The Ultimate 6-Step Guide to Profitable Garment Imports from Bangladesh for African Businesses

Are you looking to import garments from Bangladesh? Are you an African entrepreneur or fashion retailer looking to grow your business by importing garments from Bangladesh? You’re in the right place.

Bangladesh is the world’s second-largest exporter of ready-made garments (RMG), known for competitive pricing, consistent quality, and high-volume production capacity. Whether you’re sourcing t-shirts, uniforms, or trendy fashionwear, importing garments from Bangladesh can be a smart and profitable business move.

In this ultimate 6-step guide, the Africa Bangladesh Business Forum (ABBF) walks you through everything you need to know to successfully source, ship, and sell Bangladeshi garments in African markets.

👕 Why Bangladesh is the Best Country to Import Garments From

• 🌍 2nd largest garment exporter globally

• 💰 Affordable labor and bulk pricing advantages

• 🧵 High-quality products: cotton, knitwear, denim, uniforms

• ✅ Compliance with global standards (OEKO-TEX®, BSCI, WRAP)

Bangladesh is a preferred destination for clothing importers worldwide, and with the support of ABBF, African businesses can take full advantage of this opportunity.

✅ The Ultimate 6-Step Guide to Profitable Garment Imports

Step 1: Find a Reliable Garment Supplier in Bangladesh

Choosing the right supplier is critical for product quality and timely delivery.

✅ Options:

• OEM Manufacturers – Ideal for custom or private-label clothing

• Export-oriented Garment Factories – Large production capacity

• Buying Houses – Simplify sourcing from multiple factories

• Sourcing websites- Alibaba, Kingmansa, Tradekey etc.

🔍 ABBF Support: We help African buyers verify suppliers, conduct due diligence, and even arrange factory inspections or visits to avoid fraud or quality issues.

Step 2: Define Product Specifications Clearly

Clarity reduces errors, delays, and returns.

🧾 Define:

• Garment type (t-shirts, polos, uniforms, etc.)

• Fabric (cotton, poly-cotton, spandex)

• GSM, stitching, colors, and sizes

• Printing options (screen, DTG, sublimation)

🧵 ABBF ensures proper sampling, quality inspection, and production oversight before bulk orders.

Step 3: Negotiate Pricing and Secure Payment Terms

💡 Compare quotes across multiple suppliers and understand the Minimum Order Quantity (MOQ).

💳 Payment methods include:

• Telegraphic Transfer (T/T)

• Letter of Credit (LC)

• Escrow or ABBF-backed contracts

💼 ABBF helps negotiate fair pricing, aligns expectations, and facilitates secure trade transactions to protect both parties.

Step 4: Manage Shipping and Logistics Smartly

🛫 Choose your shipping mode:

• Sea freight for large shipments

• Air freight for urgent or smaller deliveries

📦 Key Export Points:

• Chittagong Seaport (main garment export hub)

• Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport (Dhaka)

📑 Required shipping documents:

• Commercial Invoice

• Packing List

• Bill of Lading or Airway Bill

• Certificate of Origin

🚢 ABBF Advantage: We coordinate with freight forwarders, customs agents, and ensure all shipping documentation is in order.

Step 5: Handle Customs and Compliance Confidently

📌 Use correct HS Codes (e.g., 6109.10 for cotton t-shirts) for tariff classification.

📜 Check local:

• Import duties

• VAT or GST

• Labeling and safety compliance rules

🛃 ABBF supports customs clearance, regulatory advisory, and connects you with experienced agents across African ports.

Step 6: Customize and Scale Your Garment Business

💡 Want to add your own brand?

• Create custom tags, logos, and packaging

• Launch your exclusive fashion line or uniform brand

• Develop long-term partnerships with Bangladeshi suppliers

🎯 ABBF facilitates branding, product development, and even helps establish joint ventures between African and Bangladeshi companies.

🛡️ How ABBF Helps You Import Garments from Bangladesh – Safely and Profitably

📦 Popular Garments You Can Import from Bangladesh

• Cotton T-Shirts & Polos

• Casual & Formal Shirts

• Uniforms (school, security, corporate)

• Jeans & Chinos

• Hoodies & Sweatshirts

• Dresses & Modest Wear

• Sportswear & Activewear

📞 Ready to Start Importing Garments from Bangladesh?

The Africa Bangladesh Business Forum (ABBF) helps African businesses import with confidence, reduce risks, and maximize profits. Whether you’re a fashion brand, distributor, or wholesaler, we offer end-to-end support—from sourcing to delivery.

📧 Contact Us Now:
Email: info@africabangladesh.com, Mob: +224 627868998
🌐 Website: www.africabangladesh.com
📍 Offices in Dhaka, Conakry, Accra, and Vancouver

Zahirul Haq

President, ABBF

africabangladesh.com