How to Import Cashmere from India — B2B Buyer's Guide 2026

India has emerged as one of the most competitive global sources for premium cashmere — combining heritage craftsmanship from the Himalayan foothills with internationally certified processing standards. For international buyers, the question is rarely whether to source cashmere from India, but how to do it correctly: which grades to specify, what minimum order quantities are realistic, what documentation customs will demand, and how to vet suppliers before placing a purchase order.

This guide walks B2B importers through the complete sourcing process — from the first specification sheet through to a containerised export shipment.

Why Indian Cashmere Has Become a Global Sourcing Hub

Most premium cashmere fibre originates from Capra hircus goats raised at 4,000+ metres in the Trans-Himalayan plateau. The raw fibre — known as pashm — is hand-combed during the spring moult, then de-haired and graded by micron count. India's Kashmir Valley and the Ladakh region have specialised in this fibre for over six centuries, and modern Indian mills now process, spin, and finish Grade A cashmere to specifications demanded by European fashion houses, Japanese department stores, and American luxury retailers.

The competitive advantage is not just heritage. Indian processors have invested heavily in:

Independent third-party fibre testing — Woolmark, SGS, and IWTO-accredited laboratories verify micron count, length, and animal welfare claims.
Vertical integration — many Indian exporters control the entire chain from fibre procurement through finished garment, eliminating margin layers.
Export-grade compliance — REACH, OEKO-TEX, and GOTS certifications are now standard among tier-one Indian mills.

Understanding Cashmere Grades

Before any meaningful conversation with a supplier, you need to be able to specify what you are buying. Cashmere is graded by two primary properties:

Fibre diameter (micron count) — Grade A cashmere measures 14–15.5 microns; Grade B is 15.6–17 microns; Grade C is 17.1–19 microns. Anything above 19 microns should not legally be sold as cashmere in the EU or US.
Fibre length — Grade A is typically 36mm+. Shorter fibres produce a more pilling-prone yarn.

Specify both micron and length on your purchase order. A reputable Indian exporter will provide an independent test certificate per batch.

Minimum Order Quantities for International Buyers

MOQs vary dramatically by product type:

Pure cashmere scarves — typically 100–300 pieces per colour, per design.
Cashmere blend fabrics (per metre) — 200–500 metres per construction, per colour.
Knitwear (sweaters, cardigans) — 200–500 pieces per style, with size breakdown flexibility.
Custom private-label programmes — generally start at 500–1,000 pieces, depending on complexity.

If a supplier offers significantly lower MOQs without batch consolidation, treat it as a quality flag.

Documentation Required for Cashmere Import

For most destination countries you will need:

Commercial invoice and packing list
Bill of lading or air waybill
Certificate of Origin (Form A or equivalent, often with GSP benefit for eligible destinations)
Phytosanitary or veterinary health certificate (required by some EU member states)
HS Code 5102.11 for raw cashmere; 5105.31 for combed cashmere tops; 5108 for cashmere yarn; 6214 for cashmere scarves; 6110 for cashmere knitwear
Test certificates verifying fibre composition (required for retail-ready goods in the EU under textile labelling regulations)

How to Vet an Indian Cashmere Supplier

A reliable supplier should be able to provide, on request:

Export registration certificate (IEC code from DGFT, India)
GST registration certificate
Third-party fibre testing reports for recent shipments
References from existing international buyers
Audited social compliance reports (SEDEX, BSCI, or equivalent)
Sample lead time and willingness to provide pre-production samples against your specification

Lead Times and Shipping

Plan for the following timelines from order confirmation:

Sampling: 10–21 days
Bulk production: 30–60 days depending on product
Quality control and finishing: 7 days
Sea freight India → Europe: 18–25 days; India → US East Coast: 24–32 days; India → UAE: 4–7 days

For first orders, build in an additional 14-day buffer to allow for any specification reworks.

Next Steps

If you're evaluating Indian cashmere suppliers for the upcoming season, the most efficient first step is to send a clear inquiry with your target product, MOQ tolerance, certifications required, and destination country. Most established exporters will respond within 48 hours with a sample plan and indicative pricing.

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 operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer — 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 and tungsten scrap), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house — giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.

How to Import Cashmere from India: A Complete B2B Buyer's Guide (2026)