Silk Fabric Import: HS Codes, Duty Rates and Documentation for Global Buyers

India is the world's second-largest silk producer and the largest consumer. For international buyers, this means a deep, mature supply chain — particularly for Mulberry silk (the highest-quality silk variety) produced in Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Tamil Nadu, and West Bengal. But silk is also one of the more complex textile categories to import, with specific HS code classifications, varying duty rates by destination, and documentation requirements that can delay customs clearance by weeks if missed.

This guide gives international importers a practical reference for silk imports from India.

Understanding Silk Categories

Before classifying for customs, you need to know what type of silk you are buying:

• Mulberry silk — Produced from Bombyx mori silkworms fed on mulberry leaves. The highest quality and most commercially significant variety. ~90% of global silk production.
• Tussar (Tasar) silk — Wild silk, with a textured, gold-toned appearance. Produced primarily in India.
• Eri silk — Made from Eri silkworm; a more sustainable, "peace silk" option where the worm is not killed.
• Muga silk — Premium golden silk produced only in Assam, India. Geographically protected.

HS Codes for Silk Imports

The Harmonised System classification for silk falls under Chapter 50. Key codes:

• 5001 — Silk-worm cocoons suitable for reeling
• 5002 — Raw silk (not thrown)
• 5004 — Silk yarn (other than yarn spun from silk waste), not put up for retail sale
• 5005 — Yarn spun from silk waste
• 5006 — Silk yarn put up for retail sale
• 5007 — Woven fabrics of silk or of silk waste
• 6214.10 — Silk scarves, shawls, mufflers
• 6204 — Silk women's apparel

Within 5007, sub-codes distinguish between fabrics containing 85%+ silk and blends. Get the sub-code right — the duty rate often varies significantly.

Duty Rates by Major Destination

European Union: Most silk fabric imports under HS 5007 attract 5–7% MFN duty. Under the EU's Generalised Scheme of Preferences (GSP+), India lost preferential access in 2014, so MFN rates apply. The exception is silk yarn (5004), which enters duty-free under MFN.

United States: Silk fabric duty varies by sub-classification but typically ranges from 0% (silk yarn, 5004) to 1.5–5% (woven silk fabric). Under HTS 5007.20, much silk fabric enters duty-free.

United Kingdom (post-Brexit): Largely mirrors EU rates. Silk fabric attracts 5–7% MFN.

UAE: Standard 5% customs duty on most textile imports.

Australia: Duty-free for most silk imports under the India-Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA) signed in 2022.

Japan: Silk yarn duty-free; woven fabric 0–6% depending on category. Significant differentials apply for fabrics containing specific weave structures.

Always verify current rates with your customs broker — these can change with budget cycles.

Required Documentation

Standard documentation pack for silk import:

• Commercial invoice (with HS code, FOB/CIF value, country of origin)
• Packing list (with gross/net weight per carton)
• Bill of lading or air waybill
• Certificate of Origin (Form A or CEPA/ECTA certificate where applicable)
• Phytosanitary certificate (some EU member states require this for silk imports)
• Test certificate confirming fibre composition (mandatory for retail-ready goods under EU Regulation 1007/2011 and the US Textile Fiber Products Identification Act)
• For organic/GOTS or peace silk claims: respective Transaction Certificate

Common Customs Delay Triggers

The most frequent causes of customs delays for silk imports:

1. HS code mismatch — The shipper's invoice shows one code; the actual product fits another. Customs will request reclassification, delaying clearance 5–10 days.
2. Missing fibre composition certificate — Particularly for EU imports of finished goods.
3. Discrepancy between commercial invoice and bill of lading — Description, weight, or value mismatch.
4. Incorrect Country of Origin certificate — The wrong CO type for the duty benefit being claimed.
5. Plant/animal product flags — Silk sometimes triggers veterinary or phytosanitary review, particularly when shipped with natural-fibre packaging.

How to Minimise Customs Risk

Before the first shipment:

• Have your customs broker confirm the HS code based on the exporter's pre-shipment sample
• Request a draft set of documents 7 days before shipment for review
• Confirm that the commercial invoice shows the same product description, value, and HS code as the bill of lading
• For first imports above $25,000, request an independent fibre composition lab report

Pricing and MOQ Reference

For wholesale Mulberry silk fabric from India, typical references:

• Mulberry silk chiffon (8mm, 140cm wide) — $5–8 per metre FOB, MOQ 500 metres per colour
• Mulberry silk crepe-de-chine (12mm) — $7–12 per metre FOB, MOQ 300–500 metres
• Mulberry silk satin (16mm) — $10–15 per metre FOB, MOQ 300 metres
• Mulberry silk habotai (8mm) — $4–7 per metre FOB, MOQ 500 metres
• Silk twill (20mm) — $14–22 per metre FOB

"mm" refers to "momme" — the standard weight measure for silk fabric. Higher momme = heavier fabric = higher price.

Lead Times

Standard lead times from PO:

• Stock silk fabric: 7–14 days to ship
• Made-to-order solid colours: 30–45 days
• Digital print runs: 35–50 days
• Custom weave or jacquard programmes: 60–90 days

About Blueridge Trade LLP

Blueridge Trade LLP operates a dual business model. Our textile division is a direct manufacturer — we own and operate the production of our cashmere, Merino wool, silk, organic cotton, and blended fabric programmes, controlling quality from fibre sourcing through finishing. This vertical integration is what allows us to guarantee Grade A specifications and offer competitive private-label terms to international brands.

Beyond textiles, we operate as a trading and sourcing partner for industrial commodities (copper, aluminium, zinc and tungsten scrap), botanicals and spices, export-grade packaging, and consumables. In these categories we leverage a vetted network of Indian producers rather than manufacturing in-house — giving international buyers a single consolidated point of contact for both textile manufacturing and broader Indian sourcing requirements.