In a move aimed at supporting the jewellery export industry, the Indian government has revised the permissible wastage norms for gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, effective January 1, 2025. The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) announced these changes in a public notice issued on Friday, responding to requests from industry stakeholders for more favorable conditions.

The revised regulations outline that for handmade jewellery, wastage is now permitted at 2.25% for gold and platinum, reduced from the previous 2.5%. For silver jewellery, the allowable wastage has been adjusted to 3% from 3.2%. These changes are significant, as they directly affect the manufacturing process and profitability of jewellery exports.

For machine-made jewellery, the updated norms allow a wastage of 0.45% for gold and platinum, and 0.5% for silver. Furthermore, the regulations for studded handmade jewellery now permit a wastage of 4%, while for machine-made studded jewellery, the allowable wastage is set at 2.8%. 

The order also extends to other items crafted from these metals, including idols, coins, and medallions. These adjustments come after industry representatives highlighted the need for more flexible norms to prevent the duty-free metal from entering the domestic market.