How to Import Clothes from Bangladesh: Complete Guide 2024 So importieren Sie Kleidung aus Bangladesch: Vollständiger Leitfaden 2024

Bangladesh is the world's second-largest apparel exporter, producing high-quality clothing at competitive prices. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every step of importing clothes from Bangladesh to Europe, helping you avoid common pitfalls and maximize your success. Bangladesch ist der zweitgrößte Bekleidungsexporteur der Welt und produziert hochwertige Kleidung zu wettbewerbsfähigen Preisen. Dieser umfassende Leitfaden führt Sie durch jeden Schritt des Imports von Kleidung aus Bangladesch nach Europa und hilft Ihnen, häufige Fallstricke zu vermeiden und Ihren Erfolg zu maximieren.

Why Choose Bangladesh for Clothing Manufacturing?

1. Cost Advantages

Bangladesh offers some of the most competitive pricing in the global apparel industry. Labor costs are significantly lower than China, Vietnam, or India, while maintaining acceptable quality standards. A basic t-shirt can be produced for $2-4 FOB, compared to $5-7 in China.

2. Large Production Capacity

With over 4 million workers in the garment sector, Bangladesh has massive production capacity. Whether you need 500 pieces or 500,000 pieces, you'll find factories capable of handling your order volume.

3. EU Trade Benefits

Bangladesh enjoys duty-free access to the EU market under the Everything But Arms (EBA) initiative. This can save you 12% on import duties, making your landed costs even more competitive.

4. Specialized Expertise

Bangladeshi factories specialize in various categories:

• Knit apparel: T-shirts, polo shirts, hoodies, sweatshirts
• Woven garments: Shirts, pants, chinos, jackets
• Denim: Jeans with washing and finishing capabilities
• Activewear: Sports and fitness clothing
• Fast fashion: Quick turnaround for trend-based items

Step 1: Research and Planning

Define Your Product Requirements

Before contacting suppliers, clearly define:

• Product type: What exactly do you want to produce?
• Quantity: How many units per style/color?
• Quality level: Budget, mid-range, or premium?
• Target price: What's your maximum FOB price?
• Timeline: When do you need the goods?
• Certifications: OEKO-TEX, GOTS, BSCI, etc.?

Understand MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity)

Typical MOQs in Bangladesh:

• Basic t-shirts: 100-200 pieces per color
• Woven shirts: 200-300 pieces per style
• Denim jeans: 300-500 pieces per style
• Custom designs: 500-1000 pieces

Step 2: Finding Reliable Suppliers

Option 1: Direct Factory Contact

Pros: Lowest prices, direct communication

Cons: Time-consuming, language barriers, quality risks, no legal protection

Option 2: Use a Sourcing Partner (Recommended)

Pros: Pre-vetted factories, quality control, legal accountability, competitive quotes from multiple factories

Cons: Service fee (typically 5-15% of order value)

What to Look for in a Supplier

• ✓ Certifications: BSCI, WRAP, OEKO-TEX, GOTS
• ✓ Production capacity: Can they handle your volume?
• ✓ Sample quality: Always request samples first
• ✓ References: Ask for client references
• ✓ Compliance: Ensure factory meets EU safety standards
• ✓ Communication: Responsive and professional

Step 3: Samples and Prototyping

Types of Samples

1. Reference samples: Your existing product or similar item
2. Development samples: First prototype from factory
3. Pre-production samples: Final approval before bulk production
4. Shipment samples: From the actual production run

Sample Timeline

• Development sample: 7-10 days
• Revisions: 5-7 days per round
• Pre-production sample: 5-7 days

What to Check in Samples

• Fabric quality and weight (GSM)
• Color accuracy
• Construction and stitching
• Fit and sizing
• Print/embroidery quality
• Trims (buttons, zippers, labels)
• Washing and shrinkage

Step 4: Pricing and Negotiation

Understanding FOB Pricing

FOB (Free On Board) means the factory delivers goods to the port. Your FOB price includes:

