As global bans on plastic intensify, more businesses are switching to compostable T-shirt bags—the eco-friendly alternative to traditional plastic carry bags. Whether you’re a wholesaler, retailer, or brand owner, importing compostable T-shirt bags from China can be cost-effective and scalable—if done right.
This step-by-step guide will walk you through the import process, including how to choose the right supplier, confirm certifications, avoid delays, and save on costs.
1. Understand What Compostable T-Shirt Bags Are
Before importing, it’s essential to know what you’re buying. Compostable T-shirt bags are carry bags with handles (like supermarket plastic bags), but made from biodegradable materials such as:
- PLA (Polylactic Acid)
- PBAT (Polybutylene adipate terephthalate)
- Corn starch or other plant-based materials
They are certified to break down into natural elements in home composting or industrial composting conditions—leaving no toxic residue.
📌 Make sure your supplier provides proper certifications like EN13432, ASTM D6400, or OK Compost Home.
2. Choose a Reliable Chinese Supplier
China has many manufacturers of compostable bags, but not all are experienced in export or certified for international markets. When selecting a supplier, look for:
- ✅ Export experience to your country (USA, UK, EU, etc.)
- ✅ Verified compostable certifications
- ✅ Clear MOQ and lead time
- ✅ Customization capability (size, logo, thickness, etc.)
- ✅ Positive reviews or trade references
🔍 Tip: Work with suppliers who specialize in B2B compostable packaging like Hemcbags.com.
3. Request a Quotation (and Ask the Right Questions)
Once you’ve shortlisted suppliers, request a detailed quotation. Make sure to include:
- Bag size (e.g., 12×20 inches)
- Thickness (e.g., 20–40 microns)
- Quantity (MOQ or higher)
- Print requirements (logo, warning labels, etc.)
- Packaging style (rolled, folded, loose)
- Delivery terms (FOB, CIF, or DAP)
Ask key questions like:
- Do you have compostable certifications?
- What’s your lead time for this quantity?
- Can you send samples first?
- What is the breakdown of costs (bag, printing, shipping)?
4. Confirm Samples Before Bulk Order
Never skip the sample stage—especially with custom compostable bags. A good supplier will send:
- Printed or blank samples
- Material swatches
- Reports or certificates
Check the following:
- Printing quality
- Bag strength and stretch
- Odor (some compostable materials have a light smell)
- Packing method
✍️ Tip: At Hemcbags, we offer low-cost custom samples delivered in 7–10 days.
5. Place Your Order & Sign the PI
Once the sample is approved, confirm your order formally with a Proforma Invoice (PI) that includes:
- Order quantity and price
- Bag specifications
- Payment terms (usually 30% deposit, 70% before shipment)
- Delivery time
- Bank account details
Use bank wire transfer (T/T) for most transactions. For large orders, consider using Alibaba Trade Assurance or a third-party inspection service.
6. Monitor Production and Quality
Production usually takes 15–25 days depending on order size and printing complexity. Stay in touch with your supplier and request:
- Production photos/videos
- QC reports (if available)
- Carton packaging info
- Final bag weight and dimensions
📦 You can also arrange a third-party inspection in China before shipment to verify the goods.
7. Arrange Shipping to Your Destination
Shipping compostable T-shirt bags can be done by sea, air, or courier, depending on the order size:
| Shipping Method | Best for | Transit Time |
|---|---|---|
| Courier (DHL, FedEx) | Samples or <50kg | 5–7 days |
| Air Freight | Urgent small orders | 7–10 days |
| Sea Freight (LCL/FCL) | Bulk wholesale orders | 25–40 days |
Your supplier can help book shipping or work with your freight forwarder. Many exporters now offer DAP terms (Delivered at Place), which include customs clearance and delivery to your door.
8. Prepare for Customs and Import Duties
Depending on your country, compostable bags may be subject to import duties or require documents such as:
- Commercial Invoice
- Packing List
- Certificate of Origin
- Compostable Certificate
- MSDS (Material Safety Sheet)
Talk to your customs broker to confirm import codes (HS Code: usually 3923290000. or similar) and required documentation.
9. Receive Your Goods and Check Quality
Once the goods arrive:
- Inspect the packaging and quantity
- Check a few boxes for consistency
- Test printing and strength again
- Leave supplier feedback (for future orders)
If you’re satisfied, maintain the relationship with your supplier for future reorders and possibly better pricing over time.
10. Scale Your Orders Based on Demand
Start with the minimum order quantity (MOQ) to test your market. Once you’re confident, scaling is easy with Chinese suppliers:
- Negotiate better prices for higher volumes
- Explore more bag styles (garbage bags, zip bags, mailers)
- Introduce custom retail packaging
- Plan orders in advance to reduce shipping cost
✅ Why Work with Hemcbags?
At Hemcbags, we specialize in export-grade compostable bags for T-shirt bag importers, wholesalers, and supermarkets. You’ll get:
- ✅ Certified compostable materials (EN13432, ASTM D6400)
- ✅ Low MOQ and fast lead time
- ✅ Custom printing and private label options
- ✅ Full export documentation
- ✅ DAP shipping to USA, UK, EU & more
📩 Ready to Start Importing Compostable T-Shirt Bags?
Contact our export team today to get a quotation or free sample:
📧 Email: chris@hemcbags.com
📱 Mobile/WhatsApp/Wechat: +86 199 5275 8681
By following this guide, you can confidently navigate the process of importing compostable T-shirt bags from China, ensuring quality, compliance, and sustainability in your supply chain.
