A complete guide to shipping bulk t-shirts from India to the United States — covering sea freight (Chennai/Tuticorin to Los Angeles/New York, 25–35 days), air freight (5–8 days), US import duties (HS code 6109.10, ~16.5%), and required customs documents.
Shipping t-shirts from India to the USA requires careful planning of freight options, customs documentation, and import duties. Here is the complete guide for US buyers sourcing from Tirupur.
Sea freight is the most cost-effective option for bulk t-shirt shipments. From Tirupur, goods are trucked to Chennai Port (280 km) or Tuticorin Port (180 km). Transit time to Los Angeles: 25–28 days. Transit time to New York (via Suez Canal): 30–35 days. Cost: $0.15–0.25 per piece for a 20-foot container (approximately 15,000–20,000 t-shirts). Full Container Load (FCL): 20-foot container ($1,500–2,500 freight), 40-foot container ($2,500–4,000 freight). Less than Container Load (LCL): $80–120 per cubic metre.
Air freight from Chennai Airport to major US airports (JFK, LAX, ORD): 5–8 days. Cost: $3–5 per kg (a standard t-shirt weighs approximately 200 grams, so $0.60–1.00 per piece). Air freight is 4–6x more expensive than sea freight but suitable for urgent replenishment orders or seasonal collections.
HS Code 6109.10 (cotton t-shirts): 16.5% import duty. HS Code 6109.90 (synthetic fibre t-shirts): 32% import duty. HS Code 6105.10 (cotton polo shirts): 19.7% import duty. Note: India does not have a free trade agreement with the USA, so full MFN duties apply. There is no GSP (Generalised System of Preferences) benefit for Indian garments in the USA as of 2026.
Commercial invoice (with HS code, unit price, total value, country of origin). Packing list (carton details, weights, dimensions). Bill of lading (sea) or airway bill (air). Certificate of origin (Form A or general certificate). Textile declaration (required for all textile imports into USA). ISF (Importer Security Filing) — must be filed 24 hours before vessel departure.
For first-time importers, we strongly recommend using a licensed US customs broker. A customs broker handles all documentation, duty payment, and customs clearance for a fee of $150–300 per shipment. This is well worth the cost to avoid delays and penalties.
Esplandea Incorporation has been exporting to the USA since 2008. We handle all export documentation and can work with your preferred freight forwarder or recommend trusted partners. Contact us for a free quote including estimated freight and duty costs.
Related buyer resource: Review our India manufacturing and export programme.