India's hand-beading and sequin embellishment craft is unrivalled globally. Historically the source of many international luxury brand programmes (privately labelled). For premium retail, wedding, evening and formal wear brands, India is the sourcing destination.
Beading Categories
- Bugle beads (long cylindrical)
- Seed beads (round, small)
- Pearl beads (imitation or freshwater)
- Crystal beads (glass, cut)
- Bugle + sequin combinations
- Silver / gold zari + beads
Sequin Types
- Flat sequins (round, 4mm)
- Cup sequins (concave, catches light)
- Iridescent sequins
- Matte sequins
- Sequin trim (borders)
Application Techniques
- Hand-stitched (traditional, most premium)
- Aari embroidery (chain-stitch, faster)
- Machine embroidery with beads (semi-hand)
Product Categories
- Wedding lehengas and gowns
- Evening gowns and cocktail dresses
- Embellished tops and blouses
- Sarees with heavy embellishment
- Embellished sherwanis (menswear)
MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)
- Lightly embellished top (machine + hand) โ 100 pcs, $32โ58 per piece
- Heavily hand-beaded gown โ 25 pcs, $180โ320 per piece
- Wedding lehenga (fully embellished) โ 25 pcs, $220โ450 per piece
- Bridal masterpiece (couture-level) โ 10 pcs, $600โ1200+ per piece
Lead Times
- Sampling: 4โ6 weeks
- Bulk (artisan-paced): 90โ180 days
Frequently Asked Questions
What payment terms are standard for Indian textile imports?
Standard payment structure is 30% advance via TT (telegraphic transfer) plus 70% against copy of bill of lading. Letters of credit (LC) are recommended for first-time relationships or large orders ($50,000+). Established repeat buyers can negotiate DA/DP terms or open account. Avoid 100% advance payment except for very small sample orders.
How do I verify an Indian supplier before placing a large order?
Verify: IEC code (Indian Import-Export Code from DGFT), GST registration, physical factory address (via video call or third-party visit), references from 2+ existing international customers, SEDEX or BSCI social audit, relevant OEKO-TEX/GOTS scope certificates. Pre-shipment inspection is essential โ budget $250โ500 per shipment via SGS, Intertek or Bureau Veritas.
What HS code applies to my product for import duty?
HS code depends on fibre composition and construction. Silk items are Chapter 50; wool Chapter 51; cotton Chapter 52; knitted apparel Chapter 61; woven apparel Chapter 62; home textiles Chapter 63. Get a formal HS code determination from your destination customs broker before first import โ mis-classification causes customs delays and unexpected duty charges.
Can Indian suppliers ship directly to my end customer (dropshipping)?
Yes, dropshipping from India is technically possible. But it comes with challenges: 14โ35 day sea transit customer expectation management, unexpected destination duty charges, complex returns handling, quality control gaps per shipment. For most brands, a wholesale-import-then-fulfil model produces better customer experience than pure dropshipping.
Related Reading
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About Blueridge Trade LLP
Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer โ we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.
Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc, tin, tungsten scrap, activated carbon), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house โ giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.