How to Import Terry Towels from India: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

How to Import Terry Towels from India: A Step-by-Step Guide for First-Time Buyers

India is the world's largest exporter of cotton terry towels, supplying over 35% of global demand. For procurement managers, retail buyers, and hospitality purchasing teams outside India, the process of importing from an Indian manufacturer can seem opaque. This guide demystifies the entire process — from initial enquiry to your first shipment clearing customs.

Step 1: Define Your Specifications Before You Contact Anyone

The most common mistake first-time buyers make is contacting manufacturers without a clear specification. Indian exporters deal with hundreds of enquiries weekly; a well-specified enquiry gets a better, faster response — and a more accurate price.

**Minimum specifications to define before enquiring:**

Step 2: Identify and Verify the Manufacturer

India has thousands of textile exporters — but only a fraction are genuine manufacturers (as opposed to trading companies or agents). Buying from a manufacturer means better pricing, direct quality control, and faster problem resolution.

**How to verify a genuine manufacturer:**

1. Request their **IEC (Import Export Code)** — every legitimate Indian exporter has one. Verify it at the DGFT website.

2. Ask for their **GST Registration Certificate** — mandatory for all Indian businesses above a threshold.

3. Request a **factory video or virtual tour** — see the actual production facility.

4. Check for **third-party certifications** (OEKO-TEX, GOTS, ISO) with valid certificate numbers — verify directly on the certification body's website.

Step 3: Request and Evaluate Samples

Never commit to a bulk order without evaluating physical samples. No photo or video can accurately represent the hand feel, colour accuracy, or GSM of a terry towel.

**What to check on samples:**

Most manufacturers charge a nominal sample fee ($20–$80 depending on the product) to cover production and shipping. This fee is typically credited against your bulk order.

Step 4: Understand Pricing — FOB vs CIF

Indian exporters quote in FOB (Free On Board) or CIF (Cost Insurance Freight):

For a first order, CIF is simpler. For repeat high-volume orders, FOB allows better freight cost control.

**Typical FOB price ranges (2026):**

Step 5: Check the HS Code and Import Duty

Before finalizing your order, confirm the **HS code** for your product and the **import duty** in your country.

For terry towels, the relevant HS codes are:

Import duty varies by country. Always confirm with your customs broker before ordering.

Step 6: Place the Order and Confirm Production Details

Once you're satisfied with samples and pricing, place the purchase order in writing. A purchase order should include:

Step 7: Arrange Pre-Shipment Inspection

For your first order — especially orders above $10,000 — consider a third-party pre-shipment inspection. Agencies like **SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek** will inspect your goods in the Indian factory before shipment.

This costs approximately $200–$400 per inspection day but can prevent receiving a non-conforming shipment worth 10–100x that amount.

Step 8: Manage Shipping and Customs Clearance

Your freight forwarder will handle the logistics. You will need to provide them with:

Your customs broker in your country will use these documents to clear the shipment.

Step 9: Inspect on Arrival

When your shipment arrives, inspect it before accepting it into your warehouse. Check:

Any discrepancies should be documented immediately and reported to the exporter.

Conclusion

Importing terry towels from India is a proven, well-established trade route. With the right specifications, a verified manufacturer, physical sample approval, and proper documentation, your first import can go smoothly. The key is doing the preparation upfront rather than rushing into a bulk order based on a price quote alone.

*Anabyn Global Ventures has exported to 50+ countries. [Contact our export team](/request-quote) to start your sourcing process — we guide first-time buyers through every step.*