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DGFT  tightens gold export rules to plug loopholes in duty-free imports

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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.

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National News

MCX Gold, Silver Surge On Escalating Geopolitical Tensions

The Softer Dollar Provided Limited Support To Bullion, While Traders Largely Focused On The Geopolitical Backdrop and The Prospect Of Fresh Clues On U.S. Monetary Policy.

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Gold and silver prices edged higher in India on Monday as renewed geopolitical tensions in the Middle East boosted demand for safe-haven assets, even as investors remained cautious ahead of key U.S. inflation data expected later this week.

On the Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX), gold futures rose more than Rs 650 to trade above Rs 1.40 lakh per 10 grams, while silver futures gained nearly Rs 700 to move aboveRs Rs 2.18 lakh per kilogram. The advance reflected renewed risk aversion after the United States tightened pressure on Iran, rekindling concerns over the security of global energy supplies and the broader inflation outlook.

In international markets, spot gold rose about 0.4% to around $4,016 an ounce, recovering after briefly slipping below the psychologically important $4,000 level overnight. Spot silver also rebounded modestly but remained under pressure, trading near $58 an ounce.

The gains in precious metals came despite a relatively resilient U.S. dollar, which eased only marginally to around 101.2 against a basket of major currencies. The softer dollar provided limited support to bullion, while traders largely focused on the geopolitical backdrop and the prospect of fresh clues on U.S. monetary policy.

Energy markets reflected the same risk-off sentiment. U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude climbed toward $80 a barrel, while Brent crude advanced to around $85, extending gains as fears of supply disruptions returned to the forefront.

The latest catalyst came after President Donald Trump reinstated a blockade on Iranian vessels transiting the Strait of Hormuz and called on countries benefiting from U.S. naval protection to contribute toward securing the strategically vital shipping corridor. The move followed renewed hostilities between Washington and Tehran, heightening concerns that disruptions to one of the world’s busiest oil routes could fuel another wave of energy-driven inflation.

Higher oil prices have complicated the outlook for global central banks, particularly the U.S. Federal Reserve, which continues to balance inflation risks against slowing economic growth.

Investors are now turning their attention to the U.S. Consumer Price Index (CPI) data due Tuesday, which is expected to provide fresh direction for interest-rate expectations. Markets will also closely monitor Federal Reserve Chair Kevin Warsh’s testimony before Congress for signals on the central bank’s policy trajectory.

According to market pricing, traders now see roughly a 51% probability of a Federal Reserve rate hike in September, while the likelihood of rates remaining unchanged has fallen to about 23%.

For bullion markets, the interplay between geopolitical uncertainty, energy prices and monetary policy expectations is likely to remain the dominant theme. While safe-haven demand continues to underpin gold, any surprise in inflation data or a shift in the Federal Reserve’s policy outlook could determine whether the metal extends its rally or faces renewed selling pressure.

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