Packaging & Trade Definitions
Key terms for import tariffs, bag compliance, material specifications, and factory-direct sourcing. Filter by category or search for specific terms.
Factory-Direct Sourcing
A procurement channel where the retailer contracts directly with the manufacturer of record, taking ownership of goods at the factory gate (FOB) or upon delivery (DDP), with no intervening distributor taking title to the goods.
Read Full AnalysisSection 301 Tariff (Textiles)
Punitive trade tariffs applied to specific goods of Chinese origin. As of 2026, many textile categories (HTS 4202) face 25%+ additional duties when sourced from China, which do not apply to treaty partners like Pakistan or Mozambique.
View Tariff CalculatorStitched Handle Requirement
A regulatory durability standard found in laws like the "Better Bag Bill." To qualify as a tax-exempt reusable bag, handles must be sewn (stitched) onto the bag body, not merely heat-sealed or glued.
MoCo Compliance GuideChapter 48 Exemption
Under Montgomery County Code Chapter 48, retailers must charge for disposable bags but may provide tax-exempt reusable bags designed for at least 125 uses with stitched handles and minimum thickness requirements.
Full Compliance GuideNon-Woven Polypropylene (NWPP)
A recyclable, thermoplastic polymer fabric used for reusable shopping bags. Must be 80 GSM+ and feature stitched handles to meet "Better Bag Bill" durability standards in most jurisdictions.
What Are Non-Woven Bags?Delivered Duty Paid (DDP)
An Incoterm where the seller bears all costs and risks of transporting goods to the destination, including import duties and taxes. The buyer receives goods cleared for import with no additional customs liability.
Get a DDP QuoteGrams per Square Meter (GSM)
A measurement of fabric weight and density. Higher GSM indicates thicker, more durable material. For reusable bags, 80 GSM is typically the minimum for compliance; 90-120 GSM is common for retail-grade products.
Fabric GuideFree on Board (FOB)
An Incoterm where the seller delivers goods onto a vessel at the port of origin. The buyer assumes all costs and risks from that point forward, including freight, insurance, and import duties.
Tariff CalculatorCost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF)
An Incoterm where the seller pays the cost of freight and insurance to deliver goods to the destination port. US Customs uses CIF value as the basis for calculating import duties.
Tariff CalculatorMinimum Order Quantity (MOQ)
The smallest number of units a manufacturer will produce in a single order. Wovenary offers MOQs starting at 150 units for custom apparel, 300 for canvas bags, and 1,000 for non-woven bags.
Contact for MOQ DetailsHarmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS)
The international classification system used to determine duty rates on imported goods. Bags typically fall under HTS Chapter 42 (travel goods, handbags), with specific codes determining the applicable tariff rate.
View Tariff CalculatorMil Thickness
A unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch (0.001 in). Montgomery County Chapter 48 requires reusable bags to meet a minimum thickness of 2.25 mil for non-woven polypropylene materials.
MoCo Compliance GuideFull-Dye Sublimation
A heat-transfer printing process where ink bonds with polyester fibers at the molecular level using temperatures around 400°F. Unlike screen printing or heat-applied vinyl, sublimated designs become part of the fabric — they never crack, peel, or fade regardless of stretch, friction, or wash cycles. Enables unlimited colors, gradients, and photographic detail at no per-color cost.
Sublimation Uniforms GuideLanded Cost
The total cost of a product once it arrives at the buyer's facility, including the purchase price, international freight, marine insurance, customs duties, port handling, and last-mile delivery. Landed cost is the only accurate basis for comparing factory-direct vs. distributor pricing, since distributor quotes embed these costs invisibly in their markup.
Tariff CalculatorAGOA (African Growth and Opportunity Act)
A US trade preference program granting duty-free, quota-free access for qualifying manufactured goods from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, including Mozambique. Under AGOA, non-woven bags and custom packaging sourced from qualifying African nations enter the US at 0% duty — a significant advantage over the 7.5–25% Section 301 rates applied to Chinese-origin goods.
