Sourcing for Vietnam · World → Vietnam
Importing Textile, Garment and Footwear Materials into Vietnam
Vietnam is one of the world's largest garment and footwear exporters, but a large share of its fabrics, yarn, cotton, leather and trims is imported. GLG helps Vietnamese manufacturers find and verify material suppliers abroad, plan origin under free trade agreements, and keep inbound materials moving to production schedules.
Key products
- Raw cotton and cotton or blended yarn
- Woven fabrics: denim, shirting, suiting, twill and technical fabrics
- Knitted fabrics: jersey, fleece, spandex blends and performance knits
- Polyester and nylon filament yarn and recycled yarn
- Finished leather, PU and microfibre synthetic leather
- Trims and accessories: zippers, buttons, labels, elastic, interlinings
- Footwear components: EVA sheets, rubber compounds, outsoles, toe caps, adhesives
- Dyes, auxiliaries and finishing chemicals for textile mills
Main supply sources
- China – the broadest supply of woven and knitted fabrics, trims, footwear components and fast replenishment
- South Korea and Taiwan – synthetic, functional and technical fabrics, high-quality polyester and nylon yarn
- Japan – premium fabrics, high-end trims and technical materials
- United States, Brazil and Australia – raw cotton for Vietnamese spinning mills
- India and Pakistan – cotton yarn and cotton fabrics
- Italy and other EU countries – premium leather, fashion fabrics and accessories
Common HS codes
| HS code | Description |
|---|---|
| 5201 | Cotton, not carded or combed |
| 5205 | Cotton yarn |
| 5407 | Woven fabrics of synthetic filament yarn |
| 6006 | Other knitted or crocheted fabrics |
| 4107 | Leather further prepared after tanning |
| 9607 | Slide fasteners (zippers) and parts |
HS codes are indicative. Confirm the exact classification of your product before you declare it.
Certifications buyers ask for
- Plant quarantine for raw cotton and some natural fibres on arrival
- Animal quarantine and veterinary documents for raw or semi-processed hides
- Technical regulations on formaldehyde and azo dyes apply mainly to finished textile products sold in Vietnam
- Processing for export and export manufacturing regimes allow duty exemption on imported materials when conditions are met
- Certificates of origin and supplier declarations to support FTA origin of the finished goods (yarn-forward under CPTPP, fabric-forward under EVFTA)
- Chemical declaration and safety data sheets for dyes and auxiliaries
Logistics notes
- Fabric and trims from China often move by sea to Hải Phòng or Cát Lái in a few days, or by road through Lạng Sơn border gates.
- Raw cotton ships in containers or bales; check moisture and contamination at arrival.
- Urgent trims and samples move by air or express courier.
- Bonded warehouses help garment makers hold materials for processing contracts.
- Keep fabric rolls dry and wrapped to avoid shading and moisture damage.
Sourcing tips
- Check that the supplier can provide origin documents that match the rules your buyer expects.
- Request lab dips, strike-offs and bulk lot samples before ordering.
- Agree on shade tolerance, shrinkage, colour fastness and inspection standards (four-point system).
- Ask for chemical compliance documents such as OEKO-TEX or brand restricted substance lists.
- Diversify suppliers for critical fabrics to protect production schedules.
Vietnam's demand for textile and footwear materials
Vietnam is one of the world's top garment and footwear exporters, but its domestic supply of fabric, yarn and leather has not kept pace with assembly capacity. As a result, garment and footwear factories import a large share of their fabrics, trims and components, and spinning mills import almost all their raw cotton. Many brand customers nominate fabric and trim suppliers, while factories source the rest themselves.
Origin rules are a major driver of sourcing decisions. Under CPTPP, many garments must follow a yarn-forward rule, while EVFTA generally requires fabric-forward origin, with some flexibility for fabric from certain partners. The choice of material origin can decide whether the finished product enjoys preferential duty in the export market.
Main origins and materials
| Origin | Typical materials | Notes for buyers |
|---|---|---|
| China | Woven and knitted fabrics, trims, footwear components | Broadest range, fast delivery, check origin implications |
| South Korea and Taiwan | Synthetic and functional fabrics, yarn | Strong for sportswear and outdoor |
| Japan | Premium fabrics and trims | Higher cost, high consistency |
| US, Brazil, Australia | Raw cotton | Bulk contracts, quality by grade and staple |
| India and Pakistan | Cotton yarn and fabric | Competitive for basics |
| Italy and EU | Premium leather and fashion fabrics | Smaller lots, higher price |
How GLG sources and verifies material suppliers abroad
Through its agent network in 120+ countries, GLG helps Vietnamese factories find new mills and component makers, or alternatives to existing suppliers.
- Shortlist mills and traders with matching products and export records to Vietnam.
- Verify business registration, mill ownership versus trading, and references.
- Arrange mill visits or audits through local agents.
- Coordinate lab dips, samples and test reports.
- Arrange pre-shipment inspection of fabric rolls using the four-point system.
Import procedures
Most fabrics and trims do not need an import licence, but raw cotton needs plant quarantine and raw hides need animal quarantine. Factories importing materials for processing or export manufacturing must register their regime and keep material use records, as customs checks the balance between imported materials and exported products. Dyes and auxiliaries may require chemical declaration.
Buying process, payment and Incoterms
- Define material specifications, quantity and required delivery date.
- Receive shortlisted suppliers and quotations.
- Approve samples and test results.
- Sign the purchase contract directly with the supplier.
- Inspect, ship and clear customs under the right regime.
Fabric and trims are commonly bought FOB or CIF, while cotton is traded under standard contracts. Payment by letter of credit is common for new suppliers. Plan buffer time for samples and approvals.
Risks to manage
- Shade variation between lots.
- Late delivery delaying production.
- Origin documents that do not support FTA claims.
- Chemical compliance failures for brand customers.
GLG does not trade materials itself and does not guarantee supplier performance. Contracts are between buyer and supplier.
Frequently asked questions
Why does material origin matter?
Because free trade agreements set origin rules for the finished product. Fabric or yarn from non-partner countries can mean the garment does not qualify for preferential duty.
Do I need a licence to import fabric?
Generally no, but raw cotton needs plant quarantine and raw hides need animal quarantine. Processing regimes need registration with customs.
Can GLG help find alternative fabric suppliers?
Yes. GLG can shortlist and verify alternative mills and coordinate samples.
GLG connects, verifies and coordinates, but is not a party to the sales contract: the purchase agreement, price and performance obligations are between buyer and seller. Verification and inspection results reflect conditions at the time of the check and do not guarantee future performance.