India's Ministry of Finance has revised customs duty rates on gold, silver, and platinum jewelry findings effective May 13, while also imposing stricter compliance and environmental norms for imports of precious metal waste and recyclable materials. The changes directly affect importers of jewelry components and recycling materials, with implications for supply-chain costs and documentation requirements for overseas buyers sourcing from or trading with India.
Duty rate changes for jewelry findings
Gold and silver jewelry findings now attract a customs duty of 5 percent, while platinum findings face a slightly higher rate of 5.4 percent. The revised rates took effect on May 13, as notified by the Ministry of Finance. The government defines "findings" as small components such as hooks, clasps, clamps, pins, catches, and screw backs used to hold a piece of jewelry in place. Importers of these components should update their cost calculations and customs declarations accordingly.
Stricter norms for precious metal waste imports
Importers of spent catalysts or ash containing precious metals must now provide a formal undertaking to customs authorities at the time of clearance. The undertaking must declare the percentage of precious metals in the consignment and confirm that the goods are intended solely for recovery purposes. A concessional duty rate of 4.35 percent applies, but only if importers comply with end-use conditions under the Customs (Import of Goods at Concessional Rate of Duty or for Specified End Use) Rules, 2022.
Environmental clearance now mandatory
The Ministry of Finance has made environmental clearance compulsory for imports of spent catalysts and ash containing precious metals. Importers must submit a certificate from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change permitting the import for recycling or recovery. This requirement adds a new layer of compliance for companies involved in precious metal recovery and recycling supply chains.
What buyers should watch
Overseas jewelry buyers and sourcing professionals should monitor how these changes affect pricing and availability of findings from Indian suppliers. The stricter documentation and environmental norms for waste imports may also impact the cost and lead time for recycled precious metals. Companies importing findings or recyclable materials from India should review their customs procedures and ensure compliance with the updated rules to avoid clearance delays.
Source: Read the original report | Published: May 13, 2026