DGFT ties Chapter 71 silver imports to a valid DGFT Import Authorisation
Silver importers under the listed Chapter 71 codes must hold a valid DGFT Import Authorisation to clear shipments
Change
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amended the import policy condition for specific Chapter 71 silver ITC(HS) codes on 2 June 2026 with immediate effect, requiring that imports through nominated agencies and IIBX-route qualified jewellers be permitted only against a valid Import Authorisation issued by the DGFT.
Why it matters
Silver imported under codes 71061000, 71069110, 71069120, and 71069190 may now clear only against a valid DGFT Import Authorisation, even where the import route through RBI- or DGFT-nominated agencies or IIBX-route qualified jewellers was previously open without one. The authorisation requirement attaches to the consignment regardless of channel. Silver dore imported by refineries under an Actual User-condition licence is the one carve-out left unchanged.
Implications
- — Bullion import and customs-clearance teams importing silver powder, grains, or 99.9%-purity silver under the listed Chapter 71 codes must secure a valid DGFT Import Authorisation before shipment arrival — clearance without it is blocked, since the authorisation is now a precondition across all permitted channels.
- — Banks and nominated agencies and IIBX-route qualified jewellers handling silver imports must add the Import Authorisation check to their pre-import documentation file for each consignment, because the prior nominated-agency or IIBX route no longer substitutes for a DGFT authorisation.
Who is affected
- — Bullion import and customs-clearance teams importing silver under codes 71061000, 71069110, 71069120, 71069190
- — Banks, DGFT-nominated agencies, and IIBX-route qualified jewellers importing silver