Cotton import duty exemption extended to December 31

The story in brief

The Textiles Ministry’s October 31 release says the earlier exemption was due to end that day. It cites Revenue Department Notification 35/2026-Customs, dated October 30, as the instrument extending the period.¹ Textiles Ministry: The ministry says the decision is intended to improve raw-cotton availability and give textile manufacturers greater flexibility in sourcing. Lower input-cost pressure is an expected benefit, rather than a measured reduction already established by this announcement.¹

Context: This concerns cotton imports, so it should not be read as a blanket exemption for every textile product. Consumers also cannot infer a guaranteed clothing-price cut; actual business costs and retail prices depend on more than the exemption alone.