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CBIC Withdraws SWS Exemption on Gold, Silver Import in 2025
February 18, 2026
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CBIC Withdraws SWS Exemption on Gold, Silver Import in 2025
ALERT: DGFT Amends Import Policy for Electronics Components — New Licensing Requirements Effective Immediately
ALERT: DGFT Amends Import Policy for Electronics Components — New Licensing Requirements Effective Immediately
Recent regulatory changes have reshaped India's import landscape, with the CBIC Social Welfare Surcharge withdrawal precious metals import policy reducing costs for bullion traders while the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) imposes fresh restrictions on electronics. DGFT Notification No. 23/2024-25 dated August 15, 2024, shifts select electronics components under HS Chapters 85 and 90 from "Free" to "Restricted" status.
If your business imports laptop motherboards, integrated circuits, or optical fibre cables, you must secure Import Authorisation from the DGFT before your next shipment clears customs. Non-compliance risks shipment detention, penalties under Section 112 of the Customs Act, and potential blacklisting from future import benefits.
What Happened
On August 15, 2024, DGFT amended the import policy for critical electronics component categories under the ITC (HS) 2022 Schedule. The notification shifts these items from "Free" to "Restricted" import status, requiring prior Import Authorisation (IA) for all commercial imports.
Affected HS Codes include:
8473.30 — Parts and accessories for automatic data-processing machines
This aligns with the government's phased manufacturing programme and aims to boost domestic electronics assembly under the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme.
CBIC Social Welfare Surcharge Withdrawal Precious Metals Import: Regulatory Context
While bullion traders may benefit from reduced tax burdens on gold and silver, the CBIC Social Welfare Surcharge withdrawal precious metals import policy and the DGFT electronics notification demonstrate India's broader strategy to monitor critical supply chains. Both regulatory changes reflect simultaneous shifts in managing high-value imports that diversified traders must track carefully.
Immediate Business Impact:
Any shipment of restricted electronics arriving without valid Import Authorisation faces customs detention and demurrage charges. After 30 days, you risk goods seizure under Section 11 of the Customs Act, 1962.
Import Authorisation processing takes 15–20 working days. Mid-shipment importers face additional ICD storage costs plus extended letter of credit validity fees.
| File Import Authorisation via DGFT portal if affected | Within 48 hours | Application fee applies |
| Submit BIS registration for IT goods (if applicable) | Parallel process | Fees vary |
| Update shipping documents with IA reference number | Before bill of entry filing | Documentation costs |
⚠️ Critical Alert:
Check whether the notification applies to shipments "in transit." Goods dispatched before the notification date but not yet cleared may require IA. Verify your shipping dates and consult DGFT guidelines.
Required Documents for IA:
Valid IEC (Import Export Code)
BIS registration certificate (for IT goods)
End-use declaration
Self-certified undertaking on domestic value addition
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: How does the CBIC Social Welfare Surcharge withdrawal precious metals import policy relate to DGFT electronics restrictions?
While the CBIC Social Welfare Surcharge withdrawal precious metals import measure may reduce costs for bullion traders, the DGFT electronics notification increases compliance requirements for tech importers. Both represent concurrent regulatory updates that diversified importers must track simultaneously.
Q2: Can I import electronics components without Import Authorisation if the shipment left before the notification date?
Check the specific notification terms. Some DGFT notifications include provisions for goods in transit, while others do not. Consult the official notification or a customs broker for clarification on your specific shipment.
Q3: Are there exemptions to the new DGFT licensing requirements for electronics?
Currently, there are no general exemptions for commercial imports of restricted electronics components (Basic Customs Duty rates and IGST apply as per tariff). However, specific export promotion schemes or SEZ units may have different compliance requirements.
Need help navigating the new Import Authorisation process? Befach International handles DGFT licensing, BIS compliance, and customs clearance for electronics importers. Contact us on befach.com for expedited processing.
Published: February 2026 | Category: Import Regulations | Compliance: DGFT, CBIC, BIS
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