The extension is likely to ensure better cotton supplies in the domestic market.
\n\nThe Centre has extended the customs duty exemption on cotton imports by another two months, giving the domestic textile and apparel industry additional time to source raw materials at lower costs. The exemption, which was scheduled to end on October 31, 2026, will now remain in force until December 31, 2026. The decision is expected to improve cotton supplies in the domestic market and provide relief to textile manufacturers facing input cost pressures.
\n\nThe extension could particularly benefit small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which rely heavily on cotton as a key raw material for their manufacturing activities.
\n\nThe Ministry of Finance announced the decision through Notification No. 35/2026-Customs, dated October 30, 2026. The latest notification modifies an earlier order issued on May 30, 2026, which had provided the customs duty exemption on cotton imports.
\n\nUnder the latest amendment, the government has pushed the deadline for the customs duty exemption from October 31 to December 31, 2026.
\n\nThe notification specifically replaces the words "31st day of October, 2026" in the earlier order with "31st day of December, 2026". This effectively gives importers and domestic textile manufacturers an additional…
Original source: https://www.timesnownews.com/business-economy
