The US is one of the potential markets for Vietnamese garments. However, not everyone clearly understands the standards and criteria for evaluating products of export quality.
Production and export situation of Vietnam textile and garment products
In Vietnam, the textile industry plays an increasingly important role in the national economy. It not only serves the increasing needs of society but is also a profession that helps our country create jobs for many people. Besides, the garment industry has also contributed a lot to the national budget, creating conditions to promote the economy to develop in a positive and positive direction.
In recent years, the textile industry has made remarkable progress. That is reflected in the average growth rate of the textile and garment industry, which has reached 30% per year and accounts for 20% of the country’s total export turnover. Currently, our country has about 822 textile and garment manufacturing enterprises. Vietnam is exporting its garment industry to many different markets such as Japan, the US, the EU, and Canada. Among them, EU countries are the largest textile and garment export market, accounting for about 34%-38% of total export turnover each year. Regarding the Japanese market, the garment industry exported here enjoys preferential tax prices under the GSP system, so export turnover to this market has increased quite rapidly in the past few years.
Standards for garments exported to the US
The US is a large market for Vietnam in the garment industry but is also a potential market for many other countries. Therefore, if Vietnamese garments want to be exported here and maintain long-term links with the US, businesses’ goods must meet essential standards.
1. Basic model, shape, and size requirements
In terms of clothing shape, it must be consistent with the design style and aesthetically pleasing to the American people. For multi-layer clothing, the internal shape must also be consistent with the overall appearance of the product.
About basic models and sizes:
- When sewing common everyday clothes, they must be produced according to the model and size specified in the standards at all levels or in the contract.
- Allowable size deviations for clothes with 2 or more layers must comply with regulations.
2. Production technical requirements
In the process of producing garments exported to the US, there are also requirements and standards for raw materials and accessories as follows:
- Main fabric: Must ensure good quality, and have physical and chemical criteria that meet the regulations in standards at all levels or according to the standard sample signed in the contract.
- Construction fabric: Adhesive construction fabric, non-adhesive construction fabric, or construction lining fabric must have color, shrinkage, and thickness consistent with the corresponding characteristics of the main fabric.
- Lining fabric: The body lining fabric must have the appropriate color to the main fabric and have appropriate physical and chemical properties, not affecting the size and style of the product during use. In addition, the lining fabric in other positions may be different in color from the main fabric but must still be consistent with the characteristics of the main fabric.
Decorative materials must also have appropriate shapes, sizes, and patterns to increase the aesthetics and design intent of the product. Specifically, decorative motifs need to meet the following criteria:
- Thread: Must be suitable for connecting, overlocking, and decorative seams or must comply with the sample signed in the contract and must have a tensile strength of not less than 7N (700G). In addition, the material composition, index, twist direction and color must also be suitable for each type of fabric. Overlock thread or overlock silk must be soft, smooth and have an appropriate index for the fabric.
- Buttons, clasps, and stickers: Buttons have high mechanical and thermal durability and will not deform during processing and daily use. Buttons must have the right color and size to match the clothing model or according to the specifications signed in the contract. The clasp must be made of good materials, aesthetically pleasing, easy to connect to the product, and easy to use. If using stickers (adhesive tape), it need to have the appropriate size, firm adhesive surface, and color suitable for the product.
- Zipper: All types of zippers (metal, plastic) need to be durable, the color of the zipper teeth and fabric background must match the thickness, fabric color, and location of the zipper…
- Brands and tags: Labels must be clearly and elegantly designed on the fabric. At the same time, the size and content are appropriate or according to the contract.
3. Requirements for labeling, packaging, packing, transportation, and preservation of goods
Labeling and packaging
- Clothing exported to China, Europe, etc., must have clear woven or printed labels with the following information: size, production unit symbol, name of exporting country, and instructions for use.
- In addition to the woven or printed label, an additional cardboard label with the following contents may be printed: product type, material composition, color, size, quality, and name and address of the manufacturing facility.
Packing
- The product must be folded and balanced, pinned and clamped according to regulations.
- Each product should be contained in a PE, PP bag, or according to other requirements of the partner.
- The number of products contained in a box and the number of boxes in a case must also comply with standards at all levels or according to the contract.
- Each box containing the product also needs to have a packing slip affixed to the top corner of the box with the following contents written: product code + quantity + product name and specifications + weight including packaging and empty packaging + date, month, year.
- The outside of each box must have a clear code, with the following content: name and address of the exporting facility + name and address of the importing facility + receiving address + contract number and shipment number + model and order number of goods in batch + weight both packaged and unpackaged + storage code.
Transportation and storage
- Cargo vehicles must be dry, clean, and covered.
- The warehouse must have a roof, and goods must be arranged on a platform 30cm from the floor and 50cm from the wall.
- The box must not be stacked too high but must be placed according to the instructions for the box lid at the top.
- Goods must be kept away from flammable and easily dirty substances.
Evaluation of apparel standards in the US market
The US product safety standards system is quite strict and complex. Especially product standards serve people with sensitive skin such as children.
In addition, some other states in the United States have strict laws and regulations on labeling, packaging, and limiting the use of chemicals. To avoid problems importing goods into the United States, manufacturers must comply with CPSC regulations and private sector standards.