Shipping Apparel from China to the USA: Label and Freight Checklist

Product imports · Apparel and textiles · Reviewed October 17, 2026 · 4 minute read

Apparel freight planning needs both accurate shipping documents and a separate product-label compliance review. A forwarder can coordinate cargo transport, but freight booking does not establish that a garment’s fiber, origin, manufacturer or care disclosures meet US rules. Review labels and product claims before mass production and export.

Check the garment’s label data

For covered textile products, FTC guidance describes labels that disclose fiber content, country of origin and the identity of the manufacturer or another responsible business. Care-label rules are separate. Applicability and exceptions depend on the product and its construction, so confirm the specific garment with qualified compliance support.

Review origin and product description together

The country shown on a product label should be consistent with the actual manufacturing facts and customs origin determination. Do not copy a supplier’s “Made in China” statement without confirming where relevant processing occurred. Give the broker an accurate description, fiber composition, product type, quantity and value for entry review.

Plan cartons and destination requirements

Provide carton count, packed dimensions, gross weight, garment type, packing method, destination ZIP code and whether goods will go to a warehouse, retailer or fulfillment center. Ask the receiver about carton markings, appointments and labeling requirements. These logistics labels are different from the consumer-facing textile label.

Keep the roles clear

The importer is responsible for its import compliance even when it hires a broker or logistics provider. The forwarder can review route, cargo acceptance, handling and delivery coordination, but should not be treated as the authority for textile labeling law. Get product-specific advice before labels are printed at scale.

Request an apparel freight quote

Send garment description, fiber composition, packaging, carton data, factory location, US destination and ready date through the [ANELGO inquiry form](../index.html#quote). Confirm the transport scope separately from product-label compliance.

Related guides

• US import document checklist
• Factory pickup checklist

Official references

• FTC: textile fiber labeling rule
• FTC: textile and wool labeling guide

For a route-specific logistics review, provide the product, origin, destination, packed dimensions, weight and ready date.