Garment export and international shipping from Bangladesh

In global trade, the garment industry of Bangladesh stands out as a vibrant and crucial thread. This nation has solidified its reputation as a giant in the global garment sector, now celebrated as the second-largest garment exporter in the world. In a recent report by The Daily Star, Bangladesh's apparel exports reached an unprecedented peak in 2023. The industry fetched nearly US$47 billion, showcasing a robust 10.27% increase from the previous year's figures. This remarkable growth not only underscores the sector's resilience and dynamism but also its pivotal role in the country's economy.

Yet, the competitive landscape of the global fashion industry demands more than just exceptional garments from businesses. For those in Bangladesh aiming to excel in garment exports, prioritising efficient shipping solutions becomes crucial. This aspect is particularly vital when dispatching clothing samples to overseas factories. Timely production enables businesses to capitalise on market trends swiftly, ensuring your business remains at the forefront of the industry.

1. Understanding international shipping regulations for garment exports

Understanding international regulations and preparing the necessary documentation are critical steps for garment exports from Bangladesh. These elements are fundamental to ensuring compliance with global trade laws, facilitating smooth customs clearance, and securing successful entry into international markets.

Country-specific trade laws in international shipping for clothes

International markets each have their own regulatory requirements concerning garment imports and exports. Some key destinations for Bangladeshi garment exports have distinct legal requirements. For instance, Japan emphasises the inclusion of the scientific names of animals on invoices for garments made from animal hides. 

Exporters must include the scientific names of animals on invoices, a measure to facilitate customs' evaluation regarding conservation status and ethical sourcing. Goods containing animal fur or feathers might also necessitate an export certificate or proof of lawful capture, underscoring Japan's commitment to protecting global biodiversity.

On the other hand, Australia mandates that certain products, including garments that incorporate industrial, agricultural, and veterinary chemicals, must be registered before importation. This ensures that these items are safe for human contact and the environment, are effective against their intended targets, and are appropriately labelled and packaged.

Essential documents for garment export

For garment exporters venturing into international markets, avoiding shipment delays and complications also requires comprehensive preparation of essential documents:

• Waybill: A waybill is an important document for all types of shipments, including garments. It accompanies a shipment, providing critical information needed for processing and tracking by machines, couriers, and customs officials. The waybill details include the sender’s and recipient’s names and addresses, the package's contents, and who is responsible for duties and taxes. Each shipment has a unique waybill, underscoring its importance. Without this document, shipments risk delays, loss, or customs hold-ups, making it indispensable for smooth international trade operations.

• Commercial invoice: Acting as a formal transaction record between seller and buyer, the commercial invoice outlines crucial details of the purchase. It includes the description of products, quantities, prices, and terms of delivery and payment. Customs authorities use this document to assess duties and taxes, making its accuracy and completeness vital.

• Certificate of origin: This certified document confirms the goods' manufacturing location, playing a key role in the international trade process. It helps customs officials determine the eligibility of goods for import, assess duties, and apply any preferential trade agreements or special treatments.

2. Packing clothes appropriately for international shipping

In addition to understanding international regulations for import, garment businesses in Bangladesh must also recognise the diverse packaging requirements of different types of garments to ensure efficient overseas shipment. Whether dealing with delicate, fragile apparel or more durable, non-fragile pieces, adopting best packaging practices is essential. This approach safeguards the garments' integrity during transit, guaranteeing their arrival in optimal condition.

Packaging fragile clothing for delivery

Fragile garments, such as wedding dresses, require extra attention to protect their fine fabrics and detailed workmanship. 

Here’s how to pack these items:

• Choice of shipping box: Use a double-wall box for individual packing of delicate items. Avoid orientation-dependent packaging, like wardrobe boxes, as transit conditions cannot guarantee their stability.

• Packing method: Fold the arms and interleave acid-free tissue paper between fabric layers to protect the embellishments, if any. For garments with trains, fold them towards the centre and roll carefully to avoid damage.

• Securing the package: Wrap items with small cell bubble wrap, ensuring a 6cm clearance from the box edges. Seal the box with the H-taping method and label it as "FRAGILE" for visibility. Place the transport label prominently.

Packaging non-fragile clothes for international shipping

Sturdy pieces of clothing such as shirts, jeans, or trousers need thoughtful packaging as well. Here are some useful clothing packaging ideas to ensure your items are shipped securely:

• Folding techniques: Place garments or cloths face-down on a flat surface, fold sides inward, then fold in thirds to keep the front side up.

• Selecting the right box: An appropriately sized box is essential to prevent collapse during shipping.

• Packing details: Enclose garments in a plastic flyer bag or a cardboard box. Wrap each piece individually with bubble wrap or kraft paper to avoid damage.

• Final checks: Securely tape down the flyer bag, minimising excess material, and ensure all labelling is visible. 

3. Understanding import duties and taxes for international garment exports

Navigating the intricacies of import duties and taxes is essential for Bangladeshi garment exporters aiming for success in international markets. Customs or import duty, designed to promote domestic purchasing by increasing the cost of imported goods, and import tax, which aligns with the destination country's local sales tax or VAT, are critical factors that can considerably impact the overall cost of shipments. 

These costs necessitate careful consideration within your pricing strategy to ensure profitability. Efficiently managing these duties and taxes is vital to prevent customs delays or fines. The calculation of these expenses is influenced by various elements, including the value of the goods, their description and origin, the tariff rates of the destination country, and the Harmonised System (HS) code. Accurate HS coding is crucial to avoid misclassification and potential issues at customs.

4. Choosing the right logistics partner for international shipping

Successful international shipping of fashion products like clothes demands not only meticulous planning, but also an in-depth comprehension of complex laws and regulations. For garment businesses in Bangladesh venturing into the international waters for the first time, the journey can seem daunting. The key to overcoming these challenges lies in partnering with a logistics provider known for its reliability and depth of experience.

DHL Express Bangladesh emerges as a pivotal partner in this regard. By aligning with DHL Express Bangladesh, your business gains access to a wealth of expertise and tailored shipping advice designed to enhance your logistics operations. This partnership is more than just about shipping; it's about elevating your business's operational efficiency and customer satisfaction to new levels. The benefits extend beyond immediate logistics solutions, unlocking significant competitive advantages and opportunities for cost savings.

With DHL Express Bangladesh, shipping fashion products across borders becomes a seamless experience. Open a business account with us and propel your fashion and garment export business to global success.