Importing Handicrafts from India to the USA in 2026: Tariffs, HTS Codes and Paperwork

Oct 6

3 min read

Updated: Oct 9

US boutiques, home decor brands and online sellers have been watching tariff news closely in 2026. The rules for Indian goods have changed more than once this year, so this guide sets out the position as of October 2026, the normal duty rates for common handicraft products, and the paperwork that keeps shipments moving. Because US trade policy can change quickly, confirm the current rate with your customs broker before each order. Use it as a checklist whenever you import handicrafts from India to the USA.

Container ship carrying export cargo to the USA

Where US tariffs on Indian goods stand (October 2026)

In short: Indian handicrafts entering the US currently pay the normal HTS duty rate plus an additional 10% under Section 301. There is no US–India trade deal in force, and the temporary Section 122 surcharge has expired.

How we got here: 2026 timeline

6 February 2026: a US–India joint statement set an 18% reciprocal tariff on Indian goods, naming home décor and artisanal products.
20 February 2026: after the Supreme Court ruled on IEEPA tariffs, the reciprocal tariffs and the additional duty linked to Russian oil purchases were ended.
24 February 2026: a temporary 10% import surcharge on all countries applied under Section 122. It ran for its 150-day limit and expired in late July 2026.
From 24 July 2026: Indian goods pay an additional 10% under a Section 301 action, on top of the normal HTS rate, unless an exemption applies. No end date has been set, and it remains in force as of October 2026.
September 2026: the Sanctioning Russia Act allows the US to impose tariffs of up to 100% on major buyers of Russian oil, a group that includes India. As of early October 2026, no such tariff has been applied to Indian goods.
Trade talks: there is no US–India trade agreement yet, and negotiations had stalled as of early October 2026.

Sources: White House joint statement · Ending Certain Tariff Actions · Federal Register – Section 301 actions (28 July 2026)

Typical HTS codes when you import handicrafts from India to the USA

These general rates are from the Harmonized Tariff Schedule; the additional 10% applies on top. Classification depends on the exact product, so confirm it with your broker.

Ceramic tableware, not porcelain (6912): mugs 10%, other tableware 9.8%, other articles 6%.
Ornamental ceramics, not porcelain (6913.90.50): 6%.
Wooden ornaments and boxes (4420): typically 3.2%; some cases 4.3%.
Printed cotton bed linen, plain (6302.21.90): 6.7%.
Cotton handbags and tote bags (4202.22.45 / 4202.92.15): 6.3%.

Check any code at the USITC HTS search.

De minimis has ended for small parcels

The $800 de minimis exemption was suspended indefinitely for all shipping routes from 24 June 2026. Even small sample or online-order parcels from India now go through formal or informal entry and may attract duty. Budget for this when you order samples.

Source: Federal Register – suspension of de minimis (all modes)

Lacey Act declarations for wooden handicrafts

Wood carvings, boxes and other articles in heading 4420 have needed a Lacey Act plant declaration since 2009. The declaration lists the genus and species of the wood and the country of harvest. Since 1 January 2026, APHIS no longer accepts paper forms, so declarations are filed electronically through ACE or LAWGS. Ask your supplier for the botanical name of every wood used, including in mixed resin-and-wood pieces.

Source: USDA APHIS – File a Lacey Act declaration

Other practical points

Mark goods “Made in India” legibly and permanently, as US origin-marking rules require.
For ocean freight, your broker files the Importer Security Filing before loading.
Ceramic items for food use must meet FDA lead limits (see our blue pottery and FDA guide).

Kraft Bharat is a handmade handicraft manufacturer and exporter in India supplying US retailers. We provide HTS suggestions, botanical wood details for Lacey Act filings and origin-marked packaging. Request a US quotation.

This article reflects publicly available information as of October 2026 and is not legal or customs advice. Tariffs may change; confirm with a licensed customs broker.