Frequently Asked Questions About Working With AFIL

Apollo Fashion International Limited (AFIL) is a private label manufacturer of leather footwear, jackets, bags, belts and small leather goods, based in Noida, India, since 1994. This page answers the questions brand buyers ask most often, from first enquiry to shipping and compliance.

For a one-page summary of the company, see AFIL company facts.

Getting started & ordering

What does AFIL manufacture?

AFIL manufactures men's and women's leather footwear, leather jackets and outerwear, leather bags, belts and small leather goods. Footwear includes boots, sneakers, moccasins, lace-ups, heeled shoes, comfort shoes, sandals, slippers and clogs. All products are made in AFIL's own two factories in Noida, India, under the buyer's brand.

Does AFIL work with startups and smaller brands?

Yes, AFIL works with boutique labels and newer brands as well as established retailers and importers. Smaller brands usually get the best result by starting with a focused range of a few styles and building from there. AFIL can help turn a sketch or reference into a production-ready product.

What is AFIL's minimum order quantity (MOQ)?

AFIL sets MOQ per style, because it depends on the leather, the construction and the number of colours. Custom-dyed leather, special hardware and branded packaging each have their own supplier minimums, which push the MOQ up. Standard materials and fewer colourways keep it lower.

How do I request a quote from AFIL?

Send a brief through the AFIL contact page or call +91 120 460 8300. Include the product type, target quantity per style, preferred leather grade and finish, target price and delivery window. AFIL replies with feasibility, material suggestions and next steps for costing and sampling.

What should I include in my first enquiry to AFIL?

The most useful first enquiry includes a sketch, reference photos or a tech pack, plus quantities, target price, destination market and launch date. Material preferences, branding details and packaging needs help AFIL quote accurately. If you do not have a tech pack yet, AFIL can work from a clear sketch and references.

Samples & development

Can AFIL develop a product from a sketch instead of a full tech pack?

Yes, AFIL offers custom and bespoke design development and can start from a sketch, a reference sample or photos. AFIL's team turns the idea into patterns and a first prototype for your review. A full tech pack is still recommended before bulk, so every detail is recorded and approved.

What types of samples does AFIL make?

AFIL typically works through a prototype (proto) sample to check design, a fit or size-set sample to check sizing, and salesman or pre-production samples for selling and final approval. The number of rounds depends on how many changes the design needs. Each round is reviewed against your comments before the next begins.

How far ahead should I plan sample development with AFIL?

For footwear, AFIL develops sample collections about 12 months ahead of the selling season. Quick production and re-assortment is possible for a season starting in about 4 months, once styles are approved. Planning early gives time for material development and fit corrections.

How long does sampling take and are samples charged?

Sampling time depends on the product category, the materials and how much development is new. Custom leathers and new lasts or patterns take longer than repeat constructions.

Production & quality

Where are AFIL's factories?

AFIL has two factories in Noida, Uttar Pradesh, India, within the Delhi NCR region. The Footwear Division is at C-30, Sector-58, and the Leather Garments & Accessories unit is at B-21, Sector-65. AFIL is a direct producer, so production happens in its own facilities.

What is AFIL's production capacity?

AFIL's installed annual capacity is about 850,000 pairs of footwear, 400,000 leather garments, 1,020,000 leather accessories and 200,000 outerwear pieces, per its trade-fair profile. This capacity supports both large seasonal programs and smaller repeat orders.

How does AFIL check quality?

AFIL runs quality checks at every stage, from material selection to final finish. Incoming leather and components are checked before cutting, production is inspected in-line on the floor, and finished goods are inspected before packing. Products are checked against the approved sample and the buyer's specification.

Can I arrange a third-party inspection at AFIL?

Many brands book an independent pre-shipment inspection, and it is a good practice for any first order. The inspector usually checks a random sample of finished goods against an agreed AQL (Acceptance Quality Limit). Share your inspection agency and AQL level with AFIL when you place the order so it can be scheduled.

How long does bulk production take at AFIL?

Bulk lead time starts once the pre-production sample and materials are approved. It depends on order size, material availability and how complex the construction is.

Materials & finishes

What leather grades does AFIL work with?

AFIL works with responsibly sourced leathers from full-grain through top-grain, corrected-grain and split leather. Full-grain keeps the complete natural grain surface and ages well; top-grain is lightly refined for a more uniform look; corrected-grain is sanded and coated or embossed. The right grade depends on your price point and the look you want. See the guide to full-grain vs top-grain vs genuine leather.

