DGFT Introduces Faster Import Authorisations for Silver Bullion

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Dated: 17.10.2026

DGFT Introduces Faster Import Authorisations for Silver Bullion

India’s Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced a simplified, self-declaration-based route to speed up import authorisations for specified silver bullion products, while retaining regulatory oversight and traceable sourcing requirements.

What has changed

Silver items under ITC(HS) codes 71069110, 71069120, 71069221 and 71069229 were moved from the Free import category to Restricted under notifications issued in May and June 2026. Importers must therefore obtain an authorisation through the DGFT portal.

Under Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27, DGFT has created an expedited processing route for eligible applications. The measure is intended to reduce processing time for genuine importers and improve ease of doing business.

Who can use the expedited procedure

The simplified route applies to imports of the specified silver items, excluding silver dore, where the importer provides a self-declaration confirming that customs duty will be paid at the generally applicable rate.

To qualify, applicants must confirm that they will not claim any customs-duty concession for the proposed imports. Applications outside this category will continue to undergo detailed examination under the applicable import-policy provisions.

Application requirements

Applicants must apply through the DGFT portal and complete all mandatory fields in the online form. Each application must include a reasoned explanation supporting the quantity and value of silver proposed for import.

For expedited processing, applicants must also submit the prescribed self-declaration. DGFT may accept the information on the basis of that declaration, but the importer remains fully responsible for ensuring that all submitted information is correct and complete.

Transitional relief for pending applications

DGFT has provided a one-time opportunity for applicants whose authorisation requests were already pending on the portal. These applications will be marked as deficient, allowing applicants to revise the submission, add required declarations, and align the request with the simplified procedure.

Once revised, the application will be processed under the new framework.

Effective date and authorisation validity

Fresh applications and revised pending applications submitted on or after 15 October 2026 may be processed through the simplified route, provided they are complete and meet all stated conditions.

Each import authorisation issued under this procedure will be valid for six months from its date of issue. Extensions are not available.

Mandatory regulated sourcing channels

Authorisations issued under the new procedure will require the approved silver to be procured only through either:

the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX); or
Nominated Banks/Agencies listed in Appendix 4B of the Foreign Trade Policy 2023, as amended.

This requirement is designed to route imports through regulated channels and improve transaction transparency and traceability.

DGFT retains scrutiny powers

The expedited procedure does not remove DGFT’s authority to request additional records or conduct a detailed review. DGFT may scrutinise any application where necessary to verify declarations and ensure compliance with statutory and policy requirements.

In practical terms, the new mechanism offers faster processing for importers willing to pay normal customs duty without concessions, but it does not reduce their responsibility for accurate disclosures, policy compliance, or regulated sourcing.

Key takeaway

The new framework balances trade facilitation with control: eligible silver-bullion importers can receive faster authorisations through self-declaration, while duty treatment, source-channel restrictions, six-month validity, and DGFT verification safeguards remain in place.

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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