Export clusters and what they make
Maharashtra's export goods come from textile towns in the west, craft clusters in the south and engineering belts around Pune and Mumbai. These are the clusters we can confirm from official sources.
| Cluster | Main products | Verified fact |
|---|---|---|
| Bhiwandi | Powerloom fabrics, readymade garments | Town of Export Excellence for textiles (DGFT); powerloom textile and readymade garment clusters in Thane district (DC-MSME) |
| Kolhapur and Ichalkaranji | Fabrics, garments, foundry castings, engines and components | Kolhapur is a Town of Export Excellence for textiles (DGFT). DC-MSME lists Kolhapur foundry, engine and component clusters and Ichalkaranji powerloom and garment clusters |
| Kolhapuri chappals | Hand-made leather chappals | GI "Kolhapuri Chappal", application 169, registered for Maharashtra and Karnataka (certificate 11 Dec 2018) |
| Hupari, Kolhapur district | Silver craft and silver jewellery | GI "Hupari Silver Craft", application 792 (certificate 30 Mar 2024) |
| Solapur | Terry towels, bath linen | GI "Solapur Terry Towel", application 9; terry towel cluster (DC-MSME) |
| Pune | Railway, defence and auto components; foundry | General engineering cluster at Bhosari making railway, defence and auto components (DC-MSME) |
| Mumbai | Garments; port loading at JNPA (Nhava Sheva) | JNPA handled 7.30 million TEUs in 2024-25 (JNPA). AEPC named Mumbai one of five prominent garment clusters (May 2023) |
The Kolhapuri GI is registered for an area spanning Maharashtra and Karnataka, so a chappal sold as "Kolhapuri" should come from that area. Ask the supplier where the pairs are made and check it at the inspection.
Products we inspect in Maharashtra
- Fabrics from Bhiwandi and Ichalkaranji: greige fabric and dyed and printed fabric, graded on a 4-point system for weaving faults, width, weight, ends and picks, and shade from roll to roll.
- Garments: see apparel inspection for measurements, seams, trims, labels and packing.
- Towels from Solapur: bath towels and terry products: weight per piece, size, pulled loops, hems and absorbency.
- Chappals and footwear: Kolhapuri chappals: stitching and braiding, toe-post and strap strength, sole bonding, pair matching and colour. More on the footwear hub.
- Silver from Hupari: sterling silver jewellery: stamps, plating, stone setting, findings and weight. Fineness is confirmed by a lab.
- Engineering parts from Kolhapur and Pune: iron castings and engine and transmission components, measured against the drawing, with material certificates checked.
How coverage and travel work in Maharashtra
None of our six inspector bases is in Maharashtra, so every town in the state is Band C. An inspector travels from one of our bases, or a vetted freelance inspector covers the visit, working to the Clear To Load checklist, report standard and verdict. A supervisor reviews every report before release.
- Price: US$249 per man-day, plus actual travel cost, quoted before you book (pricing).
- Notice: up to 5 working days, depending on distance.
- Loading: many exporters stuff containers at the factory before the move to JNPA. Container loading supervision checks the container, the count, stowage and the seal.
- Report: within 24 hours of the inspection, with a verdict of Cleared to load, Hold or Not cleared.
How to book an inspection in Maharashtra
Use the booking form with the product, the factory's town and address, and the ready date. Attach your specification, label artwork and approved sample photos. We confirm the inspector, notice, man-days and travel cost within 24 hours.
Sources
- DGFT, Appendix 1B: List of Towns of Export Excellence
- IP India GI Registry: Kolhapuri Chappal, application 169
- IP India GI Registry: Solapur Terry Towel, application 9
- IP India GI Registry: Hupari Silver Craft, application 792
- DC-MSME skill mapping, Thane district (Bhiwandi)
- DC-MSME skill mapping, Kolhapur district
- DC-MSME skill mapping, Pune district
- DC-MSME skill mapping, Solapur district
- JNPA: operating performance profile
- Outlook Business: AEPC road shows in five garment clusters (15 May 2023)
Are you a quality inspector in Maharashtra?
We work with vetted freelance inspectors near the factories we check. You take assignments in your own area, inspect to our checklist, and Clear To Load pays you, never the factory. Apply to inspect with us.