Indian import policy
As of 2026-11: textile machinery is 'Free' under ITC(HS) with no BIS QCO (research file). Second-hand machinery needs a chartered-engineer certificate under DGFT rules. The machinery safety Omnibus Technical Regulation was reported repealed on 14 Jan 2026 (single source — confirm). Sources: research/02-indian-imports.md; https://www.dgft.gov.in/CP/?opt=itchs-import-export; https://www.ice.it/it/sites/default/files/inline-files/Gennaio%202026%20-%20Flash%20News.pdf.
Check the current DGFT, BIS and CBIC notifications before contracting.
Importing textile machinery & spares into India: requirements
| Requirement | Authority | Document |
|---|---|---|
| Importer-Exporter Code; GST; ICEGATE | DGFT / GSTN / CBIC | IEC; GSTIN; ICEGATE DSC registration |
| Import policy classification | DGFT | ITC(HS) policy: Free/Restricted/Prohibited/STE; import authorisation if Restricted |
| Customs declaration & duty | CBIC / ICEGATE | Bill of Entry; BCD + AIDC + SWS(10% of BCD) + IGST |
| Duty deferment | CBIC (Customs Act s.65) | MOOWR bonded warehouse licence |
| Trusted trader status | CBIC | AEO-T1/T2/T3/LO |
Import trend
FY total unavailable; India became Italy's no.1 textile-machinery export market in 2024 (EUR 132 mn); China 73% of industrial sewing machines 2023
Where Indian buyers are
Tamil Nadu — Coimbatore, Tiruppur, Erode, Salem. Spinning mills and knitwear (Tiruppur)
Gujarat — Surat, Ahmedabad. Synthetic weaving (Surat water-jet/rapier looms) and composite mills
Maharashtra — Bhiwandi, Ichalkaranji, Malegaon. Power-loom clusters upgrading to shuttleless looms
Punjab — Ludhiana. Knitwear and spinning
Rajasthan / Madhya Pradesh — Bhilwara, Indore. Suiting fabrics and spinning
Frequently asked questions
Can I import second-hand looms into India?
Yes, second-hand capital goods can generally be imported, but DGFT rules require supporting documents such as a chartered-engineer certificate on condition and residual life. Check current rules before buying.
Does textile machinery need BIS certification for import?
No BIS QCO currently covers textile machinery, according to our research. The machinery safety Omnibus Technical Regulation was reported repealed in January 2026.
Which countries supply textile machinery to India?
China supplies most low-cost looms, knitting and sewing machines; Italy, Germany, Japan and Switzerland supply premium weaving, spinning and finishing machinery.
What HS codes cover textile machinery and spares?
Weaving machines are HS 8446, spinning machines 8445, knitting machines 8447, spares and auxiliary machinery 8448, and sewing machines 8452.
Why focus on textile machine spares?
Spares such as ring travellers, spindles, heddles and needles wear out and are reordered regularly, giving steady repeat business across many mill clusters.
Import routes
Source textile machinery & spares for India
Tell us specification, volume and delivery city in India.