Overview: Knitwear & sweaters
Sweaters and knits are light but bulky, so CBM drives sea cost and volumetric weight drives air cost. Right-sized cartons and packing density fill containers better and can cut air charges.
Routes and ports
- Chattogram Port — Bangladesh’s main seaport for FCL and LCL. Export containers are often stuffed at private off-dock ICD/CFS depots near the port.
- Hazrat Shahjalal International Airport, Dhaka (DAC) — The main air cargo gateway for urgent, light and high-value goods.
- Kamalapur ICD, Dhaka — An inland container depot linked to Chattogram Port by rail.
FCL, LCL, air or courier?
| Mode | Best for | How it is charged |
|---|---|---|
| FCL | Large lots; your own container (20GP/40GP/40HC) | Per container |
| LCL | Small to mid lots sharing a container | W/M: CBM or tonnes (1,000 kg = 1 CBM), whichever is higher |
| Air cargo | Urgent, light, high-value goods | Actual weight or cm³ ÷ 6000, whichever is higher |
| Express courier | Documents, samples, small parcels, door to door | Actual weight or cm³ ÷ 5000, whichever is higher |
As a rule of thumb, at roughly 13–15 CBM or more ask for a 20′ FCL quote alongside LCL. The final choice depends on rates, schedules and cargo-ready dates. Use the CBM calculator ↗
Incoterms: FOB, CIF, EXW, DDP
Incoterms® 2020 define where cost and risk pass from seller to buyer. Common in Bangladeshi exports:
- EXW — handover at the factory; export clearance falls on the buyer, which is often impractical in Bangladesh — consider FCA.
- FOB — seller is responsible until on board at Chattogram; buyer pays ocean freight. For containers ICC often recommends FCA.
- CIF / CFR — seller pays freight to the destination port (plus insurance under CIF), but risk passes at the loading port.
- DAP / DDP — seller delivers to destination; under DDP the seller also pays import duties and taxes.
Export documents
- ERC (Export Registration Certificate from the Office of the Chief Controller of Imports & Exports), trade licence, TIN and BIN
- Commercial invoice — description, HS code, quantity, value, Incoterm and buyer details
- Packing list — carton numbers, pieces per carton, net/gross weight and dimensions (CBM)
- Bill of Lading (sea) or Air Waybill / AWB (air), issued by the carrier or forwarder
- Bill of Export (shipping bill), lodged in Customs’ ASYCUDA World system through a licensed C&F agent
- EXP form through your authorised dealer (AD) bank, for repatriation of export proceeds
- Certificate of Origin — non-preferential CO from a chamber of commerce; preferential origin (e.g. GSP) per the destination scheme via EPB. For the EU, check REX requirements with EPB
- UD/UP — Utilization Declaration / Permission for bonded raw materials from BGMEA (woven) or BKMEA (knit)
- LC documents exactly as the credit requires (beneficiary certificate, inspection certificate, etc.); discrepancies can delay payment
Special handling and tips
- For bulky volume, a 40HC usually gives more space than a 40GP.
- On air, compact uniform cartons keep volumetric weight under control.
- Book space early for seasonal (winter) orders in peak season.
- Use poly bags and strong cartons to protect against humidity.
Approximate transit times
| Route | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Sea: Chattogram → North Europe (e.g. Hamburg, Rotterdam) | ~25–40 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → US East Coast | ~35–50 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → US West Coast | ~30–45 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → Middle East (e.g. Jebel Ali) | ~15–25 days |
| Sea: Chattogram → East Asia (China, Japan, Korea) | ~12–25 days |
| Air: Dhaka (DAC) → Europe / USA, airport to airport | ~2–7 days |
| Express courier, door to door (major cities) | ~3–7 working days |
| Road: via Benapole to India (Kolkata region) | ~2–7 days, depending on border clearance |
Approximate, varies by carrier. Sea times are port to port; many services from Bangladesh transship at hubs such as Colombo, Singapore or Port Klang. Firm times come with the quote.
Pre-shipment checklist
- Carton size and pieces per carton
- Total CBM and container plan
- BKMEA UD and yarn/raw material reconciliation
- EXP and Bill of Export
- Documents as per the LC
FAQ
How do I work out carton CBM?
Length × width × height in cm ÷ 1,000,000 = CBM per carton; multiply by the carton count. Use our CBM calculator.
LCL or FCL?
As a rule of thumb, compare a 20′ FCL once you reach roughly 13–15 CBM or more. The real answer depends on rates and schedules.
Why does air cost so much for knitwear?
Because for light goods volumetric weight (cm³ ÷ 6000) exceeds actual weight, and that is what gets charged.
For rules and references see: Export Promotion Bureau (EPB), National Board of Revenue (NBR) and Bangladesh Customs, Bangladesh Bank, BGMEA, BKMEA, Chittagong Port Authority and ICC Incoterms® 2020. Rules change — verify with the relevant authority, your bank and your C&F agent before shipping.
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