Sourcing Strategy GuideCPTPP (Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership)
A multilateral free trade agreement covering 11 Pacific Rim countries including Vietnam, Japan, Canada, and Australia. Under CPTPP, qualifying textile and bag imports from Vietnam attract 2–4% duty rates compared to the 12–15% China MFN rates, making it a preferred sourcing location for lightweight bags and quick-turn orders.
Factory-Direct SourcingGSP (Generalized System of Preferences)
A US trade program providing duty-free treatment for certain products imported from designated developing countries. GSP benefits apply to qualifying bag imports from eligible nations, reducing the effective duty rate to 0% versus standard MFN rates. GSP eligibility is product- and country-specific and subject to annual congressional renewal.
Tariff CalculatorCut-and-Sew Manufacturing
A garment and bag production method where flat fabric is cut from pattern pieces and sewn together at the seams. The standard construction method for canvas totes, apparel, and structured bags — as opposed to seamless knitting or ultrasonic welding used for some non-woven bag styles. Cut-and-sew allows the greatest design flexibility and is required for stitched-handle compliance.
Fabric GuideAir-Knit Mesh
A double-layered polyester mesh fabric with integrated air channels that create a natural ventilation system within the garment. Widely used in ice hockey sweaters and athletic jerseys where breathability is critical. The open structure accepts sublimation printing exceptionally well, allowing vibrant full-coverage designs without blocking airflow.
Custom Sublimation UniformsRetail Compliance Officer
The person within a retail organization responsible for ensuring adherence to local bag ordinances, sustainability mandates, and packaging regulations such as Montgomery County Chapter 48, DC Bag Law, or Maryland statewide plastic bag bans. In smaller retailers, this role is typically held by the store manager or owner. Wovenary provides complete compliance documentation kits to support this function.
MoCo Compliance GuideDenier (D)
A unit of measurement for the linear mass density of fibers, defined as the weight in grams of 9,000 meters of fiber. In drawstring bags and backpacks, 210D polyester is the industry standard for promotional bags, while 420D+ nylon is used for premium and heavy-duty applications. Higher denier indicates thicker, more durable fabric.
Drawstring Backpacks GuideReinforced Grommet
A metal or hard-plastic eyelet inserted at the bottom corners of a drawstring bag through which the closure cord passes. Reinforced grommets prevent cord tear-out under load — the #1 failure point in cheap drawstring bags. Quality grommets are punched through doubled fabric with a metal washer backing on both sides.
Drawstring Backpacks GuideCinch Cord (Drawcord)
The braided cord threaded through the top channel of a drawstring bag. When pulled, it cinches the bag closed; the two cord ends become shoulder straps for backpack carry. Double-cord construction uses two separate cords for even tension and longer durability. Standard cord diameter is 5-6mm for promotional bags and 7-8mm for heavy-duty applications.
Drawstring Backpacks GuideRipstop Fabric
A weaving technique that uses thicker reinforcement threads at regular intervals in a crosshatch pattern, creating a grid that prevents small tears from spreading. Ripstop nylon is used in premium drawstring bags and outdoor gear. The visible grid pattern is both a functional feature and a visual quality indicator.
Fabric Guide210D Polyester
A 210-denier polyester fabric that is the industry standard material for branded promotional drawstring bags. It offers the best balance of durability, print quality, and cost. 210D polyester accepts sublimation printing (full-color, all-over designs), is water-resistant, and maintains vivid colors after repeated use. Typical wholesale pricing: $0.55-$1.50/unit for drawstring bags.
Drawstring Backpacks GuideHeat Transfer Printing
A printing method where a design is first printed onto a transfer paper or film, then applied to fabric using heat and pressure (typically 350-400°F). Used for multi-color logos on drawstring bags, tote bags, and apparel. More cost-effective than sublimation for small print areas but may crack or peel over time on flexible fabrics.
Drawstring Backpacks Guide