Synthetic rags

Synthetic rags, used or new textile waste

DGFT CLEARANCE

HSN 6310 90 40 (Synthetic rags) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), permissible without a licence only in completely mutilated form conforming to the specification prescribed by Customs public notice or trade notice under the policy condition for CTH 6310. A Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate certifying absence of prohibited hazardous azo dyes is additionally mandated under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy.

What this is

HSN code

6310 90 40

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 or CSRTI

Compliance steps

1
Ensure the synthetic rags are imported in completely mutilated form meeting the specification prescribed by the relevant Customs public notice or trade notice for CTH 6310. Import in non-mutilated form requires a separate DGFT import licence under the Restricted-import policy; consignments failing the mutilation test are liable to detention and re-export.
ITC (HS) 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 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 importing synthetic rags that are only partially cut or shredded and asserting mutilation compliance — Customs officers verify conformity against the specification in the applicable public notice or trade notice, and a consignment that fails this test is treated as an unlicensed Restricted import, attracting detention and potential confiscation rather than the licence-free concession. Confirm the exact mutilation standard from the current Customs public notice before the export order is placed.

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 90 40 require BIS certification?

No, synthetic 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 without a licence only when the goods are in completely mutilated form per CTH 6310 policy conditions.

What does 'completely mutilated form' mean for Customs purposes under this tariff line?

The mutilation specification is prescribed by the applicable Customs public notice or trade notice for CTH 6310, as referenced in CBIC Circular 36/2000-Cus dated 08-05-2000; importers must verify the current operative notice before shipment to ensure conformity.

Which countries are exempt from the azo-dye testing requirement for synthetic rags?

EU, Serbia, Poland, Denmark, Australia, Canada, Japan, South Korea and the United Kingdom are exempt from azo-dye testing under General Note 10 of the ITC (HS) policy; for all other origins, a Pre-Shipment Inspection Certificate or valid test report from a Textile Committee or CSRTI laboratory remains mandatory.

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