How to Import Linen from India: A Complete Guide for Hotels, Resorts, Retailers & Distributors

The first thing you notice is Most likely as you enter the hotel room after a long journey is? The crisp sheets, the plush bath towel, or the extravagant tablecloth for dinner? These are not just merely fabrics – they are the foundation of comfort and luxury. If you a hotel, resort or retailer looking to create this, you have certainly thought about importing linens.

Here is some good news – India is one of the largest and most trusted linen suppliers in the world. Whether it’s bed sheets, spa robes, tablecloths or bath towels, India’s linen exporters, offer the quality of the best and the price point that works for your business.

But how do you import linen from India? What is the method? Who can you trust? And how, can you ensure linens arrive on time and within your hospitality standards?

 This blog will take you through each step to make importing linen from India easy, clear and hassle free.

Why Import Linen from India?

Here’s a question you might not expect – “why?” Before learning about the “how to” import linens, let’s take a moment and figure out the “why” first. Why are companies in the UAE, Africa, Europe and many other locations using India for linen products?

1. Heritage of Textiles
   India is the world’s textile capital, and has been for centuries! In addition to the hand-loom tradition and cotton weaving, we have a good base of large scale project manufacturers, all which contribute to the ability to produce good quality linens.
2. High Quality at Competitive Prices
   Compared to any other textile manufacturing country in the world, India seems to be the only country that combines world-class quality (ISO certified, OEKO-TEX approved and compliant with international hospitality standards) at an economic price point, compared with Europe or the US.
3. Wide Range of Linen Products
   Hotels, resorts, restaurants and spa’s have a considerable offering of linens, and it’s often more than simply sheets. India is a one-stop shop, and offers:
   
   • Linen products for bedrooms (sheets, duvet covers, pillowcases)
   • Linens for the bath (towels, spa wraps, bathrobes)
   • Beverage napkins, table-cloths, runners and napkins
   • Bedding for resorts and spas (pool towels, massage bed covers)
   • Packaging of your linens suitable for retail sales.
4. Customization & Branding
   Logos embroidered? Linens in your own colours? Embroidered bed linens? In India, this is an area in which exporters excel at providing customization.
5. Strong Export Network
   India has very strong infrastructure for exports and well established routes of delivery for the Middle East, Africa, Europe and the United States.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Import Linen from India

Let’s simply take it step by step so you can know exactly what to expect. 

1. Identify Your Linen Needs

Before you make any contact with any supplier, ask yourself: 

• What type of linens will I need (bed, bath, spa, table)? 
• Which sizes do I need (hotel king, queen, twin)? 
• Do I need custom linens (embroidered logo, brand color)? 
• What size of order do I expect (small batch import vs bulk import)?

Tip: Create a checklist. For example, a 5-star hotel might need:

• 500 bedsheets (300 TC sateen) 
• 400 bath towels (600 GSM) 
• 200 bathrobes 
• 200 spa wraps 
• 300 tablecloths & napkins

Being decisive and clear will help when communicating with suppliers.

2. Choose the Right Linen Supplier in India

Not all suppliers are created equal. You want someone who is ISO certified and reliable, and someone who has experience in exporting.

When evaluating a supplier, check for:

• When choosing a supplier you need to consider the following: 
• Certifications – ISO, OEKO-TEX, GOTS (for organic cotton), BSCI (ethical practices) 
• Product Range – do they supply everything? 
• Customization – are they able to embroider your logo, special sizes and match your decor colors?
• Client Base – do they currently serve the hotels/restaurants/spas of your type?
• Reputation- are there testimonials or reviews?

Example: There are many hospitality groups in the UAE and Africa purchasing from Sanjeev Textiles, an ISO certified linen exporter from India. They deliver consistent quality and offer customisation – a quality supplier we can rely on. 

3. Request Samples

Once you have a supplier shortlist you can ask for samples.

Why? Because linens are about touch, feel and durability.

You can ask for: 

• Bed sheet swatches in a variety of thread counts.
• Towels in various GSM weights.
• Fabric options for table linens and spa linens. 

Pro Tip: Always wash your samples. A high-quality linen will continue to remain soft and strong after several wash cycles. 

