5 Rules for Successfully Importing Clothes to the U.S.

It can be difficult keeping up with all of the rules and regulations involved in importing clothes to the U.S. Find out five simple rules to make your bulk imports successful.

Clothing - almost every human being on the planet wears some form of it. As an import industry in the United States, it brings in over $80 billion annually. Knowing the regulations for how to import clothes to the U.S. can help you navigate the process successfully. 

Importing clothing and apparel into the U.S. requires compliance with multiple government agencies. These agencies include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Labeling laws should be reviewed for compliance with various regulations.

Our guide below details five rules for importing clothing and apparel to the U.S. that will help you avoid heavy penalties and delays. 

Frequently the most popular of U.S. imports, clothing and apparel are a big deal in the international trade industry. Keeping up with the demand for various styles, materials, and accessories requires carefully navigating a lengthy list of rules. 

It is also a good idea to familiarize yourself with the nations that the U.S. frequently imports clothing from. China, Vietnam, and India account for over half of the total value of imports. When choosing manufacturers in these countries, it is important to be sure they are up to U.S. standards. 

1. Know the Agencies that Oversee Compliance

All imports must be inspected and approved by the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agency when arriving at a port of entry. For clothing and textile imports, the CBP works together with a number of other government agencies to ensure compliance for labeling, materials, and more. 

One or more of the following agencies may likely need to be addressed when completing your shipping documentation.

• Federal Trade Commission (FTC): Sets and enforces rules for labeling various materials, using care instruction labels, and listing correct nation of origin. 
• Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC): Maintains mandatory standards for flammability of all clothing and in particular for children’s sleepwear. CPSC has the authority to order destruction of shipments found to be out of compliance. 
• Environmental Protection Agency (EPA): Sets standards for coating and dyeing of textiles and clothing

Meeting all the requirements set by supervising government agencies is one way to improve the chances your shipment clears customs quickly and efficiently.

2. Follow the Care Labeling Rule

The Care Labeling Rule was created by the FTC to ensure that imported or domestically manufactured clothing contained a label detailing regular care instructions. The label may include information on whether garments are machine washable or must be dry cleaned. The label must also include any warnings such as ‘Do not iron’ if such an action would damage the item. 

Some textile apparel and accessories are exempt from this rule, such as:

• Shoes
• Gloves
• Hats
• Handkerchiefs 
• Belts
• Suspenders
• Neckties
• One-time use garments of non-woven material

Although you can import items that don’t have a care label included, the clothing cannot be sold until such a label is attached. Labels should be permanently attached, so it may be best to find a supplier or manufacturer who will do this before shipping. 

The FTC will fine each individual garment that is found to be missing a label or containing a label with inaccurate information. Finding a trustworthy supplier or manufacturer is therefore crucial.

3. Meet the Marking Requirements for Apparel

The marking requirements apply to wearable apparel and are separate from the FTC’s Care Labeling Rule. Marking requirements are set up by the CBP to be in compliance with the North American Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act (Mod Act). The Mod Act makes sure that the CBP provides the trade community with clearly defined information and rules for the importing process.  

Their guidebook, available from the CBP, details the requirements for information such as:

• Country of origin marking
• Textile fiber identification
• Wool product labeling

The CBP’s marking requirements are extensive and while their guidebook provides excellent details, it is meant as a general guide only. Reaching out to a Licensed Customs Broker may be the best way to be sure you are satisfying all related factors affecting import. Experienced brokers may assist on proper classifications of products to avoid fines and penalties. 

4. Meet Mandatory Flammability Requirements

Making sure clothing is safe and made from textiles that meet U.S. safety standards is good for businesses and their customers. When it comes to fire safety, the CPSC has strict regulations in place. 

They enforce regulations with the power of three different acts.

• Consumer Product Safety Act
• Flammable Fabrics Act
• Federal Hazardous Substances Act

Any violations may result in not only fines, but in having your shipments destroyed in port on your dime.  

All clothing intended for everyday wear by adults or children has to meet the General Wearing Apparel Standard (16 C.F.R. Part 1610). The standard is used to rate the flammability of textile used in clothing and has three levels. Any textile identified as Class 3 cannot be used in clothing.

While there are exceptions to the standard, it is best to have an experienced broker alongside to navigate the differences. 

5. Find Your Correct Harmonized Tariff Schedule

Finally, you want to make sure that import duty rates are being paid correctly to the CBP. Trade goods are classified through Harmonized Tariff Schedule codes. These HTC codes determine tariff rates for each product entering U.S. ports of entry. 

If you use the HTS code, the taxes you pay may be incorrect. Whether the amount you pay is higher or lower, fixing the mistake takes time and usually results in penalties. Mistaken HTS codes may also result in your shipments being exported out or destroyed. You might have complied with all the laws, but if your shipments were mislabeled it could cost you in lost merchandise. 

There are several different look up tools that allow you to search on your own, but this might be risky especially if you are new to the import business. Hiring a customs consultant may save you money in the long run.

Work With Make It to Facilitate your Clothing Import

Make a name for yourself in the fashion industry by being able to get your hands on great clothing. Let us help you do so in time to catch the next greatest trends. 

Meet with one of our experienced and seasoned managers in a 1-on-1 session and get guidance on everything from prototyping to bulk import. With expert help from Make It, your business can strut its way to new levels.

Get a personalized quote today and see how Make It can become a part of your success story.