How to import lingerie from China

1. Source and vet a supplier

Start with a manufacturer that specialises in intimate apparel and exports to your market. Check certifications, factory audits and references. A credible supplier will share compliance documents — Velora is BSCI, Sedex, ISO 9001, OEKO-TEX certified and ships with REACH, CPSIA, AZO-free dyes, California Prop 65 compliance for regulated markets. See our factory and quality & certifications pages for what to look for.

2. Request and approve samples

Order pre-production samples before committing to bulk. Check fit, fabric hand-feel, stretch recovery, stitching and colour against your reference. Sampling typically takes 5–7 days; expect a couple of rounds. Only release bulk once a sample is signed off — bulk then runs in 25–35 days.

3. Agree payment terms

Standard B2B terms protect both sides. Common options:

• T/T (30% deposit, 70% before shipment)
• L/C at sight
• Trade Assurance
• PayPal (samples)

A deposit with the balance before shipment is the norm; Trade Assurance or an L/C adds a layer of security for larger orders.

4. Choose your Incoterm and shipping

Incoterms define exactly who pays for and controls each leg of the journey. The most common for lingerie imports:

We ship by sea freight, air freight, express (dhl/fedex/ups) from Shenzhen and Guangzhou. Sea freight is most economical for volume; air or express suits urgent or small consignments.

5. Clear customs at home

Lingerie is classified under HS textile codes that determine your duty rate — confirm the exact code and rate with your customs broker. You will need the commercial invoice, packing list and bill of lading; under DDP the supplier handles import clearance for you. Factor duties, VAT and any port charges into your landed cost before you price for resale.

6. Control quality before it ships

The cheapest place to catch a defect is the factory, not your warehouse. Require an AQL inspection — inline during production and a final random check before dispatch — covering measurements, stitching, colour consistency and packaging. Reputable factories build this into their workflow and will share the inspection report.

Working with the right partner removes most of the friction. Compare an OEM or private-label engagement, then send us your order brief for a landed-cost quote.