DGFT Fast-Tracks Silver Bullion Import Authorisations from 15 October 2026

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has opened a simpler, quicker route for traders who need an import authorisation to bring in silver bullion. Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27, dated 13 October 2026, prescribes a fast-track procedure for import authorisations under ITC(HS) Chapter 7106, applicable to fresh and revised applications submitted on or after 15 October 2026.

This matters because silver bullion is a "Restricted" import item. Earlier in 2026, several silver tariff lines — including 71069110, 71069120, 71069221 and 71069229 — were moved from "Free" to "Restricted," meaning an import needs a valid DGFT authorisation rather than being cleared on the strength of a bill of entry alone. The new trade notice does not change that status; it streamlines how a genuine applicant obtains the authorisation.

What Happened

DGFT has set out a self-declaration-based, expedited pathway for silver bullion (excluding silver dore) authorisations. The core bargain is straightforward: if an applicant commits to importing on full customs duty at the generally applicable rate — without claiming any concessional duty benefit — and files a complete, well-justified application, that application can be taken up for faster disposal.

Applicants with authorisation requests already pending on the DGFT portal get a one-time opportunity: those applications are being marked "Deficient," and the applicant can revise them and add the required self-declaration to move into the fast-track stream.

Why / Background

Restricting silver imports was intended to give the government visibility and control over bullion inflows. The practical side effect was a queue of licence applications and uncertainty for jewellers, bullion dealers and manufacturers who rely on a steady, lawful supply. The fast-track procedure is a facilitation measure — a way to clear bona fide demand quickly while keeping the restriction and its sourcing discipline intact.

Who's Affected

The notice is relevant to importers of silver bullion under Chapter 7106 — bullion dealers, jewellery manufacturers and exporters, and trading houses — as well as the customs house agents and consultants who file their authorisation applications.

Operational Detail

Key features of the procedure:

• Self-declaration: The applicant declares that imports will be made on payment of customs duty at the generally applicable rate, without claiming concessional duty.
• Complete, justified application: Applications must be filed electronically on the DGFT portal, meet the prescribed conditions, and carry a reasoned justification for the quantity and value of silver sought.
• Sourcing discipline: Silver must be procured exclusively through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) or a Nominated Bank/Agency notified under Appendix 4B of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
• Validity: Each authorisation is reported to be valid for six months from issuance and not eligible for extension, so planning the import window matters.
• Pending applications: Those already in the queue can be revised once to add the self-declaration.
• DGFT discretion: DGFT may still seek additional information or examine any application in detail; the fast-track is a facilitation, not an automatic grant.

What Importers Should Do Now

• Decide whether the full-duty, no-concession basis works for your commercials before opting in; the fast-track is built around that declaration.
• File (or revise a pending application) on the DGFT portal with the self-declaration and a clear, defensible justification for quantity and value.
• Line up your sourcing through IIBX or a Nominated Agency under Appendix 4B — imports outside these channels will not fit the procedure.
• Map your six-month authorisation window to shipment and payment timelines, since no extension is available.

What CHAs and Consultants Should Do Now

• Flag clients with pending silver authorisation requests so they use the one-time revision window rather than waiting.
• Build the self-declaration and quantity/value justification into your standard application template for Chapter 7106.

The Bigger Picture

This trade notice sits alongside DGFT's earlier Policy Circular clarifying that a valid import authorisation is sufficient for silver under ITC(HS) 71069221 (without extra Nominated-Agency or Qualified-Jeweller conditions unless the authorisation says so). Read together, they show the government trying to keep bullion imports controlled but not gridlocked — restriction on paper, facilitation in practice — as the festive and wedding-season demand for precious metals runs high.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this make silver bullion "Free" to import again? No. Silver bullion remains "Restricted." The notice only streamlines how to obtain the required authorisation.

What is the trade-off for the fast-track? The applicant self-declares that imports will bear full customs duty at the generally applicable rate, with no concessional benefit claimed.

Where must I source the silver? Through the IIBX or a Nominated Bank/Agency notified under Appendix 4B of FTP 2023.

How long is the authorisation valid? Reported as six months from issuance, with no extension — so align your import schedule accordingly.

I already have a pending application. Do I lose my place? No. Pending applications are being marked "Deficient" so you can revise them once and add the self-declaration to join the fast-track.

Conclusion

For bullion importers who can live with a full-duty basis, Trade Notice 30/2026-27 is a welcome unclogging of the silver authorisation pipeline. The practical keys are a clean, well-justified application, disciplined sourcing through IIBX or a Nominated Agency, and tight management of the non-extendable six-month window.

This article is for general guidance only. Confirm the exact requirements against DGFT Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27 and the current ITC(HS) import policy on the official DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) before acting.