDTEP scheme replaced the MEIS scheme and refunds previously un-refunded duties and taxes on export products.
2. Duty Drawback
Duty Drawback scheme refunds customs duties on imported materials and machinery for exported garment production.
3. Market Access Initiative (MAI)
Market Access Initiative scheme funds exporters’ participation in trade fairs, exhibitions, and new market development.
4. Market Development Assistance (MDA)
Supports exploration and expansion into untapped global markets.5
5. Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL)
RoSCTL scheme refunds embedded taxes to lower exporters’ costs and boost international competitiveness.6
6. Interest Equalization Scheme (IES)
Interest equalization scheme provides interest subsidy on export credit for eligible MSMEs in the textile sector, improving access to affordable finance.7
Documents required to export apparel and garments from India
Exporters must maintain compliance with documentation to avoid shipment delays. The essential paperwork includes:
● Goods and Services Tax Identification Number (GSTIN)
● Export License (if applicable)
● Inspection certificate and test reports8
How to export apparel and garments from India: Step-by-step process
Succeeding in garment export from India involves clear planning and adherence to best practices. Here’s a concise, actionable process for clothing export and garment export from India:
Step 1: Business registration and setup
Set up your business as a sole proprietorship, partnership, LLP, or private limited company. Apply for PAN, GST, and open a current account in your business name.
Step 2: Apply for Importer Exporter Code (IEC)
Apply for the IEC through the DGFT portal. This code is essential for all customs, banking, and compliance processes tied to clothing export.
Step 3: Select your garment category and market
Decide on product categories such as casual wear, ethnic wear, kids wear, etc. and select export markets based on demand. Find a gap in the market that can be filled by your unique product.
Step 4: Create product samples and pricing
Develop samples that meet global standards. Calculate product pricing after factoring in raw materials, production, packaging, logistics, and desired profit margins.
Step 5: Identify international buyers and leads
Use trade shows, B2B platforms, sourcing agents, or e-commerce export programs like Amazon Global Selling to connect with global customers and generate leads.
Step 6: Accept orders and finalize terms
After receiving interest, finalize product specs, pricing, quantity, timelines, and payment terms. Send a proforma invoice for buyer confirmation before production.
Step 7: Manufacturing and quality inspection
Begin production as per approved samples. Maintain strict quality checks to ensure garments meet buyer expectations and global standards.
Step 8: Documentation and logistics
Prepare documents such as the invoice, packing list, certificate of origin, and shipping bill. Upload through ICEGATE and ship using a reliable freight partner.
Step 9: Payment and buyer follow-up
Track payment as per the agreed method. After delivery, confirm buyer satisfaction and encourage repeat orders. Secure transactions with ECGC coverage if needed.9
Conclusion
India’s apparel exports play a big role in trade and offer huge opportunities for export businesses. Success depends on knowing export steps, using government schemes, keeping documents compliant, and picking the right markets. With e-commerce, even new exporters can sell globally, and programs like Amazon Global Selling make the process easier with tools and guidance.
Seller success story:
Janasya
Janasya began as a family-run saree retailer in Surat and transitioned to global exports via Amazon Global Selling in 2015. With end-to-end support from Amazon Global Selling, Janasya has grown at an average of 15-20% YoY with over 100 products retailing across Amazon sites in the U.S., Canada, UK, and Australia.
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. Do exporters of apparel/garments need to have AEPC RCMC?
Yes, exporters of apparel/garments are required to have AEPC RCMC (Apparel Export Promotion Council's Registration-Cum-Membership Certificate) to export their products.
2. What is the procedure for AEPC membership registration?
Procedure for AEPC membership registration:
· Visit the official website of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
· Choose the suitable membership category.
· Fill out the application form with complete details.
· Upload/attach required documents (business registration, PAN, GST, etc.).
· Submit the form online/offline and pay the fee.
· Wait for AEPC to verify and approve your application.
· Visit the official website of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
· Choose the suitable membership category.
· Fill out the application form with complete details.
· Upload/attach required documents (business registration, PAN, GST, etc.).
· Submit the form online/offline and pay the fee.
· Wait for AEPC to verify and approve your application.
3. Is Importer Exporter Code required for apparel exporters in India?
Yes, an Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is required for apparel export from India. The IEC is a 10-digit code issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) to Indian companies or individuals to carry out import or export activities. It is a requirement for all exporters and importers in India, including apparel and garment exporters.
4. Is GST applicable on garment exports from India?
No, garment exports are considered zero-rated under GST. Exporters can claim refunds on input tax credit or opt for export under bond/LUT without paying tax.
5. How do I find buyers for export garments?
You can use B2B platforms, attend trade fairs, or register with AEPC. Programs like Amazon Global Selling also connect sellers directly with international customers.
6. Is the garment export business profitable?
Yes, with high global demand and government support, garment export from India can be highly profitable if managed with quality, compliance, and logistics efficiency.
Published on April 30, 2023.
Updated on September 15, 2025
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
2. https://www.taxtmi.com/article/detailed?id=13339
3. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
4. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,223,24369
5. https://e-startupindia.com/textile-export-promotion-council.html
6. https://citiindia.org/schemes-for-textiles-sector/
7. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/understanding-the-interest-equalisation-scheme-for-indian-exporters
8. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/HTE.pdf
9. https://blog.pazago.com/post/starting-textile-export-business-india
Updated on September 15, 2025
Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
2. https://www.taxtmi.com/article/detailed?id=13339
3. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
4. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,223,24369
5. https://e-startupindia.com/textile-export-promotion-council.html
6. https://citiindia.org/schemes-for-textiles-sector/
7. https://www.credlix.com/blogs/understanding-the-interest-equalisation-scheme-for-indian-exporters
8. https://content.dgft.gov.in/Website/HTE.pdf
9. https://blog.pazago.com/post/starting-textile-export-business-india
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