Cotton rags

Sorted used rags of cotton, completely mutilated

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 6310 10 20 (Cotton rags) is governed by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) under the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy, permissible without a licence only when imported in completely mutilated form conforming to the specifications issued by Customs public notice or trade notice under the policy condition for CTH 6310. A Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate certifying absence of prohibited azo dyes is additionally required under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy.

What this is

HSN code

6310 10 20

Chapter

63 · Other made-up textile articles; sets; worn clothing and rags

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 63

Customs documentation

Mutilation compliance declaration to CBIC
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from exporter
Test report from Textile Committee

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the cotton rags are imported in completely mutilated form and that the degree of mutilation conforms to the specifications prescribed by the relevant Customs public notice or trade notice issued under the CTH 6310 policy condition. Non-conforming goods are treated as Restricted-import violations and are liable to seizure.
ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy condition for CTH 6310 · CBIC Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000
2
Accompany the consignment with a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from an accredited laboratory of the exporting country, or a valid test report from a Textile Committee (TC) or CSRTI laboratory, certifying the absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes. Imports from EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo-dye testing only.
General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) Import Policy · DGFT Public Notice 14/2023 dated 14-06-2023

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is shipping cotton rags that have not been mutilated to the standard specified in the applicable Customs public notice, on the assumption that any degree of physical cutting or tearing suffices. Customs officers assess mutilation against the precise specification on examination; a consignment found non-conforming is not released on a corrective undertaking — it is detained as a Restricted-import violation, attracting confiscation proceedings and monetary penalty under the Customs Act, 1962.

Need a regulatory steer on this product?

Speak to a regulatory counsel about your specific HSN, IS, and supplier situation.

Speak to an Expert

Frequently asked

Does HSN 6310 10 20 require BIS certification?

No, sorted cotton rags fall outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, permissible licence-free only when the goods meet the mutilation specification prescribed by Customs public notice under the CTH 6310 policy condition.

What is the mutilation specification that cotton rags must meet at import?

The mutilation standard is specified in the Customs public notice or trade notice issued under the policy condition for CTH 6310; CBIC Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000 provides the foundational compliance framework, and importers should confirm the current operative notice before shipment.

Is a DGFT import licence required if the cotton rags are fully mutilated?

No licence is required if the goods are imported in completely mutilated form conforming to the prescribed specification; a licence becomes mandatory for any import of rags under this CTI that does not meet the mutilation condition.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / Indian Customs CUSDATA.