Gold Import Rules– Govt Tightens Rules, Know the New Ones
This decision follows the government’s increase of the import duty on gold from 6% to 15%.
Gold Import Rules: The government has once again implemented stringent measures concerning gold. With immediate effect, the duty-free gold import rules for jewelry exporters have been tightened, limiting the amount to 100 kilograms. This significant action by the central government aims to reduce the escalating gold import bill and manage the domestic market. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has enforced stricter duty-free gold import regulations for gems and jewelry exporters right away.
Now, under Advance Authorization (AA), an exporter can import a maximum of 100 kilograms of gold duty-free per license. This change is expected to raise costs for the jewelry industry, which may directly affect gold prices in the future.
This decision follows the government’s increase of the import duty on gold from 6% to 15%. According to the new regulations, exporters applying for a license for the first time will have their manufacturing facilities inspected by regional officials to confirm the unit’s capacity and operational status. Exporters applying for a license again must meet their export obligation of at least 50% of their previous imports. If they fail to do so, a new import license will be denied.
The government will monitor closely
License holders are required to submit a report certified by an independent chartered accountant (CA) every 15 days to the regional authority, detailing their gold imports and exports. Regional officers must then send a consolidated report to the DGFT headquarters each month, allowing the central government to maintain direct oversight of gold transactions occurring throughout the country.
What prompted these stringent measures?
India’s gold imports during 2025-26 shattered all previous records. In terms of value, gold imports surged by over 24%, reaching a historic peak of $71.98 billion. Switzerland represents about 40% of all gold imports into India, followed by the United Arab Emirates (16%) and South Africa (10%).
Industry expressed concern
The All India Gems and Jewellery Council has expressed concern over the government’s decision. The industry believes that the steep increase in import duties and stricter regulations could boost the grey market and increase gold smuggling into the country.
Physical inspection of manufacturing unit mandatory
The government has also tightened the rules for first-time applicants. Physical inspection of the manufacturing unit of any applicant seeking advance authorization will now be mandatory. The relevant regional authority will visit the factory to verify whether the unit actually exists, its production capacity, and whether it is operational.
Furthermore, a second gold import permit will now be granted only if the company has fulfilled at least 50 percent of the export obligations under the previous approval. This means demonstrating exports first, then receiving the next import permit. The government’s goal is to strengthen transparency and tracking between gold imports and exports.
FAQs: People Also Ask
India's gold imports during 2025-26 shattered all previous records.
Now, under Advance Authorization (AA), an exporter can import a maximum of 100 kilograms of gold duty-free per license. This change is expected to raise costs for the jewelry industry, which may directly affect gold prices in the future.
This decision follows the government's increase of the import duty on gold from 6% to 15%. According to the new regulations, exporters applying for a license for the first time will have their manufacturing facilities inspected by regional officials to confirm the unit's capacity and…
License holders are required to submit a report certified by an independent chartered accountant (CA) every 15 days to the regional authority, detailing their gold imports and exports. Regional officers must then send a consolidated report to the DGFT headquarters each month, allowing the central…
India's gold imports during 2025-26 shattered all previous records. In terms of value, gold imports surged by over 24%, reaching a historic peak of $71.98 billion. Switzerland represents about 40% of all gold imports into India, followed by the United Arab Emirates (16%) and South…
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