DGFT Extends FY26 Gold Import Quota Licence Validity Under India-UAE CEPA Till Sept 30
DGFT has extended the validity of FY26 gold import tariff-rate quota licences under the India-UAE CEPA to September 30, 2026. Importers get a 1% duty concession on up to 200 tonnes annually—easing sourcing costs for jewellery retailers amid USD 15.4 billion in UAE gold imports.
What happened
DGFT extended validity of FY26 gold import TRQ licences under India-UAE CEPA till September 30, 2026, allowing importers concessional 1% duty on up to 200
Key facts
- 200 metric tonnes annual quota
- 1% tariff concession
- gold imports from UAE USD 15.4 billion FY26
- total gold imports USD 72 billion
- validity extended till 30.09.2026
Why this matters
The India-UAE CEPA quota extension strengthens the case for deepening UAE sourcing partnerships and evaluating supply-chain tie-ups that maximize the concessional-duty benefit.
What to watch
- DGFT quota-utilization data showing tonnage drawn under CEPA TRQ
- Any Customs circular tightening value-addition/origin rules on UAE gold
- Spot gold price and USD-INR moves altering the net effect of the 1% concession
- Festive-season demand indicators for gold jewellery volumes
- Signals of quota extension beyond Sept 30 or reallocation policy
- Organized jewellery retailers accelerate UAE sourcing procurement to lock quota volumes before Sept 30 validity window
- Treasury/import teams re-model landed gold cost and hedge USD-INR exposure on incremental UAE volumes
- Trade bodies lobby for higher quota allocation or simplified licence transfer for mid-tier importers
- Watch for competitor guidance mentioning gross-margin tailwind in upcoming quarterly commentary