Bangladesh Clothing Import: 7-Step Process
📅 November 2024
⏱️ 10 min read
Follow this proven 7-step process to successfully import clothes from Bangladesh. Each step includes a checklist, timeline, and key action items to keep your project on track.
📋 Total Timeline:
From first inquiry to goods arrival: 90-120 days
1
Research & Preparation
⏱️ Timeline: 1-2 weeks
What to Do:
- Define your product requirements (type, quantity, quality level)
- Set your target FOB price range
- Research Bangladesh suppliers or sourcing partners
- Understand MOQ requirements for your product category
- Determine required certifications (OEKO-TEX, BSCI, GOTS, etc.)
- Create preliminary tech packs or reference samples
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ Product specifications documented
- ☐ Budget allocated
- ☐ Import company/VAT number ready
- ☐ List of potential suppliers identified
- ☐ Tech pack or samples prepared
💡 Pro Tip:
Working with a sourcing partner like Clothify skips much of this research—we already have vetted factories ready.
2
RFQ & Factory Selection
⏱️ Timeline: 1-2 weeks
What to Do:
- Send RFQs (Request for Quotation) to 3-5 factories
- Request company profiles and certifications
- Compare quotes (price, MOQ, lead time, payment terms)
- Check factory references and past clients
- Verify certifications with issuing bodies
- Negotiate preliminary terms
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ RFQs sent with detailed specifications
- ☐ Received and compared 3+ quotes
- ☐ Factory certifications verified
- ☐ References checked
- ☐ Shortlist of 1-2 factories created
3
Sample Development
⏱️ Timeline: 2-4 weeks
What to Do:
- Request development samples from selected factories
- Provide detailed tech packs and specifications
- Receive and evaluate samples (fabric, construction, fit)
- Request revisions if needed
- Approve final pre-production sample
- Test washing, shrinkage, and color fastness
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ Development samples received
- ☐ Samples tested and evaluated
- ☐ Revisions completed (if needed)
- ☐ Pre-production sample approved in writing
- ☐ Sample reference numbers documented
⚠️ Important:
Never skip sample approval! This is your insurance against production mistakes.
4
Order Confirmation
⏱️ Timeline: 1 week
What to Do:
- Finalize pricing and payment terms
- Sign purchase order (PO) with all specifications
- Pay deposit (typically 30% of order value)
- Confirm production slot and delivery timeline
- Arrange QC inspection schedule
- Set up communication protocols
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ Purchase order signed by both parties
- ☐ Deposit payment made
- ☐ Production start date confirmed
- ☐ Delivery date confirmed
- ☐ QC inspection scheduled
- ☐ Contact person assigned
5
Production & QC
⏱️ Timeline: 30-60 days
What to Do:
- Monitor production progress (weekly updates)
- Conduct pre-production inspection (fabric check)
- Conduct during-production (inline) inspection
- Make mid-production payment (typically 40%)
- Conduct final inspection before shipment
- Address any quality issues immediately
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ Production updates received weekly
- ☐ Pre-production inspection passed
- ☐ Inline inspection passed
- ☐ Mid-production payment made
- ☐ Final inspection passed (AQL report)
- ☐ Approval given for shipment
6
Shipping & Logistics
⏱️ Timeline: 35-45 days (sea) or 5-7 days (air)
What to Do:
- Book freight forwarder (if FOB terms)
- Arrange cargo insurance
- Make final payment (typically 30%)
- Receive shipping documents (B/L, Invoice, Packing List)
- Track shipment
- Prepare for customs clearance
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ Freight booked and confirmed
- ☐ Insurance arranged
- ☐ Final payment made
- ☐ Bill of Lading received
- ☐ Commercial invoice received
- ☐ Certificate of Origin (GSP Form A) received
- ☐ Customs broker engaged
7
Customs & Delivery
⏱️ Timeline: 3-7 days
What to Do:
- Submit documents to customs broker
- Clear customs (duty-free with GSP Form A)
- Pay any VAT or handling fees
- Arrange delivery to your warehouse
- Inspect goods upon arrival
- Report any issues to supplier immediately
✓ Checklist:
- ☐ All documents submitted to customs
- ☐ Customs clearance obtained
- ☐ VAT paid (if applicable)
- ☐ Goods delivered to warehouse
- ☐ Arrival inspection completed
- ☐ Any issues documented with photos
Complete Timeline Overview
Week 1-2:
Research & Preparation
Week 3-4:
RFQ & Factory Selection
Week 5-8:
Sample Development & Approval
Week 9:
Order Confirmation & Deposit
Week 10-18:
Production & Quality Control
Week 19-24:
Shipping (Sea Freight)
Week 25:
Customs & Delivery
TOTAL:
25 weeks (6 months)
Let Us Handle the Process for You
Clothify manages every step—from RFQ to delivery—with full German legal accountability.
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