The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has issued instructions implementing tighter restrictions on the import of certain alloys containing gold.
The changes apply to items falling under Chapter 71 of the ITC (HS) 2022 of Schedule-I (Import Policy).
As per the revised guidelines, imports of Iridium, Osmium, and Ruthenium alloys—whether unwrought, in powder form, or in other forms—are now restricted if the alloys contain more than 1% gold by weight.
This amendment, detailed in a corrigendum dated June 25, 2025, modifies the earlier Notification No. 18/2025-26 issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) and supersedes CBIC’s prior Instruction No. 17/2025-Customs dated June 19, 2025.
Under HS Code 71104100, which pertains to Iridium, Osmium, and Ruthenium in unwrought or powder form, the previous import policy restricted only the import of Iridium alloys containing more than 1% gold by weight. However, the revised policy now extends this restriction to include Osmium and Ruthenium alloys as well, if they too contain over 1% gold.
Similarly, for HS Code 71104900, which covers Iridium, Osmium, and Ruthenium in other forms, the earlier restriction applied solely to Iridium alloys with gold content exceeding 1%. The updated import condition has now been broadened to restrict all three metal alloys—Iridium, Osmium, and Ruthenium—when they contain more than 1% gold by weight, ensuring a more comprehensive control over precious metal imports.
CBIC has directed all Principal Chief Commissioners, Chief Commissioners, and other Customs formations to sensitize field officers about the changes and take necessary action for enforcement. These changes aim to close potential loopholes in the gold import framework by tightening controls on precious metal alloys that could otherwise be used to bypass existing gold import restrictions.
Officials have also been instructed to report any operational difficulties faced during implementation to the CBIC for resolution.
The revised import policy is now in effect and is expected to strengthen India’s regulatory regime over gold-related imports, a sector often under scrutiny due to its implications for foreign exchange reserves and customs revenue.
Instruction Details
Instruction No. 22/2025-Customs
Date: 9th July, 2025
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