EOUs, SEZ units exempt from silver import restrictions: DGFT

New Delhi: The government Monday clarified that the recent restrictions on the import of silver jewellery will not apply to export-linked entities such as Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units, 100% Export-Oriented Units (EOUs), and those operating under specific authorisation schemes.

“The imports of silver jewellery by SEZs and EOUs will not be subject to the recently imposed restrictions…However, it underlined that such imports cannot be sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA),” the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), said in a policy circular.

Last month, the government restricted the imports of jewellery of precious metal, silver, and unstudded and other jewellery, till March 31, 2026, which were free earlier, due to a surge in imports from Thailand and some other Asean countries.


The clarification follows several representations from the trade and jewellery industry.

As per the DGFT, imports under the Advance Authorisation and Duty-Free Import Authorisation schemes will also remain exempt. It also directed all customs authorities and regional offices of the DGFT to implement the clarified provisions strictly and in accordance with the Foreign Trade Policy while cautioning that any deviation from the prescribed norms would attract penal action under existing laws and regulations.