How to Import Second Hand Clothes from China to India: Step-by-Step Guide (2025)

India is one of the fastest-growing markets for second hand clothing imports from China. With rising demand in cities like Panipat, Delhi NCR, and Kandla, more Indian traders are looking to source directly from Chinese factories. This guide walks you through every step of the import process.

Step 1: Understand the Legal Framework

Second hand clothes are classified under two HSN codes for India import purposes, depending on the product type:

• HSN 63090000 — Worn Clothing and Other Worn Articles (sorted garments, blankets, mixed bales)
• HSN 63109040 — Hosiery rags / synthetic rags (applies only to this specific category)

The cargo description on shipping documents must match the actual goods. For sorted garments and worn clothing bales (HSN 63090000), the approved cargo description used by Belofy and accepted at ICD Patli is:

SECOND HAND CLOTHES

For hosiery rags (HSN 63109040), the cargo description reads:

UNSERVICEABLE PREMUTILATED AND FUMIGATED SYNTHETICS / HOSIERY RAGS

Using the wrong description for your actual goods — or mixing the two — can trigger a customs query or delay. Confirm the correct wording with your CHA before filing the Bill of Entry.

Step 2: Choose the Right Port Routing

All second hand clothing containers entering India are currently routed through ICD Patli (Inland Container Depot, Haryana) based on Belofy's customer shipment experience. ICD Patli is the primary approved inland customs station for this commodity category. Final routing depends on your actual goods and your CHA's confirmation at the time of booking.

Recommended port routing:

• Port of Loading: Shekou (Shenzhen) / Nansha (Guangzhou) / Huangpu (Guangzhou), China
• Port of Discharge: Pipavav (Gujarat) or Mundra (Gujarat)
• Final Clearance: ICD Patli, Haryana

Both Pipavav and Mundra are well-connected to ICD Patli by rail. Transit time from Shekou/Nansha/Huangpu to ICD Patli is typically 18–25 days.

Step 3: Select Your Product Category

Belofy exports sorted bales in the following categories, each with standardised bale weights:

Category	Bale Weight	Container Load (40HQ)
Summer Clothing	90 kg/bale	28,800 kg
Winter Clothes	80 kg/bale	28,800 kg
Blankets & Home Textiles	90 kg/bale	28,800 kg
Hosiery Rags	90 kg/bale	28,800 kg

For first-time importers, summer clothing mixed bales are the most popular starting point due to high demand in Panipat and Delhi markets.

Step 4: Confirm MOQ and Pricing

The standard minimum order is one 40HQ container. Belofy does not offer LCL (less than container load) shipments for India.

Pricing is quoted FOB Shekou / Nansha / Huangpu and varies by:

• Product category (summer, winter, blankets)
• Grade (A-grade sorted vs. mixed)
• Season and availability

Contact our India team via WhatsApp or WeChat for a current price list.

Step 5: Prepare Your Import Documents

You will need the following documents for customs clearance at ICD Patli:

1. Bill of Lading — issued by the shipping line
2. Commercial Invoice — showing FOB value, quantity, and HSN 63090000
3. Packing List — bale count, weight per bale, total weight
4. Fumigation Certificate — mandatory; issued by a certified fumigation company in China
5. Certificate of Origin — Form A or standard CO from China Council for Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT)
6. Import Export Code (IEC) — your Indian IEC number is required for customs filing

Belofy provides all China-side documents as part of the shipment package.

Step 6: Customs Clearance at ICD Patli

Once the container arrives at ICD Patli, your customs broker (CHA — Customs House Agent) will file the Bill of Entry. Key points:

• Duty rate: Basic Customs Duty (BCD) + IGST applies; consult your CHA for current rates
• Physical examination: Containers are often subject to 100% physical examination at ICD Patli
• Fumigation re-check: Customs may verify the fumigation certificate against the cargo

Allow 7–14 working days for clearance after container arrival at ICD Patli.

Step 7: Distribution to Your Market

After clearance, most importers truck the bales directly to:

• Panipat — India's largest second hand clothing wholesale market
• Delhi NCR — Sadar Bazar, Chandni Chowk wholesale areas
• Kandla/Gandhidham — Gujarat distribution hub

Ready to Start?

Belofy has been supplying Indian importers since 2022. Our India team speaks Hindi and can guide you through the entire process from order to clearance.

Contact us to request a price list and container availability.