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How to export apparel and garments from India?

In this blog, learn how to export apparel and garments from India. Explore export promotion councils, export incentives, documents required and how to export from India with Amazon.

The Indian textile industry significantly contributes to the country’s economy, and apparel and garment exports are vital to this growth. With a rich heritage in textile manufacturing, India is renowned globally for its high-quality fabrics and skilled workforce. The country also offers a range of products for customers worldwide. India’s textile and apparel market size is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10% from 2019-20 to reach $190 billion by 2025-26¹.

Latest trends in apparel and garment export from India

Following are some emerging trends in India’s apparel and garment export industry

Sustainability and eco-friendly practices

With the increasing global demand for sustainable and organic fashion, the Indian garment industry is shifting towards eco-friendly manufacturing practices. This trend is gaining popularity among international customers.

Digitalization and e-commerce

Digitalization and e-commerce have revolutionized the way the apparel and garment industry operate. The growth of e-commerce businesses has made it easier for exporters to reach global customers and sell their products online.

Focus on innovation and design

Innovation and design have become critical factors in the garment industry’s success. With customers becoming more fashion-conscious, apparel and garment manufacturers increasingly focus on creating unique and innovative designs to meet their customers’ demands.

Top export destinations for Indian garment and apparel export

India’s textile and apparel industry is a significant contributor to the country’s economy, and provides direct employment to 45 million people, making it the second-largest employer after agriculture1. India's top textile and clothing manufacturing states are Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Haryana, Jharkhand, and Gujarat. Following are the top export destinations for Indian apparel and garment industry:

The US

The US is the largest importer of Indian textiles and apparel products, accounting for 27% of India’s total exports in 2021-22.

The UAE

The UAE is also a significant importer of Indian textile and apparel products, accounting for 6% of total exports in 2021-22. The recent Free Trade Agreement (FTA) signed between India and UAE will likely boost exports from India.

Europe

The UK, Germany, Spain, France, Italy, and the Netherlands are other key export destinations for Indian textiles and apparel products.

Types of apparel and garment products exported from India

India offers a range of apparel and garment products to the global markets. Here are some of the common and popular clothing categories exported from India:

Cotton

Cotton textiles are India’s largest contributor to apparel and garment export. India produces high-quality cotton fabrics like voile, organdy, cambric, muslin, and other cotton blends. These textiles are used to make garments such as shirts, dresses, blouses, skirts, and trousers.

Readymade

Readymade garments are another major contributor to apparel and garment export from India. India produces many readymade garments for men, women, and children, including shirts, dresses, skirts, jackets, trousers, t-shirts, jeans, and more.

Handloom

India has a rich and historical tradition of handloom weaving, and these products are highly valued for their unique designs and craftsmanship. Handloom products include sarees, shawls, dupattas, and other traditional clothing.

Silk

India is known for producing high-quality silk fabrics like Banarasi silk, Kanjeevaram silk, and Tussar silk. These fabrics are used to make sarees, lehengas, and other traditional clothing items.

Wool

Woolen textiles are made from natural wool fiber and include products like sweaters, shawls, scarves, jackets, and coats.

Jute

Jute is an eco-friendly natural fiber that is commonly used to make bags, footwear, carpets, and other home décor products.

Manmade

Manmade textiles are made from synthetic fibers and include nylon, polyester, viscose, and acrylic products. These are widely used to make sportswear, activewear, and casual wear.

Export Promotion Councils that promote apparel and garment export from India

India has several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) dedicated to promoting and facilitating apparel and textile export from India:

Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC)

The AEPC is the official body for apparel export from India. The Apparel Export Promotion Council acts as a bridge between the government, Indian apparel exporters and international customers. From solving trade-related issues to introducing schemes and organizing trade fairs, the export promotion council ensures the industry flourishes in India. With its vision to empower the Indian apparel exporters, the council strives to improve the global positioning of the industry in a sustainable and holistic way.

Cotton Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL)

TEXPROCIL has been the global face of cotton textiles from India since 1954. With over 3,000 businesses registered across India, the council works towards encouraging local sellers and manufacturers to scale their businesses globally and take their cotton textile products to the world.

Wool and Woollen Export Promotion Council (WWEPC)

To promote the export of woolen textiles and products, WWEPC was set up by the Government of India. Run under the Administration of the Ministry of Textiles, the council supports local manufacturers and exporters in the industry with required guidance, policies and assistance to sell internationally.

Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC)

To regulate and assist handloom exporters from India, the Ministry of Textiles established the Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC). This body helps ensure the smooth functioning of the handloom industry. It supports and guides the Indian handloom fabric exporters and international buyers to increase international trade. It also organizes buyer-seller meets, participates in international trade fairs, and sponsors export promotion events to promote Indian handloom products in foreign markets.

Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC)

The Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC) was set up to provide support and guidance to medium and small carpet exporters to expand their businesses across the world. It is a one-stop information center for Indian carpet exporters with details on latest trends, trade policies and export documents. With over 2,000 member-exporters, the council guides exporters with sustainable export practices and acts as a catalyst to promote exclusive Indian knitted carpets, rugs and floor coverings.

Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC)

The SRTEPC is one of the oldest EPCs in India, established in 1954. It was set up with the objective of extending assistance to Indian exporters of synthetic and rayon textiles. The council has played a transforming role over the years in promoting exports of synthetic fibers and textiles.

Export incentives for apparel and garment export

Some of the most popular export incentives are:

Cumulative Duty Credit Entitlement (CDCE) scheme

This scheme offers duty-free import entitlements for inputs used in producing textiles and clothing, encouraging exports from the sector.

Special Economic Zone (SEZ) scheme

Under this scheme, exporters are provided with duty-free imports of inputs, fiscal incentives, and an exemption from income tax. This scheme aims to provide a conducive environment for exporters to grow their businesses.

Duty drawback

Exporters can claim a refund on central excise duties and service tax paid on inputs used in manufacturing clothing and textiles exported from India. Duty drawback scheme helps exporters reduce costs and remain competitive in the global market.

Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme

EPCG scheme promotes importing capital goods for use in the export sector. Exporters can import capital goods without customs duty up to a certain limit, enabling them to upgrade their technology and infrastructure.

Documents required to export apparel and garments from India

Here are some of the documents required to start a textile export business from India:

PAN card and ID proof

Business address proof

Credit card

Importer Exporter Code (IEC)

Registration Cum Membership Certificate (RCMC)

GST registration certificate

Easy e-commerce exports and logistics with Amazon Global Selling

With increasing adaption to e-commerce exports, Indian exporters have more opportunities to expand their local businesses and take their products from India to the world. Exporting textile products from India can be an easy and seamless process with Amazon Global Selling. By leveraging Amazon's global infrastructure and growing community of millions of customers, textile exporters can sell on international marketplaces, expand their customer base, and increase sales and brand visibility.

Register your business

First, you must register your coffee export business with Amazon Global Selling. You don’t have to be an existing Amazon India seller. The registration can be done online on Seller Central.
• PAN
• ID proof (Aadhar, driving license or passport)
• Business address proof (Bank statement)
• Credit card (international transaction enabled)

List your products

Once you have successfully registered to sell globally on Amazon, you can list your products. Remember to follow tips on how to list your products include attractive pictures and descriptions that’s clear to international customers. You can also seek help from third-party service providers.

Ship and receive payments

Once a customer places an order, you can choose to deliver by yourself or you can opt for Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA). Under FBA, Amazon takes care of shipping, delivery, returns and customer concerns. Once a customer purchases your product, Amazon credits the money in your bank account in the currency of your choice. To support you for hassle-free logistics, Amazon has also launched SEND, enabling you to ship directly to international fulfillment centers at competitive prices. All you have to do is book, pay and track shipments without any hassles from India to the world.

Explore Amazon SEND

Frequently Asked Questions

Do exporters of apparel/garments require 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.

What is the procedure for AEPC membership registration?

Procedure for AEPC membership registration:
· Visit the official website of the Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC).
· Click on the ‘Membership’ tab on the homepage.
· Select the appropriate membership category based on your business and requirements.
· Fill in the membership application form with accurate and complete information.
· Attach the required documents, such as proof of business registration, PAN card, and GST registration.
· Submit the application form and documents online or offline as per the instructions.
· Pay the membership fee as per the category and mode of payment specified.
· Await the verification and approval of your membership application by the AEPC.

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.

Published on April 30, 2023.

Sources:
1. https://www.ibef.org/exports/apparel-industry-india
2. https://www.indiantradeportal.in/vs.jsp?lang=0&id=0,31,24100,24102
3. https://texmin.nic.in/about-us/export-promotion-councils
4. https://texmin.nic.in/sites/default/files/Export%20Promotion%20Schemes-MoT_1.pdf
5. https://www.icontainers.com/export/export-textile-clothes-india/
6. https://www.aepcindia.com/how-register
7. http://cepc.co.in/
8. https://www.aepcindia.com/
9. https://www.wwepcindia.com/
10. http://www.srtepc.org/

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