What leather finishes can AFIL offer?

Common finishes include nappa, aniline, semi-aniline, pigmented, pull-up, waxed or oiled, nubuck, suede, washed or distressed, embossed (such as a croc-effect emboss), patent and metallic. Finish affects hand-feel, durability and how the product ages. AFIL can recommend finishes that suit the category and how the product will be used.

Does AFIL offer leather alternatives?

Yes, AFIL can source eco-conscious alternatives alongside leather when a brand asks for them. Options such as PU and bio-based materials differ in durability, cost and labelling rules, so it helps to tell AFIL your goals and target market early. AFIL will advise on what suits the product.

What is the difference between chrome-tanned and vegetable-tanned leather?

Chrome-tanned leather is soft, consistent and water-resistant, and is used for most footwear uppers, jackets and soft bags. Vegetable-tanned leather is firmer, develops a rich patina and is popular for belts and structured goods. Chrome-free (wet-white) leather is a third option for brands with specific material policies. AFIL can advise which suits your product.

Private label & branding

What does private label mean at AFIL?

Private label means AFIL manufactures the product and your brand name goes on it. You own the brand and sell the product as your own; AFIL handles development, materials and production. Learn more on the private label leather goods manufacturer page.

Can AFIL add my logo to products?

Yes, AFIL offers logo embossing and private labelling. Logos can be embossed or debossed on leather, applied on labels and lining, or carried on custom hardware. Send vector artwork and placement details so AFIL can show you a sample.

Can AFIL provide custom packaging?

Yes, AFIL offers exclusive packaging, such as branded boxes, dust bags, tissue, tags and inserts. Custom packaging has its own minimums and lead time, so share packaging details at the start of the project. AFIL can pack goods retail-ready to your specification.

Can AFIL make a full collection across categories?

Yes, AFIL makes footwear, jackets and outerwear, bags, belts and small leather goods, so a brand can source a coordinated collection from one manufacturer. Matching leathers and finishes across categories keeps the collection consistent. It also means one partner for development, quality and shipping.

Shipping, duties & trade agreements

Which markets does AFIL ship to?

AFIL supplies brands, retailers and importers in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Europe, India and other markets. AFIL prepares export documentation for each shipment.

Are leather goods from India duty-free in the UK?

Since the India–UK CETA came into force on 15 July 2026, qualifying leather goods and footwear from India can enter the UK at zero duty, replacing duties of up to 16%. The goods must meet the agreement's rules of origin and be backed by valid proof of origin. Confirm the duty for your exact product with a customs broker. Read the India–UK CETA guide for leather buyers.

What tariff applies to Indian leather goods imported into the US?

Since 24 July 2026, most goods from India, including leather goods and footwear, have faced an additional 10% US tariff under Section 301, charged on top of each product's normal duty rate. A few product codes are exempt, and the duty is being challenged at the US Court of International Trade. Tariff policy can change, so confirm your landed duty with a licensed customs broker. See the guide to current US tariffs on leather goods from India.

Does the India–EU trade deal remove duties on leather goods?

India and the EU concluded a free trade agreement on 27 January 2026, under which duties of up to 17% on leather goods and footwear are set to go to zero. The cut applies only once the agreement is ratified and implemented, so current EU duties still apply until then. Check the status with a customs broker before costing a program.

Responsibility & compliance

What certifications does AFIL hold?

Brands often ask manufacturers for quality management, social compliance and tannery sourcing credentials. The guide to leather manufacturer certifications explains what each one covers.

How does AFIL approach sustainability?

AFIL focuses on eco-friendly sourcing and energy-saving production processes, with goals to embrace renewable energy and reduce its carbon footprint. It works with responsibly sourced leathers and can offer eco-conscious alternatives on request. Brands can ask AFIL for supporting documents during supplier onboarding.

Has AFIL received industry recognition?

Yes, AFIL won 2nd place in the Leather Garments category of the Council for Leather Exports (CLE) Export Award 2023-24. The CLE is India's export promotion council for the leather sector. The award reflects AFIL's export performance in leather garments.

Can AFIL support product testing and compliance documents?

Brands selling in the US, UK and EU usually need restricted-substance compliance and correct labelling, and AFIL can work to your testing protocol. Share your restricted substances list and labelling requirements at the start of development.

Have a question that is not answered here?

Talk to the AFIL team about your product, quantities and timeline. Share your tech pack or a sketch, and AFIL will come back with materials, sampling plan and pricing. You can also read how AFIL works, step by step.

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