How to Import Clothes from Vietnam to India: Step-by-Step Guide for Boutique Owners (2026)

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If you are searching for how to import clothes from Vietnam to India, Vietnam can be an interesting sourcing destination for boutique owners, clothing retailers, online sellers and small fashion businesses.

Vietnam has a large garment and textile industry, and Indian buyers can explore Vietnam wholesale clothing markets, clothing suppliers in Vietnam and ready-made garments for resale.

However, importing clothes internationally involves more than simply buying products from a wholesale market. You need to research suppliers, understand import documentation, choose a suitable shipping method and calculate your complete landed cost before placing a large order.

This guide explains the basic process of importing clothes from Vietnam to India step by step.

Why Import Clothes from Vietnam to India?

Indian clothing businesses may consider Vietnam for several reasons:

  • Variety of ready-made garments
  • Different styles and fashion designs
  • Wholesale clothing markets
  • Textile and garment manufacturing
  • Options for small and large businesses
  • Possibility of sourcing directly from suppliers or manufacturers

Before buying, compare the wholesale price, fabric quality, minimum order quantity (MOQ), shipping cost and import taxes. A low purchase price does not always mean a low final cost in India.

Step 1: Research Vietnam Wholesale Clothing Markets

The first step is to identify where you want to source your products.

Ho Chi Minh City has several markets and commercial areas where buyers can research wholesale garments, fabrics and fashion products.

Some commonly researched markets include:

Tan Binh Market

Tan Binh Market is known for ready-made garments, casual clothing and wholesale fashion products.

Buyers looking for Vietnam clothing wholesale can compare different stalls, product categories, quantities and prices.

An Dong Market

An Dong Market and the surrounding An Dong Plaza area are known for fashion products, clothing and textiles.

If you are interested in women's fashion, dresses, boutique-style garments or fabrics, An Dong can be included in your sourcing research.

For more information, read our detailed guide about An Dong Market in Ho Chi Minh City.

Binh Tay Market

Binh Tay Market in the Cho Lon area is another large commercial market. Buyers can research clothing, textiles, accessories and other wholesale products.

Other Wholesale Areas

Depending on your product category, you can also research fabric markets, garment suppliers, factories and wholesale areas outside the major markets.

For a broader comparison of clothing markets, read our guide Top 5 Wholesale Clothing Markets in Ho Chi Minh City.

Step 2: Decide What Clothes You Want to Import

Before contacting suppliers, prepare a clear product list.

For example:

  • Women's dresses
  • Tops and shirts
  • T-shirts
  • Men's clothing
  • Children's clothing
  • Jackets
  • Casual wear
  • Fashion accessories
  • Fabrics

Also decide:

  • Approximate quantity
  • Target selling price in India
  • Preferred fabric
  • Size range
  • Colour requirements
  • Packaging requirements
  • Whether you need private labels or custom packaging

Having a clear list makes supplier communication much easier.

Step 3: Find Vietnam Clothing Suppliers

You can find suppliers through:

  • Wholesale markets
  • Garment manufacturers
  • Export companies
  • Business directories
  • Trade fairs
  • Supplier referrals
  • Online business platforms

When contacting a clothing supplier in Vietnam, ask for:

  • Product catalogue
  • Wholesale price
  • MOQ
  • Available sizes
  • Fabric composition
  • Sample availability
  • Production time
  • Packaging details
  • Payment terms
  • Shipping options

Do not place a large order only from photographs. If possible, check samples and supplier information before committing to bulk purchasing.

Step 4: Understand MOQ

MOQ means Minimum Order Quantity.

Some suppliers may accept relatively small wholesale quantities, while factories may require larger orders.

For example, one supplier might sell individual designs in small quantities, while a manufacturer may require a much larger production order.

Always ask:

“What is your MOQ per design, colour and size?”

This is especially important for small boutiques and new online sellers.

Step 5: Check Import Requirements in India

If you plan to commercially import clothes into India, you need to understand the applicable import requirements.

An Importer Exporter Code (IEC) is generally required for import/export activities unless an exemption applies. DGFT describes IEC as a 10-character alpha-numeric code.

Importers may also need to complete applicable customs, GST, banking/Authorised Dealer and other regulatory formalities depending on the business and transaction.

Before importing, check the latest requirements with DGFT, Indian Customs and your tax or customs professional.

Step 6: Choose the Shipping Method

Once you have selected your products, you need to decide how to transport them from Vietnam to India.

Common options include:

Air Freight

Air cargo can be useful when the shipment is relatively small or time is important.

It is generally faster than sea freight but can cost more per kilogram.

Sea Freight

Sea freight can be considered for larger shipments where delivery time is less urgent.

