National News

WGC Cautions Against Gold Import Duty Hike in Budget 2025

The World Gold Council (WGC) has raised concerns over the potential impact of an increase in gold import duties in the upcoming Union Budget for 2025. The government’s decision to lower the import duty on gold in July 2024 had a significantly positive effect on the industry. It led to a reduction in informal gold imports, stabilized official channels, and fostered a more transparent and organized market. The WGC highlighted that raising duties now could lead to a surge in smuggling, drive up domestic gold prices, and negatively impact the sector’s growth.

Published

2 years ago

January 27, 2025

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Sachin Jain, Regional CEO of WGC India, emphasized the importance of maintaining the current customs duty to ensure continued stability in the market. He pointed out that any increase in import duties could reverse the progress made over the last year, especially as the gold industry contributes approximately 1.3% to India’s GDP and provides employment to 20-30 lakh people. Jain called on the government, financial institutions, and industry players to work together to preserve the positive momentum in the market, fostering an environment where the gold sector can continue to thrive.

The government’s budget announcement on February 1 will be closely watched, particularly as India grapples with weak GDP growth and a slowdown in consumption. With expectations for progressive, industry-friendly measures, the WGC hopes that the government will maintain its stance on reducing gold taxes and focus on measures that support economic growth while benefiting all stakeholders in the gold industry.

National News

IFSCA Notifies India Good Delivery Gold Framework

GJEPC Seeks Swift Rollout and Global Recognition. The Framework Is Expected To Strengthen Responsible Sourcing, Build Confidence In Indian-Refined Gold and Create Opportunities For Bullion Exports.

Published

23 hours ago

October 17, 2026

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GJEPC has urged the Government to expedite international recognition and the implementation of the India Good Delivery Gold framework, following the notification of the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) (Good Delivery) Guidelines, 2026. The framework is expected to strengthen responsible sourcing, build confidence in Indian-refined gold and create opportunities for bullion exports.

The guidelines establish a framework for quality assurance, responsible sourcing and traceability in gold refining. IFSCA, India’s unified regulator for financial products, services and institutions operating in International Financial Services Centres, will implement the framework through the Bullion Exchange in the IFSC. Gold from accredited refiners that meets the prescribed requirements can qualify for delivery on IFSC exchanges and for over-the-counter trading.

The framework extends beyond the purity and quality of gold bars to address their provenance. Refiners must trace raw gold to its source, assess supply-chain risks, verify suppliers and beneficial owners, and meet applicable responsible-sourcing requirements. Independent third-party audits will provide additional assurance.

The initiative follows the recommendations by NITI Aayog, a policy think tank, which had called for an India Good Delivery Standard and responsible-sourcing guidelines for refineries. The report highlighted the potential of domestic refining to retain more value within India, generate employment and support exports.