HS Code 6302 Explained: Classifying Towel & Bed Linen Imports from India

HS Code 6302 Explained: Classifying Towel & Bed Linen Imports from India

The Harmonised System (HS) code is the language customs authorities use to classify your goods. Get it right and clearance is smooth and duty is predictable; get it wrong and you risk delays, penalties, or overpaying duty. For towels and bed linen, the relevant chapter heading is 6302. Here is what buyers need to know.

What HS Code 6302 Covers

HS heading 6302 covers bed linen, table linen, toilet linen, and kitchen linen. This includes bath towels, hand towels, bed sheets, pillowcases, duvet covers, and similar made-up textiles. The first six digits (6302.xx) are internationally harmonised; digits beyond that are country-specific.

Key subheadings to know: 6302.60 is toilet and kitchen linen of cotton terry towelling — the code for cotton bath, hand, and face towels. 6302.21 and 6302.31 cover cotton bed linen (printed and other). 6302.91 covers toilet and kitchen linen of cotton that is not terry. Always confirm the exact destination subheading with your customs broker, because the final digits, and therefore the duty rate, vary by country.

Duty Rates by Market

Duty is charged on the customs value, typically CIF. Indicative most-favoured-nation (MFN) rates for cotton towels and bed linen from India are roughly 9.0 to 11.4% in the USA on cotton terry towels (HTS 6302.60), with no India preference; 12% MFN in the UK, but 0% for India under the Developing Countries Trading Scheme (DCTS) with a valid Certificate of Origin; around 9.6% MFN in the EU, reduced under GSP if the supplier issues a REX statement of origin; and roughly 5 to 10% MFN in Australia, with preferential rates possible under the India-Australia ECTA. These rates move and trade agreements evolve, so always verify the live rate for your subheading with a licensed broker before costing an order.

How the Right Documents Lower Your Duty

Preferential rates are not automatic — they are unlocked by paperwork. To claim them you generally need a Certificate of Origin (for the UK DCTS, the appropriate origin declaration; for the EU, a REX declaration), a Commercial Invoice stating the correct HS subheading and accurate value, and a Packing List and Bill of Lading consistent with the invoice. A missing or incorrect Certificate of Origin is the most common reason buyers pay full MFN duty when they qualified for zero or reduced rates. A professional exporter prepares these as standard — see our export process and market guides such as export to the UK and export to the USA.

Common Classification Mistakes

Avoid using a generic 6302 code instead of the specific subheading, which can trigger customs queries; classifying terry bath towels as flat-woven linen or vice versa (terry is 6302.60); undervaluing goods to reduce duty, which is illegal and risks seizure and penalties; and forgetting fibre-content and care labelling required at import, for example FTC rules in the USA.

FAQ

What is the HS code for towels from India?

Cotton terry bath, hand, and face towels are classified under HS 6302.60. The first six digits are internationally standard; confirm the full destination subheading with your broker.

What is the HS code for bed linen?

Cotton bed linen falls under HS 6302.21 (printed) or 6302.31 (other), within heading 6302 for bed, table, toilet, and kitchen linen.

How much import duty is charged on towels from India?

It varies by market: roughly 9 to 11.4% in the USA, 12% MFN in the UK (0% under DCTS with a Certificate of Origin), around 9.6% in the EU (reduced under GSP), and 5 to 10% in Australia. Verify the live rate with your customs broker.

How do I reduce import duty legally?

By claiming the preferential rate your trade agreement allows, which requires the correct Certificate of Origin and accurate documentation. For the UK, India qualifies for 0% under DCTS with valid origin paperwork.

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*For the full sourcing and documentation picture, read the complete guide to terry towel exports from India, or request a quote with documentation included.*