👗 Apparel & Textiles

Import Apparel to China: Labeling & Safety

No mandatory certification like CCC, but strict labeling laws and GB 18401 safety standards apply. Get them wrong and your shipment gets stuck at customs.

$280B+
Market Size (2024)
2-4
Weeks to Comply
$500-2K
Per Style

👕 Product Categories

👶

Infant Wear

0-36 months

Class A (Strictest)
👧

Kids Clothing

Direct skin contact

Class A/B
👔

Adult Underwear

Direct skin contact

Class B
🧥

Outerwear

Non-direct contact

Class C
🧣

Accessories

Scarves, ties, etc.

Class B/C
🏠

Home Textiles

Bedding, towels

Class A/B

🛡️ GB 18401 Safety Classes

China classifies textiles into three safety levels based on intended use:

A

Infant Products

For babies 0-36 months

  • Strictest limits
  • Formaldehyde ≤20 mg/kg
  • pH 4.0-7.5
  • No decomposable azo dyes

B

Direct Skin Contact

Underwear, T-shirts, socks

  • Moderate limits
  • Formaldehyde ≤75 mg/kg
  • pH 4.0-8.5
  • No decomposable azo dyes

C

Non-Direct Contact

Jackets, coats, outerwear

  • Basic limits
  • Formaldehyde ≤300 mg/kg
  • pH 4.0-9.0
  • No decomposable azo dyes

🏷️ Labeling Requirements

Chinese labels are mandatory. Missing or incorrect labels = customs rejection.

Mandatory Label Elements (per GB 5296.4)

1 Product name (in Chinese)
2 Fiber content (%) — all fibers
3 Size designation (Chinese system)
4 Care instructions (symbols)
5 Safety class (A/B/C)
6 Product standard (GB 18401-2010)
7 Manufacturer or importer info
8 Country of origin

💡 Pro Tip: Fiber Content

Fiber percentages must add up to 100%. For multi-component garments, label each component separately. "Polyester" alone isn't enough — use the Chinese term "聚酯纤维".

🔬 Testing Requirements

Parameter Class A Class B Class C
Formaldehyde (mg/kg) ≤20 ≤75 ≤300
pH Value 4.0-7.5 4.0-8.5 4.0-9.0
Color Fastness (Perspiration) ≥3-4 ≥3 ≥3
Color Fastness (Water) ≥3-4 ≥3 ≥3
Color Fastness (Rubbing) ≥4 ≥3 ≥3
Banned Azo Dyes Not detected Not detected Not detected

💰 Cost Breakdown

Item Cost Range Notes
GB 18401 Testing $200-500/style Per material composition
Fiber Content Test $100-200 Per unique blend
Label Design $100-300 Per style
Label Production $0.05-0.20/pc Woven or printed
Customs Broker $200-500 Per shipment

❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need CCC certification for apparel?
No. Unlike electronics and toys, apparel does not require CCC certification. However, all products must comply with GB 18401 safety standards and have proper Chinese labels.
Can I use international size labels (S/M/L)?
You must include Chinese size designations based on body dimensions (e.g., 170/88A for height 170cm, chest 88cm, standard build). International sizes can be added as supplementary information.
What if my product fails GB 18401 testing?
Common failures are formaldehyde (from finishing agents) and pH (from dyeing). You may need to reprocess or source from a different supplier. Products failing azo dye tests cannot be imported.
Are leather and fur products covered?
Leather apparel has additional standards (QB/T 1615). Fur products must comply with labeling rules for animal fur origin. Endangered species require CITES documentation.

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