Grains

Unwrought silver in grain form

DGFT CLEARANCE · CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 7106 91 10 (Unwrought silver, Grains) is subject to the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under which import is permitted only through nominated agencies notified by the Reserve Bank of India (in the case of banks), by DGFT (for other agencies), or by qualified jewellers notified by the International Financial Services Centres Authority (IFSCA) for import through the India International Bullion Exchange (IIBX). Silver doré may additionally be imported by refineries against a licence with an AU condition, per DGFT Notification 35/2023-24 dated 11-10-2023. Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) procedural circulars govern the scheme for export against supply by nominated agencies.

What this is

HSN code

7106 91 10

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

Customs documentation

Nominated agency authorisation from DGFT or RBI
IIBX qualified jeweller credential from IFSCA
Import licence from DGFT

Compliance steps

1
Confirm the importing entity is a DGFT- or RBI-nominated agency, or a qualified jeweller notified by the IFSCA for the IIBX channel, before placing the purchase order. Silver doré importers must hold a DGFT licence with an AU condition; presenting bills of entry without the applicable authorisation results in detention and Restricted-import enforcement.
DGFT Notification 35/2023-24 dated 11-10-2023 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 71
2
For imports made under the scheme of export against supply by nominated agencies, follow the procedure prescribed in CBIC Circular 23/2018-Cus dated 23-07-2018 and CBIC Circular 27/2016-Cus dated 10-06-2016. Ensure all scheme-specific declarations and undertakings are uploaded in e-Sanchit at the bill of entry stage.
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 that any bullion dealer or jeweller may import freely once a purchase contract is in place. The Restricted-import status is categorical: only RBI-nominated banks, DGFT-nominated agencies, IFSCA-qualified jewellers operating through the IIBX, and licensed refineries (for silver doré with AU condition) are lawfully entitled to import. A consignment arriving on behalf of an entity outside these categories is liable to outright confiscation, not merely re-export, under Customs Act, 1962 enforcement.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7106 91 10 require BIS certification?

No, unwrought silver in grain form is not covered by any BIS Quality Control Order. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, permitting import only through RBI- or DGFT-nominated agencies, IFSCA-qualified jewellers via the IIBX, or licensed refineries for silver doré.

Can a refinery import silver doré under HSN 7106 91 10 without a nominated-agency status?

Yes, but only against a DGFT licence carrying an AU condition, as specified in DGFT Notification 35/2023-24 dated 11-10-2023; import without such a licence renders the consignment Restricted-policy non-compliant.

What procedural framework governs exports made against silver supplied by nominated agencies?

CBIC Circular 23/2018-Cus dated 23-07-2018 and CBIC Circular 27/2016-Cus dated 10-06-2016 set out the full scheme procedure; nominated agencies must follow these circulars to obtain customs clearance and scheme benefits.

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