Cotton Garments — US Import Duty from India

India → USA corridor · MFN tariff rates · Updated for 2026 HTS

Cotton garments are India's largest textile export category to the US. Duty rates for cotton apparel are among the highest in the US tariff schedule — ranging from around 12% for certain knitted items to over 32% for some woven fabrics — making accurate classification critical for landed cost planning.

Typical US import duty rate (India origin)
12%–32%

Cotton knits (Chapter 61) typically attract 16.5%–32%. Cotton wovens (Chapter 62) range from 12%–26.9%. The exact rate depends on the garment type and construction.

Common HS codes for Cotton Garments

HS code Description Look up exact rate
6109.10 T-shirts, singlets, and other vests — cotton, knitted Look up
6205.20 Men's or boys' shirts — cotton, woven Look up
6204.62 Women's or girls' trousers — cotton, woven Look up
6211.42 Garments for women — cotton (track suits, ski-suits, swimwear) Look up

These are the most common 6-digit or 8-digit codes for this category. The exact code for your product may differ — use the free HS code lookup tool to classify your specific item.

US import compliance checklist

🔴
Textile fiber content labelling
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Labels must state fiber content percentages, country of origin, and manufacturer identity.
Required
🔴
Care instruction labels
Federal Trade Commission (FTC)
Permanent care labels required on all apparel items.
Required
🔴
Flammability standard (CPSC)
US Consumer Product Safety Commission
Children's sleepwear must meet CPSC 16 CFR Part 1615/1616 flammability standards.
Required

🔴 Required items must be in place before CBP will release the shipment. This list is guidance — always verify with your customs broker.

Calculating your full landed cost

The duty rate is only one part of your total cost to land goods in a US warehouse. A complete landed cost also includes:

  • Freight — ocean or air freight from India to the US port of entry
  • Insurance — typically 0.5%–1% of cargo value
  • Customs broker fee — USD 75–250 per entry for a standard shipment
  • ISF filing — Importer Security Filing, USD 25–35 per ocean shipment
  • Destination charges — THC, delivery order fee, drayage

The duty rate shown above applies to the customs value (CIF value — cost + insurance + freight to the US port). Misunderstanding the duty base is one of the most common import cost errors.

Calculate your exact landed cost

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