Heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric from India
India exported $108 million of heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric (HS 5208.12) in FY2025-26, down 5.5% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 17% to 20.5% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 44.5% to 48% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 17%China 44.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $108MDown 5.5% on last year
- HS code
- 5208.12Page 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 3 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5208.12.40 | Plain weave, weighing more than 100 g/m²: Of number 42 or lower number | 7% | 17% | 44.5% |
| 5208.12.60 | Plain weave, weighing more than 100 g/m²: Of numbers 43 to 68 | 9% | 19% | 46.5% |
| 5208.12.80 | Plain weave, weighing more than 100 g/m²: Of number 69 or higher number | 10.5% | 20.5% | 48% |
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 heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric
India's exports to all countries under HS 5208.12, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 5208.12 is 8%, from 2021 data. It doesn't include India's GSP preference, so goods from India may pay less. Check the current rate in TARIC before you quote.
- RoDTEP
- India's schedule lists 3.5% 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 heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric from India?
17% to 20.5% on the 3 US tariff lines under HS 5208.12, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 44.5% to 48%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric?
5208.12, under heading 5208 (Woven fabrics of cotton, containing 85 percent or more by weight of cotton, weighing not more than 200 g/m²). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export heavy unbleached plain-weave cotton fabric?
Yes. India exported $108 million under HS 5208.12 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.