India's 15% gold duty return revives smuggling fears for organised jewellers
Reinstated 15% gold import duty reopens the smuggling-versus-CAD debate. Jewellers warn the higher levy could redirect demand to grey-market channels, squeezing compliant organised retailers as wedding and festival demand remains price-inelastic.
What happened
Indian Jewellery Industry · India's reinstatement of 15% gold import duty reignites debate on smuggling versus current account management. Jewellers warn the
Key facts
- 15%
Why this matters
Higher duty widens the cost gap versus unorganised players, creating M&A and consolidation openings as smaller compliant jewellers struggle to absorb the levy.