India-UAE CEPA Gold TRQ 2025-26: Exclusive Allocation for Micro & Small Enterprises

DGFT Notifies First TRQ Allocation for Gold Imports under India-UAE CEPA

The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced a major policy development for the jewellery industry by initiating the first round of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) allocation for gold imports for FY 2025-26 under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).

As per Public Notice No. 39/2025-26 dated 17 December 2025, this TRQ allocation will be carried out through a competitive bidding process on the MSTC portal.

In a landmark move—implemented pursuant to a Delhi High Court directive—this specific TRQ round has been exclusively reserved for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) to ensure wider participation and fair distribution among smaller jewellery businesses.

Why This TRQ Allocation Is Important for MSMEs

Gold imports under CEPA allow eligible importers to procure gold at concessional customs duty rates, significantly reducing input costs for jewellery manufacturers and traders.

For Micro and Small Enterprises, this exclusive allocation:

• Improves access to duty-benefit imports

• Reduces dependency on large quota holders

• Enhances competitiveness in domestic and export markets

Key Highlights of DGFT Gold TRQ Allocation (FY 2025-26)

The current TRQ round is specifically structured to benefit smaller enterprises.

• Total TRQ Quantity: 30 Metric Tonnes (MT)

• Possible Enhancement: Up to 50% increase (additional 15 MT) at the discretion of the Exim Facilitation Committee (EFC)

• Eligible Applicants: Only Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs)

• Allocation Method: Competitive bidding (e-auction) via MSTC

Maximum Allocation per Bidder

• Micro Enterprise: Up to 10 KG

• Small Enterprise: Up to 25 KG

Eligibility Criteria for Gold Import under CEPA TRQ

Applicants must fulfill the eligibility conditions prescribed in Annexure-IV of Appendix-2A of the Foreign Trade Policy.

Mandatory Requirements

• Valid Importer-Exporter Code (IEC)

• Active GST Registration (GSTIN)

• BIS Registration for jewellery hallmarking

• Valid MSME Certificate indicating Micro or Small Enterprise status

Important: Import of Gold Dore is not permitted under this TRQ allocation.

DGFT Gold TRQ Bidding Process – Step-by-Step Overview

The allocation will be conducted through an e-auction on the MSTC website, comprising two stages:

1. Technical Bid

• Submission and verification of eligibility documents

2. Financial Bid

• Competitive price bidding through predefined price buckets

Financial & Compliance Requirements

• Tender Participation Fee: ₹5,000 + GST

• Bid Security (EMD): ₹1,00,000

  • Refundable to unsuccessful bidders

• Digital Signature: Class-III DSC (Signing & Encryption) is mandatory

Price Bid Structure

• 101 price buckets ranging from ₹1,00,000 to ₹0

• Price decrement of ₹1,000 per bucket

• Bidders must specify the quantity of gold against their selected price bucket

Important Dates – DGFT Gold TRQ Allocation Schedule

Who Should Apply for This Gold TRQ?

This TRQ allocation is ideal for:

• Jewellery manufacturers classified as Micro or Small Enterprises

• Jewellery traders holding valid BIS registration

• MSMEs seeking duty-efficient gold imports under CEPA

Given the limited quantity and competitive bidding mechanism, early preparation is strongly advised.

Expert Assistance for DGFT Gold TRQ Applications

Navigating DGFT TRQ tenders requires precise documentation, correct bidding strategy, and strict compliance with DGFT and MSTC norms.

If you require professional assistance for:

• TRQ application filing

• Eligibility verification

• MSTC bidding support

• Post-allocation DGFT compliance

you may consult a DGFT export-import professional to avoid rejections or procedural delays.