Men's cotton trousers and shorts from India
India exported $469 million of men's cotton trousers and shorts (HS 6203.42) in FY2025-26, up 2.7% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% to 26.6% US import duty, depending on the tariff line, against 20% to 36.6% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 20%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $469MUp 2.7% on last year
- HS code
- 6203.42Page updated 6 Nov 2026
US import duty, India vs China
India pays 10.0 points less on the lowest-duty line. From the USITC HTS 2026 Rev 22.
All 6 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6203.42.03.00 | Recreational performance outerwear: Containing 15 percent or more by weight of down and waterfowl plumage and of which down comprises 35 percent or more by weight; containing 10 percent or more by weight of down | Free | 10% | 20% |
| 6203.42.05 | Other: Bib and brace overalls | 10.3% | 20.3% | 30.3% |
| 6203.42.07 | Other: Other | 16.6% | 26.6% | 36.6% |
| 6203.42.17.00 | Other: Containing 15 percent or more by weight of down and waterfowl plumage and of which down comprises 35 percent or more by weight; containing 10 percent or more by weight of down | Free | 10% | 20% |
| 6203.42.25 | Other: Bib and brace overalls | 10.3% | 20.3% | 30.3% |
| 6203.42.45 | Other: Other | 16.6% | 26.6% | 36.6% |
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 men's cotton trousers and shorts
India's exports to all countries under HS 6203.42, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 6203.42 is 12%, 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.
- RoSCTL
- Apparel and made-ups from India get the RoSCTL rebate of state and central taxes, which a supplier may factor into its price.
- India's export policy
- Free to export, with no licence needed.
Common questions
What is the US import duty on men's cotton trousers and shorts from India?
10% to 26.6% on the 6 US tariff lines under HS 6203.42, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 20% to 36.6%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for men's cotton trousers and shorts?
6203.42, under heading 6203 (Men's or boys' suits, ensembles, suit-type jackets, blazers, trousers, bib and brace overalls, breeches and shorts (other than swimwear)). Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export men's cotton trousers and shorts?
Yes. India exported $469 million under HS 6203.42 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.