<h1>Government extends temporary import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) to 31 December 2025 to support textile sector</h1> The government has extended the temporary import duty exemption on cotton (HS 5201) for imports, prolonging the previous exemption period that ran from 19 August 2025 through 30 September 2025 to now expire on 31 December 2025. The measure, issued via customs/DGFT/SEZ notification, aims to augment domestic cotton availability for the textile sector and provide further support to exporters. Importers and exporters should rely on the updated notification for compliance, tariff treatment, and any procedural adjustments during the extended exemption period.