How to Export Towels and Bed Linen from India: Specs, Compliance and Buyers
India is one of the world's largest suppliers of home textiles. Panipat, Karur, Solapur, Erode, Tirupur and Gujarat make towels, bed sheets, duvet covers, curtains and table linen for major retailers in the USA, Europe and Australia. Specifications differ by market, and large buyers check cotton origin and social compliance, so details decide whether a sample becomes an order.
To export towels and bed linen from India, get an IEC, GST registration with an LUT and an RCMC, usually from Texprocil (cotton textiles) or the Handloom EPC for handloom goods. Bed linen and towels fall under HS heading 6302. Agree the fabric, GSM or thread count, sizes for the target market, colours and packing, meet labelling and chemical rules, and be ready to prove the origin of the cotton.
Registrations you need
- IEC, GST and LUT: see the IEC guide and the LUT guide.
- RCMC: cotton made-ups usually register with Texprocil, and handloom products with the Handloom Export Promotion Council. See the RCMC guide.
- Incentives: made-ups are covered by RoSCTL. See export incentive schemes.
HS codes
- 6302 21 and 6302 31: printed and other bed linen of cotton, such as sheets, pillow covers and duvet covers.
- 6302 60: toilet and kitchen linen of terry towelling of cotton, which covers most bath towels.
- 6302 51 and 6302 91: table linen and other cotton linen.
- 6303 and 6304: curtains and other furnishing articles, such as bedspreads and cushion covers.
Confirm the code with your customs broker.
Specifications by product
- Towels: GSM (often 400 to 700), yarn (ring spun, zero twist, combed), pile type, border and dobby design, and sizes such as hand, bath and bath sheet.
- Sheets: thread count (often 180 to 600), weave (percale or sateen), yarn count and fibre (cotton, organic cotton, linen or blends).
- Sizes: follow the target market. US sizes are twin, full, queen and king, with deep-pocket fitted sheets; UK and EU sizes are different.
- Performance: shrinkage, colour fastness and absorbency limits, tested at an accredited lab.
Compliance and cotton traceability
Labels must show fibre content, origin and care instructions in line with each country's rules. Many retailers ask for OEKO-TEX Standard 100, GOTS for organic cotton, and social audits such as amfori BSCI, SMETA or WRAP. US buyers also ask for proof that the cotton did not come from regions covered by US forced labour import rules, so keep yarn and fibre supplier records for each order.
Packing, pricing and payment
Retail packs may be printed bands, bags or boxes with barcodes; bulk orders for hotels are packed in bales or cartons. Quote per piece or per set FOB, with GSM or thread count, size, colour and packing stated. Hospitality buyers order in large, repeat volumes; retailers need samples, lab tests and strict delivery windows. For new buyers, take an advance or a letter of credit.
Where to find home textile buyers
The USA is the largest market for Indian home textiles, followed by the UK, Germany, France, the Netherlands, Australia, Canada and the UAE. On BuyGenix you can see live cotton towel requirements, bed sheet buyers and the home textiles category.
Frequently asked questions
What is the HS code for cotton towels?
Cotton terry towels fall under HS code 6302 60.
Which council covers home textile exports?
Cotton made-ups usually register with Texprocil, and handloom products with the Handloom Export Promotion Council.
What GSM is used for export bath towels?
Most export bath towels are between 400 and 700 GSM. Hotels often choose 500 to 600 GSM for durability.
Why do buyers ask where the cotton came from?
US forced labour import rules and retailer policies require proof that cotton did not come from restricted regions, so buyers ask for yarn and fibre supplier records.
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