Cotton rags

Used or new cotton rags of textile materials

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 6310 90 20 (Cotton rags) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), with compliance also required under Board Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000. A Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate certifying absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes is mandated under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy for all exporting countries except specified exempt origins.

What this is

HSN code

6310 90 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

Import Licence from DGFT
Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate from exporter
Test report from Textile Committee

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the consignment satisfies the ITC (HS) Restricted-import status for this CTI and obtain the required DGFT authorisation before filing the bill of entry. Refer to Board Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000 for the specific compliance framework applicable to rags imported under this tariff line.
ITC (HS) policy, Chapter 63 · Board 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 or CSRTI laboratory, certifying 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 frequent error on this tariff line is conflating the azo-dye PSIC exemption with a broader relaxation of the Restricted-import status. The country-specific exemption from azo-dye testing applies only to the hazardous-dye certification requirement; the consignment remains Restricted under the ITC (HS) policy regardless of origin, and DGFT authorisation is required in all cases. A missing or incomplete PSIC from a non-exempt origin will result in consignment detention at port.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 6310 90 20 require BIS certification?

No, cotton rags are not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate requirement for hazardous azo-dye absence under General Note 10.

Which countries are exempt from the azo-dye testing requirement for this HSN?

Imports from the EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo-dye testing only; the Restricted-import policy condition and PSIC for other parameters remain applicable regardless of origin per DGFT Public Notice 14/2023.

What is the significance of Board Circular 36/2000-Cus for this tariff line?

Board Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000 sets out the compliance framework specifically applicable to the import of rags under this CTI and must be read alongside the current ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy when determining clearance eligibility.

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