• Materials (fabric, trims, accessories)
• Labor and manufacturing
• Factory overhead
• Local transport to port
• Export documentation

NOT included in FOB:

• Ocean freight
• Insurance
• Import duties (waived for Bangladesh to EU)
• Customs clearance
• Delivery to your warehouse

Typical Price Ranges (FOB Bangladesh)

• Basic t-shirt (150gsm): $2.50 - $4.00
• Polo shirt: $4.00 - $6.50
• Hoodie: $8.00 - $15.00
• Woven shirt: $6.00 - $10.00
• Chinos/pants: $7.00 - $12.00
• Denim jeans: $8.00 - $15.00

Negotiation Tips

• Get quotes from multiple factories
• Larger volumes = better prices
• Simpler designs = lower costs
• Stock fabrics are cheaper than custom
• Plan ahead for better timing
• Build long-term relationships

Step 5: Quality Control

AQL Inspection Standards

AQL (Acceptable Quality Level) is the international standard for quality inspection. Common levels:

• AQL 1.5: Premium quality (luxury brands)
• AQL 2.5: Standard quality (most common)
• AQL 4.0: Budget quality

Inspection Stages

1. Pre-production inspection: Check materials before cutting
2. During production (inline) inspection: Check during sewing
3. Final inspection: Check finished goods before shipment
4. Container loading supervision: Ensure proper packing

What Gets Inspected

• Fabric defects (holes, stains, color variations)
• Size measurements (within tolerance)
• Stitching quality (seam strength, thread color)
• Print/embroidery placement and quality
• Trims and accessories (buttons, zippers)
• Packing and labeling

Step 6: Shipping and Logistics

Shipping Options

1. Sea Freight (Most Common)

• Cost: $1,500 - $3,000 per 20ft container
• Time: 35-45 days Chittagong to Hamburg
• Best for: Orders over 1000 pieces

2. Air Freight

• Cost: $4-8 per kg
• Time: 5-7 days door to door
• Best for: Samples, urgent orders, small quantities

3. Express Courier (DHL, FedEx)

• Cost: $8-15 per kg
• Time: 3-5 days
• Best for: Samples only

Incoterms Explained

• FOB: You arrange freight and insurance
• CIF: Factory delivers to your port (includes freight and insurance)
• DDP: Factory delivers to your warehouse (all-inclusive)

Step 7: Customs and Compliance

Required Documents

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Bill of Lading (for sea) or Air Waybill
• Certificate of Origin (COO)
• GSP Form A (for duty-free entry to EU)
• Test reports (if applicable)

EU Import Requirements

• Product safety compliance (REACH, etc.)
• Proper labeling (fiber content, care instructions)
• CE marking (if applicable)
• No hazardous substances

Duty-Free Import to EU

Bangladesh qualifies for duty-free import to the EU under the EBA (Everything But Arms) scheme. This saves you approximately 12% in import duties. Your supplier must provide a valid GSP Form A certificate of origin.

Complete Cost Breakdown

Example: 1000 T-Shirts to Germany

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Choosing solely based on lowest price

   The cheapest quote often means corners are cut. Focus on value, not just price.

2. Skipping sample approval

   Never start production without approving physical samples.

3. Not having a written contract

   Always have a clear purchase order with specifications, quantities, prices, and delivery terms.

4. Ignoring quality control

   Third-party inspection is worth every penny. Don't skip it.

5. Underestimating lead times

   From order to delivery typically takes 90-120 days. Plan accordingly.

6. Not verifying certifications

   Request actual certificates, not just claims. Verify with issuing bodies.

7. Poor communication

   Be clear, detailed, and document everything in writing.

Conclusion

Importing clothes from Bangladesh can be highly profitable when done correctly. The key is working with reliable partners, maintaining clear communication, ensuring proper quality control, and understanding the complete process from inquiry to delivery.

While it's possible to manage everything yourself, working with an experienced sourcing partner like SupplyCloth can save you time, money, and headaches. We handle everything from factory sourcing to quality control to logistics, all under German legal accountability.