DGFT Clarifies Silver Import Rules Under ITC(HS) 71069221

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Dated: 16.10.2026

DGFT Clarifies Silver Import Rules Under ITC(HS) 71069221

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has clarified that silver classified under ITC(HS) 71069221 can be imported against a valid DGFT Import Authorisation, without any separate requirement for the importer to be a Nominated Agency, an IFSCA Qualified Jeweller, or an EOU—unless that condition is expressly written into the authorisation.

Silver Imports Under ITC(HS) 71069221 Are Restricted

The DGFT’s Policy Circular No. 02/2026-27, dated 9 October 2026, addresses trade queries concerning imports of silver under ITC(HS) 71069221.

The import policy for this tariff line was changed through DGFT Notification No. 17/2026-27 dated 16 May 2026. The status moved from “Free, subject to RBI regulation” to “Restricted, subject to Policy Condition No. 7 to Chapter 71.”

Under Paragraph 2.08 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, restricted goods may be imported only under a valid authorisation or through the procedure set out in a relevant DGFT notification or public notice. For silver under ITC(HS) 71069221, the central requirement is therefore a valid Import Authorisation issued by DGFT, except where an exemption under Policy Condition No. 7 applies.

A Valid DGFT Import Authorisation Is the Key Requirement

The circular confirms that DGFT Import Authorisations for restricted items are issued in the name of the authorisation holder. Each authorisation covers the specific item, quantity, and value stated in it, along with any conditions endorsed on the document.

As a result, the authorisation holder may import the silver directly in its own name if it complies with the authorisation’s stated conditions. The importer does not need to independently establish any of the following statuses merely to clear a consignment under ITC(HS) 71069221:

Nominated Agency notified by RBI or DGFT
IFSCA-notified Qualified Jeweller
Export-Oriented Unit (EOU)

These statuses become relevant only if the particular Import Authorisation specifically makes them a condition of import.

IIBX Imports Are Not Mandatory for This Silver Classification

The clarification also separates ITC(HS) 71069221 from the rules introduced through DGFT Notification No. 19/2026-27 dated 2 June 2026.

That notification amended conditions for ITC(HS) codes 71061000, 71069110, 71069120, and 71069190. For those specified codes, imports by Nominated Agencies and IFSCA-notified Qualified Jewellers through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) require a valid Import Authorisation.

However, ITC(HS) 71069221 is not among the tariff lines covered by Notification No. 19/2026-27. Therefore, its conditions—including the IIBX-related requirement—do not apply to silver classified under 71069221.

Import through IIBX is not mandatory for this category of silver unless the DGFT Import Authorisation itself expressly requires it.

What the Clarification Means for Importers and Customs

The DGFT has directed Customs authorities to process clearances of silver consignments under ITC(HS) 71069221 in accordance with this clarification, the relevant Import Authorisation, and the prevailing customs procedure.

In practical terms, an importer seeking clearance should ensure that its DGFT authorisation is valid, issued in its name, and accurately covers the imported silver’s classification, quantity, and declared value. Customs clearance should then be assessed against the conditions written on that authorisation, rather than against an additional Nominated Agency, Qualified Jeweller, EOU, or IIBX requirement that is not applicable to this tariff line.

Key Takeaway

For silver under ITC(HS) 71069221, a valid DGFT Import Authorisation is sufficient for import in the authorisation holder’s own name, subject to its stated conditions; separate status-based eligibility and mandatory IIBX routing do not apply unless specifically imposed in the authorisation.

In case you face any issues related to Indirect Tax-Customs, GST, Foreign Trade Policy (FTP), Arbitration matters and Central Licensing and related advisory matters in India then please feel free to get in touch with SJ EXIM Services.

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Source: DGFT

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