DGFT tightens duty-free gold import rules for jewellery exporters with 100 kg AA cap

DGFT has overhauled duty-free gold sourcing for jewellery exporters: Advance Authorisations capped at 100 kg, facility inspections mandated, fortnightly CA-certified reports required, and 50% export obligation must be met before fresh licences. Move follows gold import duty hike from 6% to 15%.

— FiledThu, 14 May, 2026, 21:00 IST·First seen Thu, 14 May, 2026, 22:46 IST·Source BL · Consumer & Economy

What happened

DGFT tightened duty-free gold import rules for jewellery exporters, capping Advance Authorisations at 100 kg, mandating facility inspections, fortnightly

Key facts

  • 15% gold import duty
  • 6% previous duty
  • 100 kg AA cap
  • 50% export obligation threshold

Why this matters

Expect consolidation openings as smaller exporters squeezed by the 100 kg cap and export-obligation gate become acquisition or licensing targets for scaled players with surplus AA headroom.