Discussing with a friend yesterday about this so-called ban on imported wears.

If importing clothes is banned, how come shops everywhere are still selling it? Or how is it legal to sell it, but illegal to import it? I'm confused

The friend I was talking with was looking to open a boutique selling imported clthes but someone advised him that selling imported clothes is illegal? I was like, in that case, how come all the shops & boutiques in the malls (like twice as nice) havent been shut down.

I dont understand sha, because when you think about it logically, if importing clothes is banned, then selling imported clothes is likely illegal, but everyone is still selling them. Anyone understand how this works?