Uncarded cotton from India
India exported $436 million of uncarded cotton (HS 5201.00) in FY2025-26, down 34% on FY2024-25. Goods made in India pay 10% US import duty, against 37.5% for goods from China.
- US duty from India
- 10%China 37.5%
- India's exports, FY2025-26
- $436MDown 33.9% on last year
- HS code
- 5201.00Page 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 12 US tariff lines
| HTS line | Description | Base | India | China |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5201.00.05.00 | Having a staple length under 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches): Harsh or rough, having a staple length under <il>19.05 mm</il> (3/4 inch) | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 5201.00.12.00 | Other: Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 5201.00.14.00 | Other: Described in additional U.S. note 5 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions | Free | 10% | 37.5% |
| 5201.00.18.00 | Other: Other | 31.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.22.00 | Having a staple length of 28.575 mm (1-1/8 inches) or more but under 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches): Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions | 4.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.24.00 | Other, harsh or rough, having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1-5/32 inches) or more and white in color (except cotton of perished staple, grabbots and cotton pickings): Described in additional U.S. note 6 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions | 4.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.28.00 | Other, harsh or rough, having a staple length of 29.36875 mm (1-5/32 inches) or more and white in color (except cotton of perished staple, grabbots and cotton pickings): Other | 31.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.34.00 | Other: Described in additional U.S. note 7 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions | 4.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.38.00 | Other: Other | 31.4¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.55.00 | Having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches) or more: Described in general note 15 of the tariff schedule and entered pursuant to its provisions | 1.5¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.60.00 | Having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches) or more: Described in additional U.S. note 8 to this chapter and entered pursuant to its provisions | 1.5¢/kg | – | – |
| 5201.00.80.00 | Having a staple length of 34.925 mm (1-3/8 inches) or more: Other | 31.4¢/kg | – | – |
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 uncarded cotton
India's exports to all countries under HS 5201.00, April to March, from DGCI&S.
Rules and other duties
- EU base duty
- The EU's average applied base (MFN) rate on HS 5201.00 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 uncarded cotton from India?
10% on the 12 US tariff lines under HS 5201.00, including the Section 301 duty on Indian goods and any Section 232 metals duty. Goods from China pay 37.5%. Anti-dumping duties and customs fees aren't included.
What is the HS code for uncarded cotton?
5201.00, under heading 5201. Check the exact 8-digit or 10-digit line with your customs broker, since duty can differ between lines.
Does India export uncarded cotton?
Yes. India exported $436 million under HS 5201.00 in FY2025-26, according to DGCI&S, the Ministry of Commerce's trade statistics body.