India-UAE CEPA Gold Import TRQ Validity Extended: What Importers Should Know

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced an important extension for businesses importing gold under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). Through Public Notice No. 18/2026-27, the validity of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Authorisations for gold imports under CTH 7108 issued during FY 2025-26 has been automatically extended until 30 September 2026.

The extension provides additional time for eligible importers to utilise their existing authorisations without undergoing a fresh approval process. It reflects the Government's continued efforts to facilitate international trade while improving operational convenience for businesses participating in the India-UAE trade corridor.

Understanding the Extension

Under the India-UAE CEPA Rule, eligible importers are permitted to import specified quantities of gold under preferential tariff arrangements through TRQ Authorisations.

The latest Public Notice extends the validity of TRQ Authorisations issued during FY 2025-26 from 30 June 2026 to 30 September 2026. Importantly, businesses are not required to submit a separate application, pay any composition fee or seek amendment or endorsement to benefit from this extension. The validity is automatically extended by the DGFT.

This eliminates additional procedural requirements and allows businesses to continue their import plans without administrative delays.

Why This Update Matters

Gold remains an important commodity within India's international trade ecosystem, and the India-UAE CEPA has created new opportunities for businesses engaged in bullion imports.

By extending the validity of existing TRQ Authorisations, the Government provides importers with greater operational flexibility, particularly for businesses that were unable to fully utilise their authorisations before the original expiry date.

The automatic extension also reduces compliance burdens by removing the need for additional documentation or approvals.

Benefits for Eligible Businesses

The extension offers several practical advantages:

• Additional time to utilise existing TRQ Authorisations

• No fresh application process

• No amendment or endorsement requirements

• Reduced administrative effort

• Greater certainty for import planning

• Improved business continuity

For importers managing supply chains and inventory planning, this extension provides valuable flexibility while maintaining continuity in cross-border trade operations.

India-UAE CEPA Gold Import TRQ Extension: Trade Snapshot

Key Update	Business Significance
TRQ Authorisation Validity Extended	Existing TRQ Authorisations for gold imports under the India-UAE CEPA remain valid until 30 September 2026.
Automatic Extension	No fresh application, amendment, endorsement or composition fee is required to avail the extended validity.
Business Continuity	Provides eligible importers additional time to utilise authorised import quotas without regulatory interruption.
Trade Facilitation	Reduces administrative effort and supports smoother cross-border gold imports under the CEPA framework.
Regulatory Certainty	Helps businesses plan procurement, inventory and import schedules with greater confidence during the extended validity period.

What Businesses Should Do

Eligible businesses should review their existing TRQ Authorisations and evaluate pending import plans to make full use of the extended validity period.

Key actions include:

• Verifying existing TRQ Authorisation validity

• Reviewing planned import schedules

• Coordinating with logistics and customs teams

• Monitoring further DGFT or IFSCA notifications

• Maintaining appropriate compliance records

Taking these steps can help businesses maximize the benefit of the extension while ensuring continued regulatory compliance.

Supporting Cross Border Trade

The extension demonstrates the Government's continued commitment to facilitating international trade under the India-UAE CEPA. By reducing procedural requirements and extending existing authorisations, the notification helps businesses focus on commercial operations rather than administrative formalities.

As cross-border trade continues to expand, timely regulatory support plays an important role in strengthening India's position as a global trading and financial hub.

How Gift CFO Can Help

Gift CFO supports bullion businesses, financial institutions, family offices and international enterprises with GIFT City advisory, trade compliance, FEMA advisory, regulatory support, tax advisory and cross-border business structuring. Our team helps organisations interpret evolving regulatory developments and implement practical compliance strategies for international trade and investment.

DISCLAIMER: This article is published for informational, educational, and analytical purposes only. It does not constitute legal advice, regulatory guidance, trade compliance advice, or a solicitation of any kind.

All information in this article is based on IFSCA Circular No. IFSCA-PMTS/10/2023-Precious Metals/2026/2 dated 15th June 2026, issued under Sections 12 and 13 of the International Financial Services Centres Authority Act, 2019, read with Regulation 78 of the IFSCA (Bullion Market) Regulations, 2025. This circular amends the original Circular dated 10th October 2025 on import of gold or silver by Qualified Jewellers and valid India-UAE CEPA TRQ holders through IIBX, as previously updated on 2nd January 2026.

References to DGFT Notifications 17/2026-27 (dated 16th May 2026) and 19/2026-27 (dated 2nd June 2026) are based on information contained within the IFSCA circular. Readers should independently verify the full text of these DGFT notifications for complete details.

A separate, updated Consolidated Circular incorporating these amendments is being issued by IFSCA. Readers should refer to the official, most current Consolidated Circular available at www.ifsca.gov.in under Legal Framework → Circulars for authoritative and up-to-date compliance requirements.

Eligibility for Qualified Jeweller notification, import authorisation requirements, and applicable policy conditions may vary based on entity type, SEZ status, ITC(HS) classification, and other factors specific to each applicant. Entities are strongly advised to consult qualified legal, customs, trade compliance, and tax professionals before undertaking any bullion import transaction through IIBX.

The publisher is not a law firm, customs broker, or IFSCA-regulated entity. Nothing in this article constitutes legal or regulatory advice