India extends cotton import duty exemption

India has extended its 11% cotton import duty exemption by two months until December 31, 2026. The move aims to help spinning mills and textile exporters dealing with high raw material costs and uncertain domestic supplies.

The exemption applies to raw cotton under customs heading 5201, covering basic customs duty and the Agriculture Infrastructure and Development Cess. The Ministry of Finance issued Notification No. 35/2026-Customs on October 30 to make the change official.