Approval Granted for Duty-Free Import of Cotton from June to October

30-May-2026 06:31 PM

New Delhi: The Department of Revenue under the Union Ministry of Finance issued a notification on May 30, 2026, announcing that cotton imports will remain duty-free for the next five months.

Consequently, from June 1 to October 31, 2026, the import of cotton into the country will be completely exempt from customs duties. According to the Department of Revenue, during this period, neither the Basic Customs Duty nor the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess will be levied on cotton imports.

It is noteworthy that an import duty of 11 percent had previously been applicable to cotton. The Indian textile industry was facing significant difficulties due to the persistently high and volatile prices of cotton in both international and domestic markets.

The trade and industry sector had been continuously urging the government to withdraw the 11 percent import duty currently imposed on cotton. A high-level inter-ministerial committee deliberated on this issue and granted in-principle approval for the removal of the import duty. The Ministry of Finance has now formally announced this decision.