New Delhi, Oct 31: Keeping in view the raw material requirements of domestic textile industry, Government of India has extended the existing customs duty exemption on cotton imports until 31st December 2026.
According to the statement issued by Ministry of Textiles, Government of India, the extension has been notified by the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, vide Notification No. 35/2026-Customs dated 30th October 2026. Through this amendment, the existing exemption, which was available until 31st October 2026, has been extended by two months, up to 31st December 2026.
It said the decision aims to augment the availability of cotton for the domestic textile sector, address specialised cotton requirements and support value addition across the textile and apparel value chain.
The measure is expected to provide greater flexibility to textile and apparel manufacturers in meeting their raw material requirements, help ease input cost pressures, support Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), and strengthen the competitiveness of Indian textiles in domestic and international markets.
The extension is expected to facilitate uninterrupted availability of raw materials, improve operational flexibility for the textile industry and promote greater value addition across the cotton-based textile and apparel sector.
The Ministry of Textiles remains committed to promoting a competitive, resilient and globally integrated textile sector, advancing value addition and employment generation, and fostering the long-term growth of the entire textile value chain, the statement added.
