Customs duty exemption on cotton imports extended to the end of December

30 October 2026

The Centre has extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports by two months. The Department of Revenue in the Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 35/2026-Customs, dated 30 October 2026, for this. The earlier exemption was to end on 31 October 2026 and will now run to 31 December 2026. The Ministry of Textiles announced the extension. It says the step is meant to improve cotton availability for domestic textile manufacturers and to meet cotton-specific requirements of the industry. The ministry expects it to ease cost pressure, help micro, small and medium enterprises, and support value addition along the textile and apparel chain. Cotton is the main raw material for a large part of India's spinning and garment industry.