DGFT Mandates BIS Hallmarking, GST Reg. for Gold Bullion TRQ Import under India-UAE CEPA

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade ( DGFT ) has amended the procedural framework for import of gold bullion under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement ( CEPA ), now requiring importers to possess Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) hallmarking and Goods and Services Tax ( GST ) registration to apply for Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocations.

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The update revises Condition (d) under Annexure-IV of Appendix 2A of the Handbook of Procedures, which governs TRQ allocations for import of gold under the tariff head 7108.

The updated framework specifies that the eligible applicant must be registered with the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) for hallmarking and must also hold a valid GST registration. It also reiterates that import of Gold Dore under TRQ shall not be considered.

Under the India-UAE CEPA, specific TRQs are allotted annually for the import of gold bullion at preferential tariff rates, ensuring fair and transparent quota-based allocation. The inclusion of BIS hallmarking and GST registration is a measure to tighten compliance and enhance quality control. Furthermore, these mandates will ensure that only registered and traceable entities participate in TRQ allocations.

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DGFT has also introduced a competitive bidding or tender process for the allocation of TRQs for gold under the India-UAE CEPA.

Eligible applicants for tariff head 7108 for FY 2025–26, as per Annexure-IV of Appendix 2A read with this Public Notice, may file their applications online during the prescribed period through the DGFT website and navigate to:

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Import Management System → Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ)

DGFT has stated that the time period for submission of TRQ applications and the detailed modalities for participation in the competitive bidding process would be notified separately every year through a Trade Notice.

The Public Notice was issued and signed by Ajay Bhadoo, Additional Secretary to the Government of India and Director General of Foreign Trade with the approval of the Competent Authority.