Government waives customs duty on cotton imports till October 31
The Central Government has announced a temporary exemption on customs duties for cotton imports from June 1 to October 31, 2026, to ensure adequate cotton availability for the domestic textile industry.
The move is aimed at supporting the entire cotton value chain while balancing the interests of farmers, manufacturers, and exporters.
According to the Ministry of Textiles, the duty waiver will help improve raw material availability during the cotton off-season, reduce input costs for textile and apparel manufacturers, and strengthen the global competitiveness of Indian textile exports.
The government said the measure is expected to particularly benefit micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs), which often face challenges due to fluctuations in cotton supply and prices.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the decision, noting that easier access to imported cotton could support production and exports amid rising global cost pressures.
The exemption, which suspends the existing customs duties on cotton imports for five months, is also expected to help stabilize the domestic market while ensuring uninterrupted supply for textile manufacturers.