You may use LCL (Less than Container Load) when you do not need a full container, or FCL (Full Container Load) for larger shipments.

Courier or Express Shipping

Express courier services may be useful for samples or very small shipments, but they may not be economical for regular wholesale inventory.

Shipping times and costs vary by destination, shipment size, carrier and customs clearance.

For a detailed explanation of shipping options, read our guide How to Ship Clothes from Vietnam to India & Worldwide.

Step 7: Understand Customs Duty and Taxes

This is one of the most important parts of importing clothes from Vietnam to India.

The applicable customs duty and taxes depend on the product's correct HS classification, customs valuation and current tariff rules.

Therefore, do not calculate your business margin using a generic duty percentage without checking the exact product classification.

Your import cost may include:

  • Product purchase price
  • Vietnam-side charges
  • Freight
  • Insurance, where applicable
  • Customs duty
  • IGST and other applicable taxes
  • Customs clearance charges
  • Port or terminal charges
  • Local transportation
  • Agent or freight-forwarder charges

A customs broker or qualified import professional can help you determine the applicable classification and clearance requirements.

Step 8: Check Whether Preferential Tariff Benefits Apply

India and ASEAN countries, including Vietnam, have the ASEAN-India Trade in Goods Agreement (AITIGA).

However, preferential tariff treatment is not automatic for every product.

Eligibility depends on the applicable tariff rules and rules of origin, and documentary requirements such as a Certificate of Origin may apply.

Before assuming that an imported garment will receive a reduced tariff, check the specific HS code, current tariff treatment and origin requirements.

Step 9: Choose a Safe Payment Method

Before making payment to a Vietnam clothing supplier, confirm:

  • Company or supplier details
  • Invoice
  • Product specifications
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Payment terms
  • Shipping responsibility
  • Refund or replacement terms
  • Bank/payment details

For larger commercial transactions, buyers may use formal business payment arrangements such as bank transfers or letters of credit, depending on the supplier and transaction.

Avoid making a large payment before properly verifying the supplier and order documentation.

Step 10: Calculate Your Landed Cost

The price quoted by a supplier is not your final cost in India.

A simple way to think about landed cost is:

Landed Cost = Product Cost + Vietnam Charges + Freight + Insurance (if applicable) + Customs Duty + Taxes + Clearance Charges + Local Transportation

For example, if a garment costs ₹800 at the supplier stage, you should not assume that ₹800 is your final inventory cost.

After adding freight, customs-related costs, taxes and other charges, the actual cost may be considerably higher.

Calculate your landed cost per piece before deciding your Indian selling price.

Tips for Buying Clothes from Vietnam for Resale

If you are a first-time importer, consider these practical points:

  1. Start with proper supplier research.
  2. Compare prices from several suppliers.
  3. Ask about MOQ before negotiating.
  4. Request samples where possible.
  5. Check fabric composition and garment measurements.
  6. Confirm packing and labelling requirements.
  7. Keep commercial invoices and packing lists.
  8. Calculate landed cost before placing a large order.
  9. Use a reliable freight forwarder or customs professional when needed.
  10. Keep your first order manageable while you learn the import process.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I import clothes from Vietnam to India for resale?

Yes, commercial import of garments is possible, subject to applicable Indian import, customs, tax and other regulatory requirements.

Do I need an IEC to import clothes from Vietnam?

An IEC is generally required for import/export activities in India unless an applicable exemption exists. Check the latest DGFT requirements before importing.

What documents are needed to import clothes from Vietnam?

Depending on the transaction, documents can include commercial invoices, packing lists, transport documents and other customs/import documentation. Additional documents may apply depending on the product and applicable trade benefits.

Is air freight or sea freight better for clothing imports?

It depends on shipment size, urgency and total logistics cost. Air freight is generally suitable when speed matters, while sea freight can be considered for larger shipments.

How can I calculate the cost of importing clothes from Vietnam?

Calculate the product cost first and then add shipping, insurance where applicable, customs duty, taxes, clearance and local transportation to estimate the landed cost.

Related Vietnam Guides

If you are researching Vietnam clothing wholesale and importing clothes from Vietnam to India, these guides may also help:

Final Thoughts

Learning how to import clothes from Vietnam to India is not only about finding wholesale clothing. A successful sourcing plan requires supplier research, product checking, proper documentation, shipping planning and accurate landed-cost calculation.

If you are a boutique owner, clothing retailer or online seller, start with a small and well-researched sourcing plan. Compare several suppliers and markets before making a large investment.

Research the latest Indian import requirements before placing your order, because customs rules, taxes and documentation requirements can change.

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