One of the first questions US fashion brands ask before sourcing from India: what will I actually pay in customs duties, and what does my total landed cost look like? Getting this wrong means your margins disappear at customs.
How US clothing imports are taxed
The US charges import duties based on the Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS). Every garment has an HTS code that determines its duty rate, calculated on the customs value — your FOB price, not including shipping or insurance. Unlike China, Indian garments carry no Section 301 surcharges — only the standard MFN rate.
HTS codes and duty rates by category
HTS classification is specific — when in doubt, use a licensed US customs broker. Misclassification leads to delays or penalties.
Is there a GSP benefit for India?
India's GSP benefits were suspended in June 2019 and have not been reinstated as of 2025. Indian garments pay standard MFN rates — no Section 301 surcharge like China, but no GSP exemption either.
What CBP requires
A real landed cost breakdown
Example: 500 women's cotton nightwear sets (top + bottom), sea freight to LA.
On a $10 FOB nightwear set, landed cost is approximately $12.90 — a 29% markup from factory door to your warehouse. Air freight adds roughly $2–4 per piece more than sea, but cuts transit from 3 weeks to 3–5 days.
Practical tips
- Get your HTS code confirmed by a licensed broker before your first shipment — it's quick and inexpensive, and wrong classification costs far more later
- Use a freight forwarder with specific India experience and a network in Delhi (IGI) or Mumbai (JNPT)
- Factor in seasonal freight fluctuations — book containers 6–8 weeks ahead for holiday-season delivery
- Keep ISF filings accurate — errors attract a $5,000 penalty per violation
Export Documentation Included
Every shipment we dispatch internationally includes commercial invoice, packing list, Certificate of Origin, and airway bill or bill of lading. Export hub: IGI Airport Delhi (air), JNPT Mumbai (sea).
Request a quoteFrequently asked questions
What is the import duty on clothing from India to the USA?
Duty rates vary by HTS code and fabric. Cotton nightwear is around 8.9%, cotton T-shirts 16.5%, hoodies 17.4%, and most woven cotton garments fall between 8–16%. Synthetic and MMF garments are taxed higher, often 16–32%. There is no Section 301 surcharge on Indian goods, unlike China.
Does India get GSP duty-free treatment in the US?
No. India's GSP benefits were suspended in June 2019 and have not been reinstated as of 2025. Indian garments pay standard MFN duty rates — no Section 301 surcharge like China, but no GSP exemption either.
What documents does CBP require to import clothing from India?
A commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading or airway bill, Certificate of Origin, and for sea shipments an Importer Security Filing (ISF) 24 hours before loading. Fabric content must be declared accurately on care labels.
How much higher is landed cost than FOB price?
Typically 25–35% above FOB once freight, duty, insurance, and customs broker fees are added. On a $10 FOB nightwear set shipped by sea, landed cost is commonly around $12.50–$13.