18% effective gold import tax threatens grey-market surge as organized share hits 36%

World Gold Council flags 18% combined tax burden (10% BCD + 5% cess + 3% GST) risks reviving grey channels despite organized retail quadrupling share from 9% to 36% in five years. Blockchain-led 'Gold as a Service' model emerges as structural reshape for India's 350,000 jewelers.

— Filed Tue, 19 May, 2026, 14:20 IST · Source Business Today · Latest · Updated

Effective 18% gold import tax burden risks widening grey-market activity even as organized jewelry retail share jumped from 9% to 36% in five years. Report flags emerging blockchain-enabled 'Gold as a Service' model reshaping India's jewelry ecosystem.