National News
DGFT tightens gold export rules to plug loopholes in duty-free imports
In a decisive regulatory move aimed at tightening oversight on India’s gold trade, the government has amended export compliance norms for jewellery manufacturers under the Advance Authorization Scheme, closing long-standing loopholes that allowed misuse of duty-free imports. The latest amendment, issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), seeks to ensure that gold imported duty-free is genuinely used for export production and not diverted into the domestic market.
A Closer Look at the New Rules
Under the revised guidelines, exporters will now be required to fulfil their export obligations within 120 days from the date of import of each consignment. This new, uniform timeline replaces the earlier flexible window that often led to advance stocking and delayed exports.
Crucially, the DGFT has also made it clear that no extensions will be granted beyond this 120-day period, bringing stricter accountability to the system. This effectively aligns the policy with the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, which emphasizes streamlined trade procedures, better monitoring mechanisms, and transparent compliance.
The intent is clear — to ensure that the scheme’s benefits are reserved for genuine exporters and to curb speculative imports that distort trade figures and impact the current account deficit.
Why the Move Matters
The decision comes against the backdrop of an alarming rise in gold imports. In September 2025, India’s gold imports nearly doubled to $9.6 billion, up from $4.6 billion in August, driven by festive demand, rising consumer appetite, and speculative buying amid global price volatility.
This surge contributed significantly to the widening of India’s trade deficit, which ballooned to a 13-month high of $32.15 billion. With gold consistently ranking among India’s top import commodities — alongside crude oil and electronics — unchecked inflows have long been a source of concern for policymakers.
By tightening deadlines and plugging procedural gaps, the government aims to deter misuse of the advance authorization scheme, which permits import of raw materials, including gold, without payment of customs duty for manufacturing export products.
Industry Implications
The jewellery industry — which exports nearly $30 billion worth of gold and diamond jewellery annually — will now need to recalibrate its operational timelines and supply chain planning. The 120-day cap compels exporters to adopt a “just-in-time” approach, minimizing idle gold inventory and ensuring faster production cycles.
National News
DGSL launches India’s first structured insurance appraisal service for GJ sector
DGSL, one of India’s leading gems and jewellery testing and certification authorities, has announced the launch of specialized Insurance Appraisal Services for gems and jewellery, introducing what it describes as the country’s first structured, standards-driven appraisal service dedicated to insurance documentation.
The initiative seeks to address a long-standing gap in the Indian market, where jewellery insurance documentation has often lacked standardized gemological evaluation and globally aligned valuation methodologies / practices.
With the rising value of fine jewellery collections, heirloom pieces, and investment-grade gemstones, the demand for precise and internationally compliant insurance appraisals has grown significantly. DGSL’s appraisal reports include detailed gemstone identification, grading analysis, market-aligned valuation methodology, high-resolution imaging, and clearly defined value conclusions prepared specifically for insurance coverage purposes.
The reports aim to provide clarity and reliability for clients, insurers, and financial institutions by ensuring accurate replacement value assessments and minimizing ambiguity during insurance claims.
In a parallel development, Atul Jain, Director at DGSL, has been granted membership in the National Association of Jewelry Appraisers (NAJA), one of the world’s most respected professional organizations dedicated to jewellery appraisal standards, ethics, and professional education.
Jain, a Graduate Gemologist with more than four decades of experience in the jewellery trade, has played a significant role in gemological education, diamond grading, and jewellery authentication in India. His professional expertise spans natural diamonds, coloured gemstones, antique jewellery evaluation, and market advisory.

Atul. Jain said, “The introduction of structured insurance appraisal services marks an important evolution for the Indian jewellery industry. Jewellery today represents not only adornment but also heritage, investment, and emotional legacy. It deserves documentation that meets global standards of accuracy, transparency, and credibility.”
DGSL’s Insurance Appraisal Services will cater to private collectors, high-net-worth individuals, jewellery retailers, estate planners, financial institutions, and insurance providers. Each appraisal follows internationally accepted valuation principles while being adapted to the dynamics of both the Indian and global jewellery markets.
With over two decades of excellence in testing and certification, DGSL has built a reputation grounded in scientific accuracy, ethical practices, and client trust. The addition of Insurance Appraisal Services further strengthens DGSL’s position as a comprehensive authority in gemological certification and valuation.
This initiative sets a new benchmark for professionalism within India’s gems and jewellery sector, ensuring that valuable jewellery assets are not only authenticated but also properly valued and protected.
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