Powder

Silver in powder form, unwrought or semi-manufactured

DGFT CLEARANCE · CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 7106 10 00 (Silver powder) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), permitting import only through nominated agencies notified by the Reserve Bank of India (for banks) and DGFT (for other agencies). Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) Circulars 23/2018 and 27/2016 govern the procedural framework for nominated-agency imports of silver. Advance Authorisation holders and exporters receiving direct foreign-buyer supply under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy are exempt from the nominated-agency channel.

What this is

HSN code

7106 10 00

Chapter

71 · Natural or cultured pearls, precious or semi-precious stones, precious metals, metals clad with precious metal, and articles thereof

Primary regulator

DGFT · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 71 (nominated-agency channel)

Customs documentation

Nominated-agency authorisation from DGFT or RBI
Import Licence from DGFT
Advance Authorisation from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Verify that the importing entity is a nominated agency notified by the Reserve Bank of India (if a bank) or by DGFT (if any other agency). Import by any entity that is not a notified nominated agency constitutes a breach of the ITC (HS) Restricted-import condition and renders the consignment liable to detention and confiscation.
DGFT Notification 05/2015-20 dated 13-05-2020 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 71
2
If importing under an Advance Authorisation or under the scheme for direct supply by foreign buyers to exporters against export orders, document the applicable exemption under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy and ensure the relevant authorisation or export-order documentation is filed at the bill of entry.
DGFT Notification 05/2015-20 dated 13-05-2020 · Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy
3
Follow the procedural framework for nominated-agency imports of silver set out in CBIC Circulars 23/2018-Cus dated 23-07-2018 and 27/2016-Cus dated 10-06-2016, including documentation and reporting obligations applicable to gold, silver, and platinum import transactions.
CBIC Circular 23/2018-Cus dated 23-07-2018 · CBIC Circular 27/2016-Cus dated 10-06-2016

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is assuming the Advance Authorisation exemption extends to unrestricted commercial importers. The exemption under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy applies narrowly — to holders of a valid Advance Authorisation or to exporters receiving silver directly from a foreign buyer against a specific export order; a general commercial importer who is not a notified nominated agency has no lawful basis to import silver powder regardless of end-use intentions, and the consignment will face confiscation under the Customs Act, 1962.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7106 10 00 require BIS certification?

No, silver powder falls outside the BIS Quality Control Order regime; no BIS QCO covers this product family. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, permitting entry only through RBI- or DGFT-notified nominated agencies.

Which agencies are notified as nominated agencies for importing silver under this tariff line?

Nominated agencies are notified separately by the Reserve Bank of India for scheduled commercial banks and by DGFT for other eligible entities; the active lists must be confirmed directly with RBI or DGFT under DGFT Notification 05/2015-20 dated 13-05-2020 before placing the purchase order.

Does the Advance Authorisation exemption apply to silver powder imported for domestic manufacture without a specific export order?

No. The exemption under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy covers direct supply by foreign buyers to exporters against specific export orders; domestic-manufacture imports without a qualifying Advance Authorisation or export-order nexus must route through a notified nominated agency.

Last verified against gazette notifications: 2026-05-16. Source: DGFT / CBIC / Indian Customs CUSDATA.