China is the world’s largest glove-manufacturing base, and for brand owners and trading companies it offers the deepest mix of craftsmanship, material choice and production scale. This guide walks through how to import leather gloves from China the right way — from choosing a model to taking delivery.
Why brands source leather gloves from China
Mature supply chains, skilled stitching labor and integrated tannery access let Chinese factories offer both low minimums for startups and high-volume capacity for established brands. The best partners also provide design input, material sourcing and compliance documentation in one place.
OEM vs ODM — what’s the difference
- OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturing): you supply the design, patterns and specs; the factory produces to order. Best when you have a clear product vision.
- ODM (Original Design Manufacturing): the factory provides proven designs you can private-label or lightly modify. Best for faster time-to-market.
The sourcing workflow, step by step
- Shortlist 2-3 factories and review their material range and past work.
- Share your design or pick from the factory’s ODM catalog.
- Request a quote with MOQ, lead time and unit price at target volume.
- Approve a sample (often paid) before committing to production.
- Confirm quality checks and shipping terms.
- Place the production order and track milestones to shipment.
MOQ, customization and sampling
Minimum order quantities vary by material and complexity; many workshops accept lower MOQs for private-label ODM runs. Customization covers leather type, color, lining, hardware, embossing and packaging. Budget for a paid sample round — it is the cheapest insurance against a wrong production batch.
Quality control checkpoints
- Incoming leather inspection (grade, color, thickness).
- First-article sample approval before mass cutting.
- In-line checks during stitching and finishing.
- Final AQL inspection and packaging verification.
Logistics, lead time and Incoterms
Typical production lead time runs 30-60 days depending on complexity and order size. Clarify Incoterms (FOB, CIF, DDP) upfront so landed cost is clear. An experienced factory will help you choose the most cost-effective route to your market.
Why Qingye for your leather glove program
Qingye has manufactured leather gloves since 2005, supplying both OEM and ODM programs for brands and distributors worldwide. We handle material sourcing, sampling, quality control and export documentation end to end. Request a quote or material swatches, and read our guide to choosing a glove manufacturer before you shortlist suppliers.