Introduction: Why Bangladesh?
Bangladesh is now a recognised global hub for ready-made garments (RMG), ranking as the world’s second-largest apparel exporter after China. With a strong legacy of textile craftsmanship, competitive manufacturing costs, and a growing focus on compliance, it is no surprise that Bangladesh has become a preferred sourcing destination for buyers from the UK, EU, USA, Canada, Australia, and Japan.
In FY 2023–24, the country exported over $47 billion worth of garments, representing more than 90% of its total exports. The industry employs over 4.2 million workers, over 80% of whom are women — making it not only a major economic engine, but a force for social impact as well.
Whether you’re a high-street brand, independent label, sourcing consultant, or a retailer entering the world of private label production, understanding how to navigate Bangladesh’s sourcing ecosystem is essential. This guide walks you through every step — from defining your product to ensuring final delivery — with practical advice tailored for today’s global buyers.
Step 1: Define Your Product Requirements
Before you contact any supplier, you must first be clear about what you’re sourcing. Bangladesh is highly diversified, producing everything from basic cotton t-shirts and jeans to high-end technical outerwear and intimate apparel. Knowing your exact needs will save time, cost, and potential misunderstandings.
Key questions to ask yourself:
- What product categories am I sourcing? (e.g. knitwear, denim, woven shirts, loungewear)
- What quality level am I aiming for?
- What are my target costings and retail margins?
- How many pieces do I want per style? (MOQs vary widely)
- Do I require organic, recycled, or sustainable materials?
- What technical or design files will I provide?
Having a tech pack, clear specification sheet, or even a physical sample will make communication much smoother when approaching suppliers.
Step 2: Research and Shortlist Suitable Suppliers
There are over 4,500 active garment factories in Bangladesh, spread mainly across Dhaka, Narayanganj, and Chattogram. However, not all factories will suit your needs. The goal is to find suppliers who match your product, price point, and quality expectations — and meet ethical and legal compliance requirements.
Common ways to find suppliers:
- Online directories: BGMEA, BKMEA member lists, B2B platforms
- Trade shows: Textech Bangladesh, Intex South Asia, Dhaka Apparel Summit
- Referrals: From industry peers, agents, or freight forwarders
- LinkedIn searches: Use filters like “manufacturer + Bangladesh + your product”
- Buying houses or local agents: Can help manage supplier relationships
What to look for in a factory:
- Proven experience with your product type
- Valid certifications (WRAP, BSCI, SEDEX, GOTS, ISO)
- In-house production capacity
- Strong English communication skills
- Transparent lead times and pricing models
Step 2.1: Vetting Supplier Background
It’s easy to be impressed by fancy websites and polished email replies — but real due diligence goes further. Cross-check everything.
Verify:
- Factory name, licence, and TIN registration
- Accord or RSC fire safety approval
- Past client list or references
- Any legal disputes or buyer complaints online
- Photos or videos of factory operations
Ask for a Zoom tour, or better yet, visit the factory if possible. Many buyers also use services like Panjiva or ImportGenius to check factory export records. Avoid middlemen pretending to be manufacturers — this is a common risk on platforms like Alibaba.
Step 3: Evaluate Compliance and Certifications
Today’s buyers — especially in Europe, North America, and Japan — demand transparency, fair labour, and environmental responsibility. Bangladesh has made significant progress in these areas since the Rana Plaza disaster in 2013, but you must still perform your own checks.
Review:
- Fire and building safety: Check RSC (formerly Accord) membership
- Social compliance: WRAP, SEDEX, BSCI audit reports
- Environmental compliance: GOTS, OEKO-TEX, ISO 14001
- Wages, working hours, and leave policies
- Grievance redressal and gender protection systems
Request the factory’s most recent audit reports and certifications. If they avoid or delay providing them, that’s a clear warning sign.
