How to Import Sportswear from China

How to Import Sportswear from China (Importer's Guide)

Importing sportswear from China is straightforward when you control the five levers: supplier, spec, compliance, Incoterms and QC.

1. Choose your supply model

  • In-stock wholesale: buy finished stock styles, MOQ from 1 piece
  • Private label: your brand on existing styles, from 100 pieces
  • OEM: fully custom product from 300 pieces
  • ODM: we design + you brand — fastest for new brands

2. Nail the spec before production

Provide a tech pack (or let us build one): fabric composition & GSM, sizes, trims, labels, packaging. Every unspecified detail becomes a surprise at QC — specify everything.

3. Compliance by market

  • US: Prop65, CPSIA (children), FTC labeling, customs entry
  • EU: REACH, CE where applicable, EU labeling
  • UK: UKCA/CE, UK labeling
  • Ask for certificates per market before you pay in full

4. Choose Incoterms

DDP is easiest for new importers — one landed price, we handle duty and delivery. FOB/EXW save money if you have a customs broker. For ecommerce, FBA-ready DDP removes the most friction.

5. QC before shipping

  • Pre-production sample approval
  • In-line inspection at 30–50% production
  • Final random inspection (AQL) before payment
  • Photos/video of packed cartons before dispatch

6. Shipping & restock

Air freight 4–7 days for restocks; sea freight 25–35 days for bulk. Keep a 7-day in-stock buffer on best sellers to avoid stockouts between containers.

Alpinario ships DDP to US/UK/EU/AU/CA and is FBA-ready — factory direct from Zhejiang, China.

Talk to Our Factory Team

Manufacturing Process · Fabric Technology · MOQ Guide · Supplier Checklist · Sample Kit · Request a Quote