National News
GJEPC leadership meets Hon’ble Finance Minister to discuss industry growth and key issues
The leadership of the GJEPC met with the Hon’ble Finance Minister, Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, to discuss pressing issues and the way forward for the gem and jewellery industry. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and Shaunak Parekh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, along with Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, engaged in a courtesy meeting with the Hon’ble Minister, highlighting key challenges faced by the industry.
The discussions focused on the inclusion of India Jewellery Park, Mumbai in the harmonised infrastructure list to accelerate industry growth. The leadership also extended an invitation to the Hon’ble Minister to visit the Indian Institute of Gems & Jewellery (IIGJ) Udupi, showcasing the industry’s commitment to skill development and employment generation.
National News
Smuggled Gold Distorting India’s Bullion Market
Sharp Rise In Smuggled Gold, Driven Largely By The May 2026 Hike In Import Duty To 15%, Which Has Made The Grey Market Significantly Cheaper Than Legal Channels and Squeezed Legitimate Dealers and Jewellers
India’s bullion market is being skewed by a sharp rise in smuggled gold, driven largely by the May 2026 hike in import duty to 15%, which has made the grey market significantly cheaper than legal channels and squeezed legitimate dealers and jewellers.
Market distortion and price gap
- Smuggled gold is now selling at discounts of up to Rs 8,000 per 10 grams compared with official prices, creating a wide arbitrage that undercuts compliant traders.
- Industry executives warn that this price gap is a clear signal of an active grey market, disadvantaging genuine bullion dealers and organised jewellers who pay full duty and taxes.
Scale of illegal inflows
- Industry estimates suggest more than 100 tonnes of gold could enter India through illegal channels in 2026, echoing past surges in smuggling after earlier duty hikes.
- Despite the higher tariff, India’s gold import bill rose 24% to a record $71.9 billion in FY26, even as physical volumes fell to about 721 tonnes, indicating persistent demand being met partly via unofficial routes.
Enforcement response
- Revenue intelligence agencies, particularly the Directorate of Revenue Intelligence (DRI), have intensified operations against organised smuggling networks using airports, land borders, coastal routes and domestic road transport
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