Step 4: Ask for Samples and Quotations
After shortlisting 3–5 potential factories, request samples and quotations. Provide detailed product specs, fabric composition, measurement charts, and visual references. The more complete your inputs, the more accurate the quotation will be.
Request:
- Development sample with trims and packaging
- FOB or CIF pricing based on quantity tiers
- Available colourways or fabric sourcing options
- Sample lead time and bulk production timeline
- MOQ per colour/style
Ask whether sample charges are refundable upon placing a bulk order. Don’t choose a supplier just on price — responsiveness and attention to detail are just as important.
Step 5: Negotiate Payment Terms and Timelines
Once you’re ready to move forward with a factory, formalise the business terms. Most Bangladeshi factories accept LC (Letter of Credit) or TT (bank transfer).
Typical terms:
LC at sight or 60–90 days (used by larger brands and retailers)
30% advance, 70% before shipment (for smaller buyers)
Production lead time: usually 60–90 days, faster for repeats
Also discuss tolerances (e.g. +/- 5% quantity variation), delivery windows, and order cancellation policies. Get all terms in writing — either in the PI (Proforma Invoice) or a formal purchase agreement.
Step 5.1: Legal Contracts & Clauses
A clear contract protects both parties and avoids costly disputes later. If you’re placing a sizeable order, draft a simple agreement with:
- Product specifications and fabric details
- Packaging, labelling, and testing requirements
- Payment and delivery terms
- Rejection criteria and dispute resolution clause
You can use Bangladeshi arbitration, or your home country jurisdiction, depending on order size and risk appetite.
Step 6: Monitor Production Closely
Once the order is placed, stay involved. If you’re not based in Bangladesh, assign a local QC team or agent to monitor production milestones.
Key QC stages:
- Fabric inspection and lab dip approval
- Cutting and sewing line checks (in-line QC)
- Midline audit (especially for new factories)
- Final inspection before packing
Most buyers follow AQL 2.5 or 1.5 standards, depending on volume and product type. Also ask for production photos, factory updates, and pre-shipment samples where possible.
Step 7: Quality Control Before Shipment
Before goods leave the factory, conduct a Final Random Inspection (FRI).
Checklist:
- Size measurements within tolerance
- Stitching, labelling, and trim placement
- Packaging accuracy
- Carton weight, markings, and shipping labels
- Absence of stains, skipped stitches, broken zips, or misprints
Large buyers often work with third-party inspection firms like SGS, Bureau Veritas, or Intertek. For new buyers, this is highly recommended.
Step 8: Plan Shipping and Documentation
Once approved, your garments are packed and handed over to a freight forwarder. Most Bangladeshi apparel exports go through Chattogram (Chittagong) Port, though some urgent orders are shipped by air from Dhaka.
Decide your Incoterm:
- FOB Chattogram (factory delivers to port)
- CIF UK/USA/EU port (includes freight and insurance)
Essential shipping documents:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Bill of Lading (or Air Waybill)
- Certificate of Origin
- GSP Form A (for duty benefits in UK/EU)
- LC or payment-related paperwork
Allow buffer time for customs, holiday closures (Eid), or monsoon-related port delays.
Step 9: Receive, Inspect & Feedback Loop
When goods arrive, inspect a sample from each carton or a random 5% of the shipment. Check for damage, wrong sizes, or missing items.
If everything is approved:
- Release payment (if balance is pending)
- Save feedback notes for your next order
A strong relationship with your supplier is key to long-term success. Build trust, pay on time, and visit if possible. In Bangladeshi culture, respect and reliability go a long way — and are often repaid with loyalty and priority service.
Key Takeaways
- Be clear about your product specs and MOQ before contacting factories
- Shortlist based on product expertise, audit track record, and pricing
- Verify all certifications and fire safety compliance
- Request samples, quotations, and ask the right technical questions
- Formalise payment and delivery terms in writing
- Monitor production closely or hire a QC firm
- Plan shipping in advance and ensure complete documentation
- Build supplier trust through communication and consistency
