DRI, Customs step up vigil on gold smuggling after import duty hike to 15%
India raised gold and silver import duty from 6% to 15% effective May 13, 2026, prompting DRI and Customs to intensify enforcement across land and coastal routes. Syndicates in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal and northeastern transit states are under the scanner, with 2,600 kg and ₹254 crore in recent seizures cited.
India hiked gold/silver import duty from 6% to 15% effective May 13, 2026. DRI and Customs intensifying vigil against smuggling across land/coastal routes, targeting syndicates in Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, Gujarat, West Bengal and northeastern transit states.