How to Identify Authentic Cashmere — Buyer's Guide

Counterfeit cashmere is a substantial market. Suppliers claim cashmere and deliver blends, yak hair, or synthetic acrylic. Systematic authentication protects buyers from expensive mistakes.

Physical Tests

Feel test: real cashmere feels warm to touch even in cool rooms
Burn test: real cashmere smells like burnt hair (not plastic or paper)
Pilling test: real cashmere pills within first few wears (a good sign)
Ring test: fine cashmere scarf should pass through a wedding ring
Weight test: real cashmere is very light — 200g for a 200cm scarf

Visual Signs of Counterfeit

Uniform machine-perfect appearance (real handmade shows slight variation)
Overly saturated dye colours (real cashmere is subtler)
Scratchy or stiff feel
Heavy weight (real cashmere is exceptionally light)
Very cheap price ($15-30 wholesale usually means fake)

Documentation Verification

Micron test certificate (OFDA, IWTO-accredited)
Fibre composition test (SGS, Intertek)
Country of origin certificate
OEKO-TEX Standard 100 certificate
Cashmere and Camel Hair Manufacturers Institute (CCMI) verification

Realistic Price Reference

100% real cashmere scarf (basic): $28+ FOB India
Premium 100% cashmere: $45+ FOB India
Anything under $25 wholesale is almost certainly blended or fake

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 — budget $250–500 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 — 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: 14–35 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.

About Blueridge Trade LLP

Blueridge Trade LLP is a direct textile manufacturer — we own our own scarf production. Cashmere from certified Ladakh sources, spun on our spindles, woven on our looms, dyed at our OEKO-TEX facility, hand-knotted and finished under our supervision. Guaranteed fibre grade, batch-to-batch consistency, and direct-from-mill pricing.

Send us a specification and we'll quote within 24 hours with MOQ, lead time and FOB India pricing.