SEZ & EOU Units Permitted to Import Silver Jewellery

 

DGFT clarifies upon the GJEPC seeking clarity on SEZ & EOU Units  

In a significant clarification addressing industry concerns, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued Policy Circular No. 06/2025-26, outlining the applicability of restrictions on the import of Silver Jewellery imposed through Notification No. 34/2025-26.  

The said notification had earlier restricted the import of Silver Jewellery falling under ITC (HS) Codes 71131141 and 71131149, prompting several representations from the trade, particularly from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), seeking clarity on whether these restrictions extend to units located in Special Economic Zones (SEZs) and Export Oriented Units (EOUs).

After careful examination, the DGFT has clarified that imports of Silver Jewellery by 100% EOUs and SEZ units shall not be subject to these restrictions, in line with Para 6.01(d) of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 and Rule 27 of the SEZ Rules, 2006. However, it has been emphasized that such imported goods cannot be sold in the Domestic Tariff Area (DTA).  

Furthermore, the DGFT has confirmed that imports under the Advance Authorisation and Duty-Free Import Authorisation (DFIA) schemes will also remain exempt from the said restrictions, as per Para 4.18(ii) of FTP 2023.  

The circular directs Customs field formations and trade stakeholders to take note of these provisions for compliance and implementation. The DGFT has cautioned that any deviation from the prescribed norms may attract penal action under the relevant laws and rules.  

This clarification provides much-needed relief and operational clarity to the export community, particularly SEZ and EOU units engaged in the manufacture and export of silver jewellery.