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The global fashion industry is experiencing a remarkable boom, driven by the surge in online clothes shopping and increasing garments sales. Notably, Vietnam is at the forefront of this growth, with textile and garments exports valued at US$37.57 billion in 2022, a 14.7% increase from 2021, as reported on Fibre2Fashion.
The United States (US) is the leading importer of textiles and clothing from Vietnam, purchasing a total of US$17.36 billion worth of imports in 2022, marking a 7.9% increase from 2021. The European Union and Japan came next, with imports worth US$4.46 billion and US$4.07 billion, a rise of 34.7% and 25.8%, respectively. These statistics illustrate significant opportunities for Vietnamese businesses to expand their presence in the international fashion market.
However, given the competitive nature of the fashion industry, businesses in Vietnam selling apparel must prioritise efficient shipping solutions. This is especially crucial when sending clothing samples to factories overseas for timely production so they can be the first to take advantage of market trends and stay ahead.
When it comes to ensuring efficient shipment of garment overseas, the first step is to properly pack your clothing so they arrive at their destination intact. Whether you are sending fragile apparel or non-fragile pieces, following best practices for packaging your items will help maintain their integrity throughout the shipping process.
Shipping fragile clothes, such as a wedding dress, requires extra care to protect the garment’s delicate fabric and intricate details. Here are key steps to consider when preparing fragile items for overseas shipment:
If your business sells sturdier garments like everyday shirts, jeans, or trousers, it's important to understand that even these clothes require proper packaging. This ensures that they reach their international destination in optimal condition for manufacturing as your designer envisioned. When it comes to sending out clothing, here are some aspects to look out for:
When it comes to dispatching shoes from Vietnam, the choice of packaging plays a vital role in ensuring the merchandise arrives in pristine condition. An important factor to consider is that the shoe boxes containing the products are not robust enough for the demands of international shipping. As a result, it's imperative to take extra precautions when preparing your item for shipment. Depending on the weight and value of your order, there are two methods to consider:
Low-value single piece under 3kg:
High-value or multiple pieces over 3kg:
By following these guidelines, you can ensure that the shoes you're shipping, whether they're high heels, sneakers, or boots, will reach their international destination in the same condition they left your business. This small investment of time and resources can significantly enhance your brand's reputation and customer satisfaction.
Besides ensuring that garments are packed well, understanding the customs regulations of destination countries for import and export, such as the US, Europe and Japan, is also essential for a seamless shipping experience from Vietnam.
Each country may have specific restrictions regarding garment imports and exports. For instance, when shipping clothing to South Korea, businesses should be mindful of adhering to the Special Act on Safety Management of Children's Products. This policy encompasses stipulations related to hazardous substances and the physical safety of clothes, textile and leather products designed for infants and children under the age of 13.
For other Asian countries like Japan, it's advisable to include the scientific name of the animals on the invoices when importing garments crafted from animal hides. This is because a mere general name may not be sufficient for the customs to ascertain if the animal used for the material is on the CITES list or is commercially raised. For goods that contain portions made of animal fur or feathers that are regulated by the Japanese authorities, an export certificate or a certificate of lawful capture from Vietnam’s regulatory authorities is required.
Meanwhile, the US requires the garment industry to comply with specific requirements on the flammability of textiles. Similarly, in European countries like the UK, there are stringent regulations concerning the safety of clothing shipments, particularly when it pertains to fire hazards. For specific items like pyjamas, babies' garments, cotton terry towelling bath robes and adults' nightwear, there are explicit requirements on labelling, label font and visibility, and label placement.
When exporting personal protective equipment (PPE) such as safety clothing or gloves to the European Union (EU), adhering to the specific EU safety guidelines is also essential. These guidelines cover design, production, materials, testing, and user instructions for PPE. If biocides are incorporated into the garments to safeguard people, animals, or objects from detrimental organisms like pests or bacteria, you must adhere to the EU's regulations on biocidal products.
Before exporting your products, you will also have to select an appropriate shipping mode. One option that offers several advantages for the fashion industry is express door-to-door delivery, such as those offered by DHL Express Vietnam.
By leveraging our expertise and global delivery network, you can ensure smoother and more efficient deliveries as quick as one to two working days for Asia lanes and two to three for the US and EU lanes. With reduced transit times, this shipping method is particularly advantageous as it expedites the process of sending samples to manufacturers overseas for production, enabling your firm to stay ahead in the fast-paced industry and be the first to grab the lion’s share in fashion trends.
An added benefit of DHL Express Vietnam's door-to-door delivery service is our comprehensive control of the entire shipping journey. We handle everything, from collecting the shipment at your premises to ensuring timely delivery at the recipient’s doorstep. The transparent pricing adds to the convenience, eliminating unexpected surprises arising from hidden charges. By consolidating all logistics under a single provider, your business can benefit from a streamlined shipping process and reduced risks that come with handovers between multiple parties.
Besides express shipping by air, ground shipping is also available. This method involves using trucks or trains and strikes a balance between cost and speed. However, it also limits your business expansion to neighbouring countries connected by land to Vietnam.
Meanwhile, sea shipping, while more budget-friendly for large shipments, can be affected by factors from port delays to unpredictable sea conditions, leading to less reliable estimated delivery dates. Even with speedier ships and ongoing optimisation of maritime routes, sea shipping may stretch into weeks. In contrast, express air shipping promises delivery within just a few days. Such reliability positions air shipments as the top choice for businesses keen on establishing a robust international presence in the garments industry.
To avoid delays or complications during shipping, you will also want to ensure that you have prepared all the essential documents for a smooth customs clearance experience. In general, some common shipping documents required for overseas garment shipments include (but are not limited to):
Make sure to check the specific requirements of the destination country or consult with a reliable shipping partner to ensure compliance with all necessary documentation.
As sustainability and adhering to international standards for green practices grow in importance worldwide, it’s also imperative to consider aspects beyond quick deliveries. Notably, the emphasis on sustainability has become a pressing concern for textile enterprises in Vietnam. According to Vietnam Textile and Apparel Association, major garment export destinations such as the US, EU, Japan, and South Korea are increasingly demanding vendors to apply eco-friendly manufacturing processes.
With more countries setting sustainability criteria for garments and textiles entering their markets, adopting this sustainable approach becomes even more pertinent. By partnering with a logistics provider like DHL Express Vietnam, businesses can not only guarantee swift and safe deliveries but also align themselves with sustainable practices. DHL Express Vietnam's GoGreen Plus service, for instance, offers a significant advantage by helping companies reduce 30% of their shipment's carbon emissions.
This reduction is made possible by leveraging Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), which can potentially reduce shipment lifecycle emissions by up to 80% compared to traditional fuels. Such a proactive stance aligns with the Science Based Target initiative, marrying speed with sustainability in deliveries. Above all, the entire process is subject to a stringent annual audit by Société Générale de Surveillance (SGS), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of sustainability.