# Cotton import customs duty exemption extended to 31 December 2026

URL: https://kasba.co.in/en/story/cotton-import-customs-duty-exemption-extended-to-31-december
Language: en · Section: Money · Published: 2026-10-31
Source: PIB, "भारत सरकार ने कपास के आयात पर सीमा शुल्क में छूट को 31 दिसंबर 2026 तक बढ़ाया", 2026-10-31, https://pib.gov.in/PressReleaseIframePage.aspx?PRID=2330875

The Government of India has extended the existing customs duty exemption on cotton imports until 31 December 2026. The benefit goes to textile and apparel makers, especially MSMEs.

## What this means for you

This exemption is not for ordinary consumers but for businesses that import cotton to make fabric and garments. If you are in textile or apparel manufacturing, the exemption stays available to you until 31 December 2026. Ordinary readers do not need to apply for anything.

## Key facts

- The new last date for the exemption is 31 December 2026.
- Earlier the exemption was available until 31 October 2026.
- The extension is for two months.
- It was announced through Notification No. 35/2026-Customs dated 30 October 2026 by the Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance.
- The information was shared in a Textiles Ministry release dated 31 October 2026.

## What has happened

The Government of India has extended the existing customs duty exemption on cotton imports until 31 December 2026. The Textiles Ministry gave this information in a release dated 31 October 2026.

According to the release, the Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance announced the extension through Notification No. 35/2026-Customs dated 30 October 2026.

## What has changed

Earlier, the exemption was available until 31 October 2026. It has now been extended by two months, to 31 December 2026. In other words, the last date of the exemption already in force has been pushed forward.

## Why the decision was taken

The government took this step keeping in mind the raw material needs of the domestic textile industry. According to the release, the aim is to increase cotton availability for the domestic textile industry, meet specific cotton requirements and promote value addition in the textile and apparel value chain.

## Who benefits

The release says the extension is expected to give textile and apparel manufacturers more flexibility in meeting their raw material needs and to reduce cost pressure. It is also expected to support micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

The government also expects Indian textile products to be more competitive in domestic and international markets. It estimates that this will help ensure uninterrupted raw material supply and promote value addition in the cotton-based textile and apparel sector.

## What it means for ordinary people

The exemption is not directly for ordinary consumers. It is for those in the business of importing cotton for textiles and apparel. Ordinary readers do not have to apply or complete any formality for it.

## What next

The Textiles Ministry said it is committed to promoting a competitive, flexible and globally integrated textile sector and to advancing value addition and job creation. Details of the exemption are given in Notification No. 35/2026-Customs of the Revenue Department, Ministry of Finance.

## Questions and answers

**How long is the customs duty exemption on cotton imports valid?**
Until 31 December 2026. It was earlier available until 31 October 2026 and has now been extended by two months.

**Who gets this exemption?**
Textile and apparel manufacturers, including MSMEs. According to the release, it gives them more flexibility in meeting raw material needs.

**Does this affect ordinary people?**
Ordinary consumers do not have to do anything. The exemption is for the textile industry that imports cotton.

**Who took this decision?**
The Revenue Department of the Ministry of Finance announced it through Notification No. 35/2026-Customs dated 30 October 2026. The Textiles Ministry shared the information.

**What is the purpose of extending the exemption?**
To increase cotton availability for the domestic textile industry and to promote value addition across the textile and apparel chain.

Kasba Desk, Kasba. This routine notice was drafted with AI from an official source and published automatically; an editor reviews it after publishing.