DGFT Opens a Fast-Track Import Authorisation Route for Silver Bullion from 15 October 2026

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has created a quicker way for importers to obtain authorisations for specified silver items. Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27, dated 13 October 2026, sets out a simplified, fast-track procedure that applies to fresh applications and revised pending applications filed on or after 15 October 2026. The route is open to importers willing to declare upfront that they will pay customs duty at the generally applicable rate and will not claim any concessional-duty benefit. Silver in these categories remains "Restricted," so an import authorisation is still required — but eligible applicants can now get one faster.

What Happened

Specified silver items under ITC(HS) Chapter 7106 (excluding silver dore) are "Restricted" for import, meaning each consignment needs a DGFT authorisation. The new procedure introduces an expedited track with these features:

• The importer files a self-declaration on the DGFT portal stating it will pay customs duty at the generally applicable rate and will not claim concessional duty benefits.
• Applications with this declaration are processed on a fast-track basis; applications without it remain subject to detailed scrutiny.
• Applicants must still justify the quantity and value of silver proposed to be imported.
• Authorisations are valid for six months and cannot be extended.
• Imports must be sourced only through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX) or nominated banks/agencies listed under Appendix 4B of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023.
• Pending applications marked "Deficient" get a one-time opportunity to revise and re-apply under the new procedure.
• DGFT retains the right to seek further information or examine any application in detail.

This follows earlier moves (Notifications 17/2026-27 of 16 May 2026 and 19/2026-27 of 2 June 2026) that shifted certain semi-manufactured silver tariff lines from "Free" to "Restricted."

Why This Matters

When silver lines moved to "Restricted," importers faced case-by-case scrutiny that could slow clearance and tie up working capital, especially for time-sensitive bullion and jewellery-input supply chains. The fast-track route trades a concessional-duty claim for speed: an importer that accepts the normal duty rate and routes the purchase through IIBX or a nominated agency gets a faster authorisation. It is a calibrated liberalisation — keeping the restriction and the channel discipline, while easing the processing burden for straightforward, duty-paid imports.

Who's Affected

Importers of unwrought and semi-manufactured silver (HS 7106, excluding dore) — bullion dealers, jewellery manufacturers and industrial users — are the primary audience. Nominated banks and agencies and IIBX participants are the mandated sourcing channels. Customs house agents handling silver bills of entry should note the self-declaration linkage to duty treatment, since claiming a concession would fall outside the fast-track basis on which the authorisation was granted.

What Importers and CHAs Should Do Now

• Decide your duty position before applying: the fast-track route requires a declaration to pay the normal applicable duty and forgo concessions. If you intend to claim a concession, expect detailed scrutiny instead.
• Line up an eligible sourcing channel — IIBX or a nominated bank/agency under Appendix 4B — before filing, since imports must flow through these.
• Prepare a defensible quantity-and-value justification; DGFT can still examine any application.
• Plan around the six-month, non-extendable validity — do not over-apply for volumes you cannot land in time.
• If your earlier application is marked "Deficient," use the one-time window to revise and re-file under the new procedure.
• CHAs: ensure the bill of entry's duty claim is consistent with the self-declaration made at authorisation stage.

The Bigger Picture

India has been tightening the channel through which precious metals enter — steering bullion flows toward IIBX and nominated agencies — while smoothing genuine, duty-paid trade. The silver fast-track mirrors that balance. For importers, the message is that accepting standard duty and the approved sourcing route is now the path of least resistance.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is silver still "Restricted" for import? Yes. The specified items remain Restricted; you still need an authorisation. The Trade Notice only speeds up how eligible authorisations are issued.

Does the fast-track route cover silver dore? No. Silver dore is excluded from this procedure.

Can I claim a concessional duty and still use the fast-track? No. The fast-track rests on a self-declaration to pay the generally applicable duty and not claim concessions.

How long is the authorisation valid? Six months, with no extension — so apply only for volumes you can realistically import in that window.

Conclusion

DGFT's fast-track silver import authorisation rewards importers who accept normal duty and the IIBX/nominated-agency channel with quicker processing, while keeping the underlying restriction intact. Importers should set their duty position and sourcing channel before filing, justify volumes carefully, and work within the six-month validity.

This summary is for general guidance. Verify the exact scope, conditions and tariff lines against DGFT Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27 and the Foreign Trade Policy on the official DGFT portal (dgft.gov.in) before acting.