In the competitive Greek market, where first impressions are lasting, your team’s appearance is a direct reflection of your brand’s values—quality, reliability, and attention to detail. Whether you’re in vibrant Athens, bustling Thessaloniki, or a thriving tourist hub, sourcing custom work uniforms that are durable, look professional, and respect your budget is a common challenge for business owners and managers.
The global solution for countless European businesses, including those in Greece, lies in strategic sourcing from China. This guide will walk you through the entire process, from the initial idea to receiving your perfectly branded uniforms, ensuring you navigate the journey with confidence and avoid costly pitfalls.
Why Source Custom Workwear from China?
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Exceptional Value for Money: Achieve significant cost savings on medium to large orders without compromising on quality. This allows Greek businesses to access higher-quality fabrics or more complex customizations within their budget.
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Unlimited Customization: Chinese manufacturers specialize in bringing unique designs to life. They offer a vast range of options for embroidery, printing, patches, and technical details, ensuring your uniforms are truly one-of-a-kind.
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Scalability and Reliability: From a pilot order for a new hotel to outfitting an entire logistics company, Chinese factories have the capacity to scale with your needs and meet production deadlines consistently.
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Material Diversity: Source everything from classic cotton and poly-cotton blends to high-performance, moisture-wicking fabrics for the Mediterranean summer or specialized industrial materials.
haiyuan clothing factory
The Step-by-Step Import Process to Greece
1. Define Your Specifications with a Tech Pack
The most critical step is preparation. Create a detailed Technical Package (“Tech Pack”) that includes:
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Technical Drawings: Front and back sketches of the garment, with detailed views of specific features.
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Fabric Details: Type (e.g., 65% polyester, 35% cotton), weight (e.g., GSM – grams per square meter), and colour (use Pantone codes for absolute accuracy).
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Logo Artwork: Provide high-resolution vector files (.AI, .EPS) for perfect embroidery or printing.
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Size Specifications: Provide a detailed size chart for each garment, using European sizing standards.
2. Find and Vet Potential Manufacturers
Use reputable B2B platforms like Alibaba, Made-in-China, or attend international trade fairs virtually or in person. When vetting:
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Look for Verified Suppliers with Gold Membership on Alibaba.
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Prioritize manufacturers with experience exporting to the European Union.
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Always request samples before any large commitment to assess quality directly.
3. The Essential Sampling Phase
This is non-negotiable. The standard process includes:
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Prototype Sample: To confirm the design, fabric, and overall look.
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Fit Sample: To ensure the sizing and pattern are correct, ideally on a model matching your team’s build.
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Pre-Production Sample: The final approved sample that the entire bulk order will be matched against.
4. Negotiate Terms and Plan Logistics
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Incoterms: Negotiate using FOB (Free On Board) Shanghai/Ningbo. This means the supplier is responsible for getting the goods to the Chinese port. You (often via a freight forwarder) are responsible for the sea freight to Greece (e.g., Piraeus port) and all import formalities.
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MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity): Confirm the minimum number of pieces per style and colour.
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Payment Terms: Standard terms are a 30% deposit to commence production and the 70% balance paid before shipment via T/T (bank transfer).
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Freight Forwarder: Engage a freight forwarder with experience in China-EU shipping. They will handle complex logistics, customs clearance, and delivery to your door.
5. Ensure Quality with a Pre-Shipment Inspection
For significant orders, hiring a third-party inspection company (e.g., SGS, QIMA) is highly recommended. They will conduct an AQL inspection at the factory in China to check for defects, verify quantity, and ensure the quality matches your approved sample before the shipment is sealed.
6. EU Customs Clearance in Greece
As a member of the European Union, Greece follows EU import regulations. Your freight forwarder will handle the customs clearance process. Your Chinese supplier must provide:
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Commercial Invoice
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Packing List
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Certificate of Origin (Usually non-preferential)
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Bill of Lading
Your company will need to provide its Greek VAT number and other business details. Be aware of import duties (typically applied to garments) and VAT (24%) which will be payable upon import.
A Reliable Partner for European Businesses: Shijiazhuang Haiyuan Labour Supplies Co., Ltd.
For Greek companies seeking a trustworthy and experienced manufacturer, Shijiazhuang Haiyuan Labour Supplies Co., Ltd. presents a strong and reliable option.
With considerable experience exporting to international markets, including Europe, Haiyuan specializes in the production of high-quality custom work uniforms, corporate apparel, and safety workwear (PPE). They understand the quality expectations and regulatory environment of the EU market.
Their expertise is particularly valuable in guiding clients on material selection—such as choosing breathable fabrics for the warm Greek seasons—and in executing flawless logo application through precise embroidery or printing. They manage the entire process from prototype to production with a strong focus on quality control, ensuring that the final products delivered to Greece meet the highest standards of craftsmanship and durability.
By partnering with an established manufacturer like Haiyuan, Greek businesses can streamline their import process, reduce risk, and confidently equip their teams with uniforms that enhance their professional image and stand the test of time.
Elevate your team’s presence. Source with intelligence and partner with expertise.
Dive Deeper Into Our Resources
Looking for more diverse product options? Browse through our handpicked selections:
- Workwear Jacket
- Work Pants
- Work Vest
- Work Uniform Suits
- Coveralls & Overalls
- High-Visibility Safety Clothing
- High Visibility Safety Polo/T Shirts
- Anti-static safety clothing
- Outdoor Workwear Jacket
- Flame Retardant Protective Clothing
- Acid Alkali Resistance protective clothing
- Acid And Alkali Resistant Antistatic Protective Clothing
- T-Shirts | Work T-Shirts | Uniform Work Shirts
For some insightful reads, we’ve curated a list of recommended articles just for you:
- How do I find a product manufacturer in China?
- How to find cheap manufacturers in China? A guide to avoid pitfalls
- How to complete your first purchase of workwear in China safely and efficiently
- Custom uniforms for Small business
- Choosing the Best Industrial Work Suit
- Ultimate Guide: Best Wholesale Work Clothes in China
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