The Government of India has announced an increase in customs duty across several precious metal and jewellery-related categories under Chapter 71, affecting imports of gold, silver, platinum findings and recycled precious metal materials. The revised customs structure will come into effect from 13 May 2026.

Issued through Notification No. 16/2026-Customs by the Ministry of Finance, the amendment modifies earlier customs notifications relating to precious metals and jewellery imports.

Among the key changes, customs duty on gold findings and silver findings under tariff heading 7113 has been fixed at 5%, while platinum findings will attract a 5.4% duty. The notification defines findings as small jewellery components such as hooks, clasps, clamps, pins and screw backs used in jewellery manufacturing and assembly.

The government has also increased customs duty structures for imports of spent catalysts or ash containing precious metals under heading 7112. Imports intended for precious metal recovery or recycling purposes will attract a concessional 4.35% duty subject to compliance procedures and environmental approvals, while other imports under the same heading will attract a 5% duty.

Additional tariff headings including 7107, 7109 and 7111 have also been brought under higher customs duty structures ranging between 5% and 5.4%. Gold and silver imports covered under Notification No. 57/2000-Customs will attract a 4.35% customs duty under the revised framework.

The move comes amid heightened industry focus on bullion pricing, sourcing costs and jewellery demand trends, with trade participants expected to closely monitor the impact of higher customs duties on manufacturing margins, retail pricing and organised jewellery demand in the coming months.