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Textiles export from India: A step-by-step guide to export textiles
Looking to start textile export from India? In this blog, learn about the export process and the documents required to set up your textile export business and sell internationally.
India is one of the largest textile exporters in the world, contributing around 4% to the global textile and apparel trade.1 The textile industry, including handicrafts, accounts for 8.21% of India’s total exports, generating approximately $36 billion in revenue in FY 2023-24.2 With a strong manufacturing base and diverse product offerings, Indian textiles are in high demand around the world. For Indian businesses, this is a great time to explore the growing opportunities in textile exports. In this blog, learn how to get started — from key products and top destinations to government initiatives, and steps involved.
Overview and trends of India’s textile export
● In 2023, the textile sector contributed approximately 2.3% to India’s GDP and accounted for 12% of the country’s export earnings, demonstrating its significant economic impact.3
● The industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements, with growing adoption of automation and digitalization to improve efficiency and global competitiveness.
● Government schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the National Technical Textiles Mission are further propelling the sector’s growth. These initiatives attract investments, boost manufacturing capabilities, and enhance export competitiveness.
● The industry is undergoing rapid technological advancements, with growing adoption of automation and digitalization to improve efficiency and global competitiveness.
● Government schemes like the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme and the National Technical Textiles Mission are further propelling the sector’s growth. These initiatives attract investments, boost manufacturing capabilities, and enhance export competitiveness.
Did you know?
Sustainable textiles are gaining momentum, with the market size projected to grow by $28.9 billion between 2024 and 2029.4
What are the most exported textile products from India?
Some of the top products driving the country’s export growth in textile are:
● Cotton textiles:
India is the largest producer of cotton. Cotton production is expected to reach 7.2 million tonnes by 2030, driven by increasing demand from global consumers.5
● Ready-made garments (RMG):
Apparel exports contribute over 41% of India’s total textile exports.6
● Handloom products:
Traditional handloom items like sarees, shawls, and scarves are highly valued for their craftsmanship.
● Technical textiles:
Technical textiles is a fast-emerging sector that includes medical textile, agrotextiles, and other specialized fabrics.
● Home furnishings:
Products like bed linens and curtains are popular in markets like the US.
Top countries for textile export from India
Some top countries for textile export include:
● The United States
● The United Kingdom
● Canada
● France
● Germany
● UAE
● Mexico
● The United States
● The United Kingdom
● Canada
● France
● Germany
● UAE
● Mexico
Government bodies that promote textile export from India
Some government organizations that support textile exporters include:
1. Ministry of Textiles:
Oversees policy formulation and implementation for the textile sector.
2. Apparel Export Promotion Council (AEPC):
AEPC was set up to promote and support the export of ready-made garments from India. It acts as a bridge between exporters and the government, providing policy support, market intelligence, and export facilitation services.
3. Textiles Export Promotion Council (TEXPROCIL):
TEXPROCIL promotes the export of cotton textiles including yarns, fabrics, and made-ups. It assists exporters with market development, policy advocacy, and participation in global trade events.
4. Carpet Export Promotion Council (CEPC):
CEPC was established in the year 1982 for the promotion and development of exports of handmade carpets, rugs and other floor coverings.
5. Indian Silk Export Promotion Council (ISEPC):
ISEPC council works closely with the Government of India to identify markets offering good export potential for silk. It organizes buyer-seller meets, encouraging participation in international trade fairs and knowledge transfer through seminars and workshops.
6. Wool Industry Export Promotion Council (WOOLTEXPRO):
It is an autonomous, non-profit EPC that implements promotional programs for improving the production of the wool industry. It works on bridging the gap between exporters and international customers by organizing buyer-seller meets and providing market research.
7. Wool and Woolens Export Promotion Council (WWEPC):
WWEPC maintains close liaison with the foreign wool markets and helps Indian exporters match global quality standards. It also collects and provides exporters with marketplace research.
8. Synthetic and Rayon Textiles Export Promotion Council (SRTEPC):
Established in 1954, SRTEPC is one of the oldest EPCs in India. It aims to improve the global position of India’s Man-Made Fiber (MMF) and blended textile items including fiber, yarn, fabrics, made-ups, accessories, home textiles, technical textiles, and more.
9. Jute Products Development and Export Promotion Council:
JPDEPC supports the exports of all types of jute, jute blended, and jute union products made from jute fiber, yarn, twine and fabric for users globally.
10. Power loom Development and Export Promotion Council (PDEXCIL):
Set up by the Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, PDEXCIL supports export of power loom fabrics and made-ups. It ensures that Indian power-loom textiles are equipped to meet the challenges posed by the global market.
11. Handloom Export Promotion Council (HEPC):
HEPC provides all support and guidance to Indian handloom exporters and international customers for trade promotion and international marketing.
Government schemes that promote textile export from India
To boost textile exports, the Indian government has launched several schemes. Some of these are:
● Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme: Offers financial support for marketing and promotional activities in international markets.
● Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme: Provides exporters of apparel and made-ups a rebate on embedded taxes and levies not refunded through other schemes.
● Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Aims to promote the production of high-value Man-Made Fibre (MMF) fabrics, garments, and technical textiles.
● Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme: Allows duty-free import of machinery.
● Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme: Provides tax refunds to exporters.
● Interest equalization scheme: Offers reduced interest rates on export credit.
● Market Access Initiative (MAI) scheme: Offers financial support for marketing and promotional activities in international markets.
● Rebate of State and Central Taxes and Levies (RoSCTL) scheme: Provides exporters of apparel and made-ups a rebate on embedded taxes and levies not refunded through other schemes.
● Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme: Aims to promote the production of high-value Man-Made Fibre (MMF) fabrics, garments, and technical textiles.
● Export Promotion Capital Goods (EPCG) scheme: Allows duty-free import of machinery.
● Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products (RoDTEP) scheme: Provides tax refunds to exporters.
● Interest equalization scheme: Offers reduced interest rates on export credit.
Documents required to export textiles from India
Key documents required for export
The following are some key documents you may need to obtain to export from India:
Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is a 10-digit business identification number allotted to an importer or exporter by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT). It is issued based on the Permanent Account Number (PAN) of a business.
● Authorized Dealer Code
● Letter of Undertaking
GST Letter of Undertaking (LUT) is a document filed to export products without paying IGST (Integrated Goods and Services Tax). Exporters can generate an LUT on the GST portal and avail the benefits of zero-rated turnover.
● Importer of Record
An Importer of Record (IOR) is an individual or entity responsible for all documentation related to the import of goods into a country. An IOR is responsible for ensuring inspection and valuation of goods, and filing duties, taxes and other relevant documents.
Other documents required for export
Depending on your destination and shipping method, you may need to obtain some additional documents:
● Commercial invoice
● Packing list
● Bill of lading or Airway bill
● Certificate of Origin.
● Export license may be required for specific textile categories
● RCMC (Registration cum membership Certificate) for textile and apparel.8
● Commercial invoice
● Packing list
● Bill of lading or Airway bill
● Certificate of Origin.
● Export license may be required for specific textile categories
● RCMC (Registration cum membership Certificate) for textile and apparel.8
View export documentation requirements on Export Navigator
Export Navigator is a one-stop dashboard that provides Indian exporters with guidance on compliance across five key areas — export registration, product documentation, shipping documentation, tax documentation, and payment reconciliation. Use the dashboard to understand regulatory requirements for your business and get end-to-end support from third-party service providers to obtain the necessary documents. Export Navigator is available to all Indian exporters, including those not registered on Amazon.
How to export textiles from India with Amazon?
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 are the textile products that can be exported from India?
Apparel including ethnic wear, kids wear, cotton textiles, handwoven apparel, woolen and silk textile, home textile and kitchen linen are some of the top textile products exported from India.
2. Where can I export clothes from India?
You can export textile from India to many countries including the US, the UAE, the UK, Canada, France, Germany, and Singapore.
3. Which textile product is more profitable for export?
Readymade garments are one of the most in-demand products globally. Other textile products that can be exported are cotton dresses, handloom outfits, jute products, woolen textiles and silk sarees.
4. How can I export textile from India?
You can start a textile export business with Amazon Global Selling by registering in a few simple steps. Once registered, you can list on 18 international marketplaces and ship your products safely with Fulfillment by Amazon (FBA) across the world.
Published on October 20, 2021.
Updated on May 06, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089508#:~:text=India%20is%20the%206th%20largest,trade%20in%20textiles%20and%20apparel.
2. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles
3. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles#:~:text=India%20ranks%20among%20the%20top,production%20and%2012%25%20to%20exports.
4. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html;
5. https://www.technavio.com/report/sustainable-fabrics-market-analysis
6. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles
7. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/production-linked-incentive-pli-scheme-for-textile-sector/
8. https://www.icontainers.com/export/export-textile-clothes-india/
Updated on May 06, 2025.
Sources:
1. https://pib.gov.in/PressReleasePage.aspx?PRID=2089508#:~:text=India%20is%20the%206th%20largest,trade%20in%20textiles%20and%20apparel.
2. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles
3. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles#:~:text=India%20ranks%20among%20the%20top,production%20and%2012%25%20to%20exports.
4. https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/technical-textile-market-1074.html;
5. https://www.technavio.com/report/sustainable-fabrics-market-analysis
6. https://www.ibef.org/industry/textiles
7. https://www.indiafilings.com/learn/production-linked-incentive-pli-scheme-for-textile-sector/
8. https://www.icontainers.com/export/export-textile-clothes-india/
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*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
*Map not to scale. The map has been used for design and representational purpose only, it does not depict the geographical boundaries of the country. These do not conform to the external boundaries of India recognized by the Survey of India.
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