Carded or combed cotton from India
India exported $79.7 million of carded or combed cotton (HS 5203.00) in FY2025-26, up 15% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 14.3% to 15% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 41.8% to 42.5% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 14.3%China 41.8%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $80MUp 14.8% on last year
- HS code
- 5203.00Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 27.5 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 4 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5203.00.05.00 | Fibers of cotton processed but not spun: Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions | 5% | 15% | 42.5% |
| 5203.00.10.00 | Fibers of cotton processed but not spun: Described in additional U.S. note 10 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions | 5% | 15% | 42.5% |
| 5203.00.30.00 | Fibers of cotton processed but not spun: Other | 31.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5203.00.50.00 | Cotton, carded or combed: Other | 4.3% | 14.3% | 41.8% |
Totals include the Section 301 duty on goods from India or China and any Section 232 metals duty. They exclude anti-dumping and countervailing duties and customs fees. Check the current rate before you quote.
India's exports of carded or combed cotton
India's exports to all countries under HS 5203.00, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 5203.00 is 0%, from 2021 data. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 2.8% of FOB value for exporters. The scheme was notified until 30 September 2026, so check with DGFT whether it's been extended.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on carded or combed cotton from India?
14.3% to 15% on the 4 US tariff lines under HS 5203.00, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 41.8% to 42.5%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for carded or combed cotton?
5203.00, under heading 5203. Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export carded or combed cotton?
Yes. India exported $79.7 million under HS 5203.00 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.