100% cotton

To ensure material authenticity, you should request a Third-Party Lab Test Report (such as SGS or Intertek) that confirms the fiber composition. A common field test is the Burn Test: 100% cotton should smell like burning paper, leave a fine grey ash, and not melt or bead like synthetic blends. Additionally, check for the Cotton USA™ or Global Organic Textile Standard (GOTS) certifications if you are sourcing premium or organic grades.

Key metrics include Thread Count (TC) for bedsheets or Grams per Square Meter (GSM) for apparel, which determines thickness and durability. You must also specify the Yarn Count (e.g., 30s, 40s, 60s); higher numbers indicate finer, softer yarns. For industrial use, prioritize Tensile Strength and Colorfastness to Washing (Grade 4 or higher) to ensure the product maintains its integrity and appearance after repeated use.

For the US market, products must comply with CPSIA (especially for children's wear) and FTC Textile Fiber Rule for labeling. For the EU, REACH regulation compliance is mandatory to ensure no harmful azo dyes or chemicals are present. If sourcing organic cotton, OEKO-TEX® Standard 100 is the industry benchmark for ensuring the finished textile is free from substances harmful to human health.

The price varies significantly between Carded Cotton (budget-friendly, slightly rougher), Combed Cotton (mid-range, smoother), and Long-Staple Cotton (like Pima or Egyptian, premium price). To optimize costs, use Combed Cotton for apparel to balance quality and price, and consider Greige fabric purchasing if you have local dyeing capabilities to reduce import duties in certain regions.

The most significant risk is Material Substitution, where suppliers blend cotton with polyester to lower costs. Another risk is Shrinkage Discrepancy; 100% cotton naturally shrinks, so you must mandate Pre-shrunk (Sanforized) processing. Always use Trade Assurance services on Made-in-China.com to protect your payment until the quality is verified by a pre-shipment inspection.

Cotton is a commodity with fluctuating market prices. Negotiate a Price Adjustment Formula based on the global cotton index for long-term contracts. For immediate orders, aim for a 30% deposit and 70% balance payment after the presentation of the Bill of Lading (B/L) and a successful Quality Control (QC) report from an independent inspector.

Cotton is highly susceptible to moisture and mold during sea transit. Ensure the supplier uses Desiccant Silica Gel packs inside the polybags and Heavy-duty moisture-proof inner lining for the master cartons. Request FCL (Full Container Load) whenever possible to avoid cross-contamination from other goods in LCL (Less than Container Load) shipments.

Be aware of Anti-Dumping Duties and specific regional bans, such as the UFLPA (Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act) in the US, which requires strict Supply Chain Traceability documentation (from farm to finished garment). Ensure your supplier on Made-in-China.com can provide a Certificate of Origin and a clear map of their raw material sourcing to avoid customs seizures.