Import Duty Guide

HS Code 6205 — Men's & Women's Apparel (Shirts, Dresses, Garments): Import Duty in India (2026)

HS code 6205 covers men's and women's apparel including shirts, dresses, and garments. These attract BCD 10% and IGST 12%, giving a total effective duty of approximately 23%. Accurate fibre composition declaration is essential for correct classification.

Calculate Exact Duty → Ask a CHA

Quick answer: HS code 6205 covers men's shirts, women's dresses, trousers, and other garments. BCD: 10%. IGST: 12%. Social Welfare Surcharge: 10% of BCD. Total effective duty: approximately 23% on CIF value. No mandatory pre-import licence. Importer label required. Anti-dumping duty may apply on some Chinese textile categories.

What Products Fall Under HS Code 6205?

HS code 6205 covers men's cotton shirts (62052000). Women's cotton dresses use HS 62044300. Women's trousers use HS 62046200. Classification depends on garment type, gender, and fibre composition. Cotton, synthetic, and blended fabrics each have specific sub-headings within Chapters 61 and 62.

What is the difference between HS code 6205 and similar codes?

Synthetic knitwear uses HS 6110. Underwear uses HS 6108/6107. Sportswear uses HS 6211. Jackets and blazers use HS 6203/6204. Fur and leather garments use HS 4203/4303. The fibre composition (cotton vs polyester vs blend) determines the exact sub-heading and duty.

Customs Duty Calculation for HS Code 6205: Worked Example

Total effective duty on CIF value = BCD + SWS (10% of BCD) + IGST on (CIF + BCD + SWS). For HS code 6205, BCD is 10% and IGST is 12%.

Duty Component	Rate	On ₹500,000 CIF (500 garments)
Basic Customs Duty (BCD)	10%	₹50,000
Social Welfare Surcharge (SWS)	10% of BCD	₹5,000
IGST	12%	₹66,600
Total Customs Duty	~24.3% of CIF	₹121,600

Note: Anti-dumping duty applies on certain Chinese-origin made-up articles and woven fabrics. Verify current DGTR notification for your specific garment type and origin.

Can I reduce import duty on HS code 6205 goods?

Garments do not qualify for EPCG. Some ASEAN-origin garments may qualify for reduced BCD under the ASEAN-India FTA if they meet rules of origin. Verify with your CHA before ordering from Vietnam, Bangladesh, or Indonesia.

Use our import duty calculator to compute exact landed cost for your shipment.

Compliance Requirements for Importing HS Code 6205 Goods

No mandatory pre-import licence for most garments. Importer labelling with fibre composition, care instructions, country of origin, and importer details is required.

No mandatory import licence is required for most garments. However, anti-dumping duty applies on certain Chinese-origin made-up articles. Your CHA verifies ADD applicability before booking freight.

Labelling must include: fibre composition (in English/Hindi), care instructions, country of origin, and importer details. Incorrect labels cause customs delays.

Accurate declaration of fibre composition, GSM (grams per square metre), and weave type is essential for correct HS sub-heading classification.

Need help with compliance? check your compliance requirements or read our customs clearance guide.

How to Import HS Code 6205 Goods to India: Process Overview

Typical lead time: 25–35 days via LCL sea freight from China; 7–12 days via air freight.

Obtain IEC code and GST registration
Confirm fibre composition and GSM with supplier for accurate HS classification
Book LCL sea freight (0.5–10 CBM) or air freight with Sea Air Cargo Systems
Ensure supplier provides correct labels with fibre composition and care instructions
File Bill of Entry on ICEGATE
Customs clearance at ICD Whitefield (2–4 days) or BLR airport (6–12 hours)

Our customs clearance guide explains each step in detail. For Bengaluru-bound cargo, we clear at BLR airport (6–12 hours for green channel air freight) or ICD Whitefield (2–4 days for sea freight).

Frequently Asked Questions — HS Code 6205

What is the customs duty on garments and clothing imported to India?

Most garments attract BCD of 10%, SWS 1% (10% of BCD), and IGST 12% — total effective duty approximately 23% on CIF value. Higher-end items (fur, leather) attract BCD of 10–20%. BCD is the same regardless of whether fabric is cotton, synthetic, or blended.

Do I need any licence to import garments to India?

No mandatory import licence for most garments. However, anti-dumping duty applies on certain Chinese-origin made-up articles. Labelling must include fibre composition, care instructions (in English/Hindi), country of origin, and importer details. Incorrect labels cause customs delays.

What HS code should I use for my clothing product?

The HS code depends on fabric type and garment type. Men's cotton shirts: 6205, women's cotton dresses: 6204, synthetic knitwear: 6110, underwear: 6108/6107, sportswear: 6211. Use our HS code finder or describe your product to our CHA for accurate classification.

Is there anti-dumping duty on garments imported from China?

Anti-dumping duty applies on specific Chinese-origin products including certain woven fabrics and made-up articles. Verify the current CBIC anti-dumping notification for your specific garment type and origin. Your CHA checks this before booking freight.

Can small quantities of garments (1-5 CBM) be imported via LCL to Bangalore?

Yes. LCL sea freight from China to Bengaluru handles garment orders from 0.5 CBM upward. Transit: 24–30 days. For time-sensitive launches, air freight is used despite the higher cost (₹250–₹450/kg from China). Use our CBM calculator to decide the optimal mode.