National News
Govt Extends Compliance Timelines for Gems & Jewellery Sector by 30 Days
Re-Export Timelines Extended and Procedural Relaxations Introduced To Support Exporters Facing Geopolitical Challenges
In response to geopolitical disruptions impacting global trade and logistics, the government has announced a one-time procedural relaxation for the gems & jewellery sector.
The re-export period for imported diamonds sent for certification/grading has been extended to 120 days from 90 days. Additionally, the timeline for re-import of gems and jewellery exported for overseas exhibitions has been increased by 30 days beyond the existing limit.
The export period for Foreign Buyer supplies has also been extended to 120 days, according to the Directorate General of Foreign Trade. Further, timelines under replenishment, outright purchase, and loan basis exports have been enhanced.
These measures aim to ease compliance requirements, reduce procedural stress, and ensure smoother export transactions amid delays caused by the ongoing West Asia conflict.
Importantly, exporters will not be required to file separate applications, nor pay any amendment or composition fees to avail this relief. Customs authorities have been directed to facilitate transactions subject to verification, ensuring business continuity and greater certainty for trade.
In response to geopolitical tensions in West Asia, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has introduced facilitative provisions under HBP-2023, extending export and import timelines for the gems and jewellery sector by 30 days without requiring any fees or applications.
Key changes include extending the re-export period for diamonds sent for certification/grading from 90 to 120 days, along with similar relief for exports involving precious metals supplied by foreign buyers. Timelines have also been eased for the re-import of jewellery from overseas exhibitions and exports under replenishment, outright purchase, and loan schemes.
The one-time relaxation aims to ensure smooth transaction completion, reduce logistical disruptions, and maintain continuity in trade flows. Exporters can avail of the extension without filing fresh applications or paying additional charges, while customs authorities will process transactions after necessary verification.
Industry stakeholders attribute the disruptions to recent geopolitical tensions, including the US-Israel attack on Iran, which has impacted air and sea routes across the Middle East.
Welcoming the move, former Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) chairman Colin Shah said the extension offers timely relief to exporters facing shipment challenges, expressing hope for improved conditions soon.
National News
Gold Industry Proposes New Strategy To Cut Imports and Boost Local Economy
Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) Has Proposed A Two-Track System To Manage Gold More Efficiently
Following Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s call to reduce gold imports and foreign travel, major Indian bullion and jewellery bodies have submitted a new plan to the government and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). The strategy aims to lower the nation’s trade deficit by tapping into the estimated 30,000 tonnes of gold sitting in Indian households.
This move comes after India’s gold imports jumped 24% to a record $71.9 billion in the 2025-26 financial year, with over 721 tonnes of gold brought into the country.
The New Strategy: Two Separate Systems
The Precious Metals Refineries Forum (PMRF) has proposed a two-track system to manage gold more efficiently:
- For Exporters:Â Imported gold should be strictly saved for jewellery exporters using one-year Gold Metal Loans (GML).
- For Local Buyers:Â Domestic demand should be met entirely by recycling household gold. This gold would be collected from citizens, refined locally, and sold back through jewellers and retailers.
Under this plan, people who deposit their idle gold could earn 2% to 2.5% interest, while businesses taking gold loans would pay an interest rate of 3% to 4%.
Fixing Why Past Schemes Failed
Previous government gold schemes failed to gain traction primarily because they left out local jewellers and lacked a proper banking structure. Without a joined-up system, institutions faced high financial risks from changing gold prices.
To fix this, trade bodies are calling for a complete system that includes:
- Direct involvement of trusted local jewellers. The schemes did not take off in the past because jewellers were not part of them. About 10% to 20% of family gold is held as bars or coins.
- Strong bank backing and secure storage vaults across the country.
- Tax incentives, such as removing the 3% GST loss when physical gold is converted into Electronic Gold Receipts (EGR), and offering income tax relief on the interest earned.
Industry Support
Industry experts say a smooth system is already possible. Collection and purity testing centres have confirmed that collected household gold can be processed within 48 hours and safely moved to secure, bank-approved vaults.
Representatives from the Indian Bullion and Jewellers Association (IBJA) recently held discussions with RBI officials to fast-track these changes.
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