Shipping Textiles to USA with ZenMarket  | ZenMarket

If you are planning to buy some Japanese fashion and textile products, and want to ship them to the USA, you will have to pay attention to the information in this blog.

Most importantly, a MID (Manufacturer Identification Code) is required for all textile and apparel items entering the USA via commercial channels. 

What is a Manufacturer Identification Code (MID)?

A Manufacturer Identification Code (MID) is a unique identifier assigned to a manufacturer by a standardization body or regulatory agency. It’s typically used in various industries, including automotive, electronics, aerospace, and telecommunications, to identify the manufacturer of a particular product or component. It is the Identification Number of a manufacturer to certify the origin of the product.

For textiles and apparel items imported to the USA, the shipper needs to present the MID of the manufacturer, and in most cases, sellers in Japan are unable to provide such documentation. Imagine purchasing from Macy’s and asking the store clerk for the address and name of the factory where the pair of jeans you bought are made. They will likely have no idea.

For items that we do purchase directly from the manufacturer such as handmade items or secondhand items, in most cases they are not even aware that their goods are going to be shipped overseas, and will often not provide the information even if we ask for it. If they were interested, they likely would have already started supplying to US stores, meaning you would not need a shopping proxy to purchase their goods.

Also Read: FULL GUIDE ON BUYING SECONDHAND FASHION IN JAPAN?

 

And for most Japanese brands, unless you are a retailer located in the USA and want to become a business partner, it is very unlikely they would provide information to a normal customer on where their manufacturer is. Therefore, obtaining the MID is impossible for normal online purchases.  

Which Shipping Method to use?  

US customs will often (but not always) ask for documentation from the manufacturer detailing information about the types of fibers and fabrics used in certain textiles. As we have no direct connection to the majority of manufacturers our customers are ordering from, we have no way of providing this documentation, which will result in either the items being seized and destroyed by customs, or being sent back to Japan.

We have found that DHL, FedEx, UPS, and some other providers have a significantly higher likelihood of being asked for these documents than other providers.

We have sought clarification on this but it is still unclear why DHL and FedEx are subjected to more scrutiny than other shipping methods, but in the meantime, it is strongly recommended you choose a different shipping method. We found that many issues that were faced by customers shipping clothing or textiles to the USA were resolved by shipping with either Surface, EMS, or AVIA.

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1. Surface Shipping: Surface shipping, although slower than air freight, can be a reliable option for shipping textiles to the USA. It typically involves transporting goods by sea or land. While it may take longer, surface shipping can help avoid the heightened scrutiny often associated with express air shipping methods.

   

2. EMS (Express Mail Service): EMS offers a balance between speed and reliability, making it a popular choice for shipping textiles to the USA. EMS shipments are typically handled by local postal services and offer tracking capabilities along with faster delivery times compared to surface shipping. While EMS may still be subject to customs inspections, it tends to have a lower possibility of encountering issues compared to express courier services.
   

3. AVIA (Air Freight): AVIA, or air freight, is another viable option for shipping textiles to the USA. While it offers expedited delivery, it may also attract higher scrutiny from customs authorities. However, AVIA can be a suitable choice if your package is small and there is still less chance to undergo custom inspections than services like DHL and FedEx.

4. ZenExpress: This is ZenMarket’s exclusive shipping method. If you are looking for a faster alternative to surface shipping, this is your perfect solution! Shipping times on average can range from 10 – 18 days depending on the shipping destination country.

Also Read: WHAT IS ZENEXPRESS?

 

There are strict regulations for the USA regarding importing textile and apparel products. Importing clothing and apparel into the U.S. requires compliance with multiple government agencies. These agencies include the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), and the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). 

In general, one of the key factors to consider when shipping textiles to the USA is compliance with customs regulations. US customs often require documentation detailing information about the types of fibers and fabrics used in textile products. Failure to provide this documentation can result in items being seized or returned to the sender. 

This guide is mainly for people who are located in the US, however, similar situations may occur depending on the customs regulations for other shipping countries. Our team at ZenMarket is trying their best to look for alternative shipping methods as well as continuing the investigation on why these shipping methods are affected. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our Customer Support regarding your orders and shipping details. 

 

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