Other

Unwrought silver, other than powder or semi-manufactured forms

DGFT CLEARANCE · CBIC CLEARANCE

HSN 7106 91 90 (unwrought silver, other) is subject to a 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) procedural overlays under Circulars 23/2018 and 27/2016 govern the nominated-agency scheme. Advance Authorisation holders and exporters receiving silver directly from foreign buyers under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy are exempted from the nominated-agency requirement.

What this is

HSN code

7106 91 90

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
Import Licence from DGFT
Procedural compliance declaration to CBIC

Compliance steps

1
Confirm that the importer is a nominated agency notified by the Reserve Bank of India (for banks) or by DGFT (for other agencies) before filing the bill of entry. Entities that are not nominated agencies must qualify for an exemption — Advance Authorisation or the Para 4.45 FTP direct-supply route — and must carry documentary proof of that status at the bill of entry stage.
DGFT Notification 05/2015-20 dated 13-05-2020 · ITC (HS) Restricted import policy, Chapter 71
2
If importing silver dore for refinery processing, obtain a DGFT import licence with an AU (gold/silver output) condition. The licence must be current and presented at the bill of entry; refinery eligibility and the AU condition requirement are set out in DGFT Notification 36/2015-20.
DGFT Notification 36/2015-20 dated 18-12-2019
3
Follow the CBIC procedural scheme for nominated agencies importing silver, as prescribed in CBIC Customs Circular 23/2018 dated 23-07-2018 and Circular 27/2016 dated 10-06-2016, covering documentation and out-of-charge requirements applicable to the export-against-nominated-agency-supply scheme.
CBIC Customs Circular 23/2018 dated 23-07-2018 · CBIC Customs Circular 27/2016 dated 10-06-2016

A word of counsel

The most common error on this tariff line is conflating nominated-agency status with eligibility under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy: the two are distinct routes with different eligibility criteria and documentation requirements. An exporter receiving silver directly from a foreign buyer under Para 4.45 must carry a confirmed export order evidencing the arrangement; importing the same silver under a general commercial bill of entry without that linkage converts the import into a Restricted-policy breach, exposing the consignment to detention and monetary penalty.

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Frequently asked

Does HSN 7106 91 90 require BIS certification?

No, unwrought silver under this tariff line is not within the BIS Quality Control Order regime. Import is governed by the ITC (HS) Restricted-import policy administered by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, with access limited to RBI- or DGFT-nominated agencies and specified exemptions under Para 4.45 of the Foreign Trade Policy.

Can a refinery import silver dore under this HSN without being a nominated agency?

Yes, but only against a DGFT import licence carrying an AU condition, as provided under DGFT Notification 36/2015-20 dated 18-12-2019; the licence must be current and uploaded at the bill of entry.

What happens if an Advance Authorisation holder imports silver under this tariff line and the imported material is subsequently diverted to the domestic market?

Diversion of Advance Authorisation-exempt imports to the domestic market removes the basis of the exemption, retrospectively triggering the Restricted-import policy; the consignment becomes liable to confiscation and monetary penalty under the Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992.

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