4. Negotiate Terms & Place an Order

After your samples are approved, you can now move on to the commercial:

• Pricing – Based on your quantity, fabric quality, and current customisation.
• MOQ (Minimum Order Quantity) – Some suppliers will bend on minimums, but it usually determines the price break.
• Lead Time – 3-6 weeks average depending on the order size.
• Payment Terms – The most widespread payment terms are 30% deposit and 70% prior to shipping.

At this stage, you will desire to have a proforma invoice (PI) that shows your:

• Product details
• Quantity
• Unit price & total price
• Delivery timeline
• Payment terms

5. Production & Quality Control

Now the supplier commences production. A reputable exporter (like Sanjeev Textiles) will:

• Carry out quality checks at every stage of manufacturing: yarn to finished product.
• Make sure that they are in line with ISO and hospitality standards.
• It is important to package products carefully (there are linen products that must be packaged as moisture-proof for long shipping). 

6. Documentation for Import

When importing linens, you need to have proper documentation. Your supplier should provide: 

• Commercial Invoice
• Packing List
• Certificate of Origin
• ISO & Compliance Certificates
• Bill of Lading / Airway Bill

There are many experienced exporters/operators that will do this documentation and make it easy for you as the importer. 

7. Shipping & Customs Clearance

You will need to choose a method of shipping: 

• Sea Freight – Best option for large orders in bulk, most economical, but slow – takes anywhere from 2-5 weeks, depending on the point of origin. 
• Air Freight – A quicker option (3-10 days), but more expensive. 

Customs clearance requires:

• Importers license in your country. 
• Duties & taxes (always depends upon the region).
• HS codes for linens both referred to and the others you’ve ordered. 

An experienced supplier will work with freight forwarders to ensure a smooth delivery process. 

8. Delivery & Distribution

Once the deliveries are cleared from customs, the linens will be delivered to your hotel, resort, or retail space. The strong suppliers will send: 

• Tracking by email/text.
• Reorder reminders when stock is low. 
• Information on ruler, size, colours, types, shapes, styles, etc. if memory is shaky.. 

Challenges in Importing Linen & How to Avoid Them

Importing is easy with a little work or framework, but here are some focus areas (and solutions):

1. Quality Variations
   – Solution: Work with ISO-certified exporters and always use samples.
   
2. Shipping Delays
   – Solution: Work with suppliers who have strong export logistics.
   
3. Customs Issues
   – Solution: Make sure you have all required documents (invoice, certificate of origin, etc.).
   
4. Hidden Costs
   – Solution: Always ensure that you confirm that shipping, duties, and packaging are included in the quotation.
   
5. Communication Gaps
   -Solution: Make sure you choose suppliers who respond quickly and give good updates.

Why Hotels & Resorts in UAE, Africa & Europe Import from India

India is more than just an exporter, it is a partner to the hospitality businesses around the world.

Hotels in Dubai, spas in Cape Town, resorts in Kenya and restaurants in Paris worked with Indian linens because:

• They provide luxury and comfort.
• They are affordable without sacrificing quality.
• They are sustainable and ethically produced. 

Tips for First-Time Importers

• Start small with a trial order before considering any expansion.
• If you are not quite sure, work with one category (ie. bed linen) and then expand assuredly as you gain confidence.
• Try and establish a partnership with one export (chosen exporter) instead of switching suppliers often.
• Inquire about sustainability certifications as many guests care about eco-friendly options for linens.
• Don’t just sell a fabric; sell an experience and outcome for your guests!

Final Thoughts

Importing linens from India is not complicated! With a strong partner, it can be a simple and effortless process that helps your hospitality project shine.

Every guest remembers the softness of their sheets, the scrumminess of their towel, and the wrap-yourself-in-luxury comfort of their spa robe. These are details that define the experience, and nothing else matters if you don’t have high-quality linens.

That is why so many hotels, resorts, restaurants, and retailers around the world rely on trusted Indian exporters like Sanjeev Textiles. With ISO certification, world-class quality, sustainable practices, and on-time deliveries, working with them to import linens is a seamless experience

So, whether you have a boutique hotel in Dubai, a luxury resort in Kenya, or a retail chain in Europe, importing linens from India—could be the best business decision you make this year!