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.

— FiledWed, 13 May, 2026, 14:28 IST·First seen Wed, 13 May, 2026, 14:25 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

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,

Key facts

  • 15%
  • 6%
  • 15.4%
  • 6.4%
  • 260 kg
  • ₹254 crore
  • 55.90%
  • 43.70%
  • 0.50%
  • 2600 kg
  • 533

Why this matters

Duty-driven arbitrage widens the gap between compliant and grey-market operators, opening acquisition windows for regional jewellery chains unable to absorb compliance costs or finance higher working capital.