Dubai, May 21, 2025 –India has recently made a major change in the rules of importing new gold and silver from the UAE. These changes have come into force from 20 May 2025. The aim of the government is to bring transparency to business and stop the incorrect use of exemptions. The new gold and silver import rules from UAE are designed to address these concerns. There has been an agreement between India and the UAE, called the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
Under this agreement, the UAE is allowed to bring limited quantities of gold and silver to India at a low import duty. However, some importers have been misusing this discount, for example, by mixing platinum in the name of alloys to pay a lower fee. To address this, the government of India has made the gold and silver import rules from the UAE stricter. Now, only companies and jewelers recognized by the government and holding valid Tariff Rate Quotas (TRQ) can import gold and silver from the UAE. These are part of the new gold and silver import rules from UAE.
Gold Silver Import Rules From UAE: What Has Changed?
According to the new gold and silver import rules from UAE, the import process for gold and silver from the UAE is now limited and controlled, specifically in unwrought, half-manufactured, and powdered forms. Only a few select and government-recognized institutions are allowed to import, including:
- Nominated agencies: Government or semi-governmental institutions specially approved by the Government of India or the RBI, considered reliable and experienced.
- Qualified Jewellers: Prestigious jewelers with international trade experience, recognized by the Government of India, especially under the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX).
- Holders of Valid TRQs: Importers are allowed to bring gold and silver at a limited discount rate, but only with a valid and recognized TRQ license.
Importers in all these categories must be registered and valid under CEPA. Only companies or institutions that fully comply with the trade agreement can import under this new system. The aim is to bring transparency, stop unauthorized trade, and ensure only responsible and certified institutions import gold and silver to India, protecting government revenue and reducing market disorder. The new gold and silver import rules from UAE are central to this new approach.
Why India Updated the Import Rules?
The main objective of the new gold and silver import rules from UAE is to prevent misuse of business agreements and protect the country’s economic interests. Recently, some importers exploited the rules by declaring gold as platinum alloy to pay less import duty, causing significant losses to the government and creating market imbalance. To prevent such cases, the government has made the rules stricter so that only valid and recognized institutions can import gold and silver from the UAE. This move increases transparency and ensures fair competition for honest businesses. It also aims to stop revenue losses and ensure respect for international trade rules.
Main Highlights of the New Import Policy
- Tax exemption under CEPA: India will now give a customs discount of 1% on 200 metric tonnes of gold imports annually from the UAE, meaning this gold will be charged 14% duty instead of 15%. For silver, India has allowed a 7% duty exemption with no quantity limit, so silver can be imported at low duty in unlimited quantities under the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
- Use of Specific HS Codes: New Harmonized System (HS) codes have been implemented for gold, silver, and high-purity platinum to prevent tax evasion. This ensures accurate reporting and transparency as per the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
- Limited institutions allowed to import: Only recognized institutions, such as agencies nominated by the RBI and DGFT or IFSCA-recognized jewelers through the IIBX, can import gold and silver from the UAE.
The aim of these limitations is to ensure only responsible and certified individuals handle imports, preventing disturbances and protecting the country’s interests. The New Gold and Silver Import Rules From UAE are designed to achieve these objectives.
Impact of the New Rules
These changes will directly affect all people and institutions involved in this business. Now, only those with valid TRQ and government approval can import gold and silver from the UAE. Merchants or jewelers importing without TRQ or permission may face strict action, including fines or loss of import rights. All traders are advised to understand and comply with the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
For the government, these changes will help stop revenue losses from tax evasion and bring stability to the domestic market. Honest businesses will be strengthened, and the rules are now more transparent and secure due to the New Gold and Silver Import Rules From UAE.
Challenges That May Arise
- Application and monitoring: Ensuring only authorized institutions import gold and silver will require strong coordination between departments like DGFT, RBI, Customs, and IFSCA. Strict monitoring systems are needed to prevent rule violations in line with the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
- Impact on international relations: Although the rules align with the CEPA agreement, UAE exporters may need time to adapt. India must maintain diplomatic dialogue with the UAE to ensure smooth business relations under the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
The Gold Silver Import Rules from UAE, implemented by the Government of India, are a major step to control precious metal imports, prevent misuse of agreements, and protect economic interests. Only government-recognized institutions can import gold and silver from the UAE, using specific HS codes for transparency. The New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE aim to bring honesty to business, stop tax evasion, and ensure fair competition. All stakeholders must understand and follow these rules or face strict penalties. These changes will benefit the country and the industry in the long run, as envisioned by the New Gold and Silver Import Rules from UAE.
