anchor
LandedCost
Landed-cost guide

Importing textiles from India to the UK

Everything you need to land textiles profitably — duty rates, VAT, HS codes, typical freight and the hidden costs most importers miss. Last reviewed 15 July 2026.

Calculate your landed costJump to duty rates
Quick answer

The typical duty rate for textiles (HS 6302.21) imported to the UK is 12%, plus 20% import VAT — paid at the border by default, unless postponed via PVA.

Duty rate12%
Import VAT20%
HS code6302.21

Importing textiles at a glance

Primary HS code6302.21
Duty rate (the UK)12%
Import VAT20%
Typical lead time30–42 days door-to-door
Typical freight modeSea (LCL)
Key complianceFibre-content labelling, care labels, DCTS origin proof

Rates shown are indicative, not live tariff data — last reviewed 15 July 2026. Always confirm your commodity code and the current rate on the official UK Trade Tariff before shipping.

A worked example: landing textiles

Illustrative order for this category and lane. All figures in USD.

Sample order — 2,000 unitsLanded cost
Goods (FOB)$12,000
Freight & insurance$1,600
Duty (12%)$1,632
Import VAT (20%)$3,046
Total landed$18,278
Landed cost / unit$9.14

Import VAT is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA, in which case VAT-registered importers declare and reclaim it on the same VAT return.

Costs to watch when importing textiles

warning
12% MFN — don't assume a DCTS saving
Cotton bed linen carries 12% MFN duty. India is only in the DCTS Standard Preferences tier, and a goods-graduation notice suspends India's preference on textiles (Section XI) from 1 Jan 2026 to 31 Dec 2028 — so most bed-linen lines pay the full 12% during this window, not a reduced rate. Check the current graduation list line-by-line; valid origin docs alone won't secure a cut. The UK–India FTA signed in 2025 is the bigger future lever.
warning
Labelling requirements
Fibre composition and care labels must be accurate and permanently attached. Relabelling a container at a UK warehouse costs more than getting it right at the factory.
warning
Moisture and mould in transit
Textiles shipped in monsoon season need desiccants and sealed liners. A mouldy bale is a written-off bale.
warning
GSM and spec drift
Weight (GSM) drifting 5–10% below spec between sample and bulk is the classic textile margin leak. Inspect before the balance payment.

Importing textiles — FAQ

What duty do I pay on bed linen from India?
Cotton bed linen under HS 6302.21 carries 12% UK MFN duty. India sits in the DCTS Standard Preferences tier, but textiles are currently graduated (1 Jan 2026 – 31 Dec 2028), so most lines pay the full 12% rather than a reduced rate in this window. Rates are indicative and vary by origin and preferences — verify your commodity code against the official UK Trade Tariff and the current graduation list.
Is import VAT due on textiles at the border?
20% import VAT applies on customs value plus freight plus duty. It is paid at the border by default — unless postponed via PVA on your VAT return.
What documents does a UK textile import need?
Commercial invoice, packing list, bill of lading, origin proof if claiming preference, and accurate fibre-content declarations for labelling compliance.

Related guides

Importing garden furniture from Vietnam →Importing furniture from China →6302.21 duty rate explained →
— Importing textiles

Get the exact landed cost of your textiles order

Stop estimating. Enter your quantities and see duty, VAT and per-unit profit in seconds — free, no card required.

Start freeTry the free calculator