India restricts silver bar imports, mandating govt authorisation after duty hike

New import restrictions on silver bars, layered atop a steep duty hike, will tighten bullion supply chains and pressure silver-heavy jewellery retailers including Tanishq, Kalyan, and Malabar. Sourcing costs and inventory planning face near-term disruption ahead of festive demand.

— Filed Sat, 16 May, 2026, 21:33 IST · Source BL · Consumer & Economy · Updated

India has restricted silver bar imports, mandating government authorization following a steep duty hike. The move aims to curb trade deficit pressures but will impact silver-heavy jewellery retailers and bullion supply chains.

Why this matters

Second policy shock in days: import licensing layered atop the 15% gold duty hike compounds margin and sourcing strain on jewellery retailers entering the festive window.

Retail-brand signals steady at 287 over the last 90 days, signaling sustained policy and brand activity.

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