The United States is the world's largest buyer of Indian handmade rugs, and its import machinery reflects that: the path is well-trodden, the rules are knowable, and thousands of small businesses already walk it. Here is the US-specific layer on top of the standard import process.
Registration and Entry
There is no federal import licence for rugs. You import under your business's tax identification, and for commercial shipments above the informal-entry threshold you file a formal entry — in practice through a licensed customs broker — accompanied by a customs bond, which brokers arrange routinely. First-time importers should engage the broker before the goods sail, not after they land.
Duty and Classification
Rugs classify under Chapter 57, and the US schedule treats handmade construction kindly — hand-knotted and certain handwoven categories have historically attracted low or zero duty. Rates change and trade policy moves; confirm the current rate for your exact code with your broker before pricing a range.
US-Specific Compliance
- Textile labelling: fibre content, country of origin and identity of manufacturer or importer, under the Textile Fiber Products Identification Act — the factory sews compliant labels to your instruction.
- Flammability: carpets and rugs fall under CPSC flammability standards, with small rugs treated differently from large ones — an established export factory knows the drill.
- Origin marking: "Made in India" must survive to the consumer.
The Market Itself
American demand spans every construction, with strong e-commerce channels and a deep tradition of independent rug retail. Sizes run larger than Europe — 8×10ft and 9×12ft are core — and programmes built for US retail should stock accordingly. We have shipped to the US for decades, labels and testing paperwork included. Ask us for a US-ready quotation.