Zardozi is India's luxury gold-thread embroidery tradition โ Persian in origin, refined over 400 years in Mughal courts. Real metallic threads (gold, silver), heavy hand-embroidery, ultra-premium retail positioning. Standard for wedding, formal and couture-level programmes.
Zardozi Categories
- Real gold thread (genuine, expensive)
- Silver-plated gold thread
- Metal-coated cotton thread
- Synthetic zari (value tier)
Product Applications
- Wedding lehengas and sherwanis
- Bridal sarees with heavy embroidery
- Evening gowns and formal wear
- Royal-inspired jackets
- Ceremonial garments
MOQs & Pricing (FOB India)
- Zardozi wedding lehenga (mid-tier) โ 25 pcs, $180โ420 per piece
- Zardozi wedding sherwani โ 25 pcs, $220โ480 per piece
- Heavy Zardozi bridal saree โ 25 pcs, $250โ650 per piece
- Zardozi evening gown โ 25 pcs, $180โ380 per piece
- Premium couture Zardozi programme โ special quote
Lead Times
- Sampling: 6โ8 weeks
- Bulk (heavy artisan-paced): 90โ180 days per piece
- Book couture programmes 8+ months ahead
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
- Phulkari Embroidery from Punjab: B2B Sourcing Guide โ Phulkari is Punjab's iconic floss-silk embroidery tradition. A B2B sourcing guide for brands buying Phulkari textiles and apparel.
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- Aari Embroidery Wholesale India: Chain-Stitch Craftsmanship โ Aari embroidery is India's hooked-needle chain-stitch tradition. Faster than sozni, more decorative than machine embroidery. A B2B...
- Silk Pillowcases & Silk Bedding Wholesale from India โ Silk pillowcases have exploded as a premium beauty and sleep category. A sourcing reference for retailers buying silk pillowcases...
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.
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.