Kalamkari is a 3000-year-old textile art from Andhra Pradesh, combining block printing (Machilipatnam) and hand-painting (Srikalahasti). Natural dyes, meticulous craftsmanship, distinctive narrative motifs.
Two Kalamkari Styles
- Machilipatnam Kalamkari โ Block-printed with mordant dyes. Faster production, more commercial.
- Srikalahasti Kalamkari โ Free-hand pen-work. Slower, artisan-paced, premium.
Natural Dyes Used
- Indigo (blue)
- Alum (red)
- Iron sulphate (black)
- Pomegranate rind (yellow)
- Wet cow-dung fixation (traditional)
Product Categories
- Kalamkari sarees
- Kalamkari kurtas and dresses
- Kalamkari bedsheets and pillowcases
- Kalamkari cushion covers
- Kalamkari table runners
- Kalamkari wall hangings (decorative art)
MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)
- Cotton kalamkari saree (block-print) โ 100 pcs, $18โ32 per piece
- Kalamkari kurta (block-print) โ 100 pcs, $14โ24 per piece
- Kalamkari cushion cover โ 200 pcs, $6.50โ12 per piece
- Pen-work kalamkari wall hanging โ 25 pcs, $65โ150 per piece
Lead Times
- Sampling: 3โ4 weeks
- Bulk (block-printed): 45โ60 days
- Pen-work artisan production: 60โ120 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.