In a significant trade facilitation measure aimed at promoting Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) and reducing procedural delays, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has introduced a simplified procedure for expedited issuance of import authorisations for specified silver items, including silver bullion, falling under ITC(HS) Chapter 7106, excluding silver dore.
The new procedure, notified through Trade Notice No. 30/2026-27 dated October 13, 2026, will apply to eligible fresh and revised applications submitted on or after October 15, 2026, subject to fulfilment of prescribed conditions.
Background: Silver Imports Shifted from ‘Free’ to ‘Restricted’ Category
Earlier, vide Notification No. 17/2026-27 dated May 16, 2026 and Notification No. 19/2026-27 dated June 2, 2026, the DGFT amended the import policy for silver items covered under ITC(HS) codes 71069110, 71069120, 71069221 and 71069229, changing their import status from ‘Free’ to ‘Restricted’.
Consequently, importers of these items are required to obtain import authorisations through the DGFT portal in accordance with the applicable foreign trade policy.
Recognising the need to facilitate genuine importers and minimise processing delays, DGFT has now introduced a simplified, trust-based authorisation mechanism.
Fast-Track Authorisation Through Self-Declaration
Under the new procedure, eligible importers can seek expedited processing of applications by submitting a self-declaration confirming that the proposed imports will be made on payment of customs duty at the generally applicable rate, without availing any concessional duty benefits.
Applications accompanied by the prescribed self-declaration may be considered for faster disposal, thereby reducing procedural scrutiny and processing time for genuine applicants.
However, applications not satisfying these conditions will continue to undergo detailed scrutiny and examination on merits under the applicable policy provisions.
Importantly, silver dore has been expressly excluded from the simplified procedure.
Online Applications and Justification of Import Quantity
Importers are required to submit their applications electronically through the DGFT portal, ensuring that all mandatory fields are duly completed.
Applicants must also provide a reasoned justification for the quantity and value of silver proposed to be imported, along with the requisite self-declaration wherever expedited processing is sought.
The information furnished will be considered on a self-declaration basis, subject to the applicable import policy conditions. The responsibility for ensuring the accuracy and completeness of the particulars furnished will continue to rest with the applicant.
One-Time Opportunity for Pending Applications
As an important transitional relaxation, DGFT has also provided a one-time opportunity to importers whose authorisation applications are already pending on the DGFT portal.
Such applications will be marked as ‘Deficient’ on the portal, enabling applicants to revise the necessary particulars and submit the prescribed self-declaration for consideration under the simplified procedure.
Accordingly, eligible pending applications can also benefit from the expedited mechanism after making the required revisions.
Simplified Procedure Applicable from October 15, 2026
The Trade Notice clarifies that fresh applications received and revised pending applications submitted on or after October 15, 2026, which are complete in all respects and satisfy the prescribed conditions, may be processed under the simplified procedure.
Import authorisations will be issued on the basis of the applicant’s self-declaration, subject to compliance with the applicable policy provisions and the conditions stipulated in the authorisation.
Imports to Be Routed Through IIBX or Nominated Banks/Agencies
To strengthen transparency, regulatory oversight and traceability of transactions, DGFT has prescribed an important condition for authorisations issued under the simplified procedure.
The authorised silver items must be procured exclusively through:
- India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX); or
- Nominated Banks/Agencies notified under Appendix 4B of the Foreign Trade Policy, 2023, as amended.
This requirement seeks to ensure that silver imports under the simplified mechanism are channelled through recognised and regulated routes.
DGFT Retains Powers of Verification and Scrutiny
Despite the introduction of the trust-based mechanism, DGFT has expressly retained the authority to call for additional information or supporting documents and conduct detailed examination of any application wherever necessary.
The simplified procedure does not exempt importers from compliance with applicable statutory requirements, import policy restrictions or conditions attached to the authorisation.
Import Authorisations Valid for Six Months — No Extension Permitted
Another significant condition prescribed under the Trade Notice relates to the validity of import authorisations.
Every import authorisation issued under this procedure will remain valid for six months from the date of issuance and will not be eligible for extension.
Importers must therefore plan their procurement, documentation and import schedules within the prescribed validity period.
Expected Impact: Faster Clearances and Greater Ease of Doing Business
The introduction of this simplified authorisation framework represents an important initiative towards facilitating legitimate silver imports while maintaining necessary regulatory safeguards.
By allowing eligible applications to be processed on a self-declaration basis, DGFT aims to reduce processing time, facilitate trade and improve predictability for businesses dealing in silver bullion and other covered silver items.
At the same time, the requirement to route imports through IIBX or notified Nominated Banks/Agencies is intended to enhance transparency and traceability in the silver import ecosystem.
The simplified mechanism does not remove the ‘Restricted’ import classification or the requirement to obtain an import authorisation. Rather, it streamlines the process for eligible applicants fulfilling the stipulated conditions.
Key Takeaway for Silver Importers
With effect from October 15, 2026, eligible silver importers may avail themselves of the simplified import authorisation process by furnishing the prescribed self-declaration, paying customs duty at the generally applicable rate without availing concessions, and complying with the prescribed procurement-route requirements.
The measure is expected to provide procedural relief to genuine importers while preserving DGFT’s regulatory control over restricted silver imports.
The Trade Notice can be accessed at: https://a2ztaxcorp.net/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Trade-Notice-No-30-2026-27.pdf
