Centre curbs silver imports, caps gold under Advance Authorisation at 100kg per applicant

DGFT tightens bullion inflows: silver imports restricted, gold imports under AA scheme capped at 100kg with mandatory inspections, 50% export obligation and fortnightly reporting. Squeezes sourcing for Tanishq, Kalyan, Malabar as FY26 gold imports hit $71.98bn across 721 tonnes.

— Source publishedSat, 16 May, 2026, 19:40 IST·First seen Sat, 16 May, 2026, 19:49 IST·Source Times of India · Business

What happened

Government of India · Centre restricts silver imports and tightens gold import norms under Advance Authorisation scheme, capping gold at 100kg, mandating

Key facts

  • 100 kg gold AA cap
  • 15% import duty
  • 3% IGST
  • $71.98 billion gold imports FY26
  • 721.03 tonnes
  • 50% export obligation

Why this matters

The cap creates a strategic premium on owning refining capacity, bonded-warehouse partnerships and export-linked subsidiaries — scout bolt-on refiners, jewellery exporters with unused AA headroom, and silver-recycling assets before peers bid them up.