The Indian government has changed the gold import rules. Now companies importing gold will be required to get certified by “Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS)”. The decision will have a direct impact on jewelery prices and international gold prices — especially on Indians who live in the UAE and frequently buy jewelery from India.
🔶 What rules have changed?
The Government of India has amended the rules for gold import. Now any trader or company will be able to import gold only if it has a valid GST number and BIS certification. Its objective is to stop the import of fake or non-standard gold.
Limit for Indian expats to bring gold from Dubai/UAE (2025)
For male travellers: 20 grams of gold or gold valued up to ₹50,000 can be brought into India without customs duty.
For women passengers: They can bring 40 grams of gold or the value of which is up to ₹ 1,00,000 without customs duty.
There is also a limit of up to 40 grams for children, provided proper documentation is in place.
Terms and Conditions
This limit is only for those travelers who have stayed abroad for at least more than 6 months.
Also, this limit is only for jewellery, the same duty is applicable for gold coins or bars.
If gold is brought in more than the prescribed limit, it is necessary to declare it at customs and duty will have to be paid on it.
Custom duty rates depend on the quantity of gold, ranging from around 3% on small excess quantities to 10% on large excess quantities.
Custom Duty and Documents
Travelers have to present the bill of purchase of gold, purity certificate and identity card to the customs officials.
Without declaration or not showing documents, gold can be confiscated and fine can also be imposed.
additional information
Expatriates returning to India from Dubai can bring back up to 1 kg of gold, provided they pay appropriate custom duty.
The Government of India has kept the gold import duty at 6% in 2025, which includes basic custom duty at 5% and agricultural infrastructure and development section at 1%.
These rules apply to Indian citizens and Indian expatriates living in UAE so that gold transactions can be transparent and regulated.
If you are planning to bring gold from Dubai, keep your documents and bills with you, pay custom duty if you bring gold in excess of the limit, and follow the rules so that there are no problems.
🔶 Impact on jewelery industry
In the initial phase, many companies will not be able to import due to the new process.
Jewelery may become expensive in India due to reduced supply of gold.
Documentary expenses, tax compliance and bidding system will increase costs.
Later, when all companies become compliant with the regulations, the market is expected to stabilize.
🇦🇪 Impact on Indians living in UAE
Indians in UAE often order jewelery from India or buy it during their holidays. If gold becomes expensive in India, then:
Jewelery prices will increase in India, which will increase spending by NRI buyers.
Demand may increase in Dubai Gold Market, because people would like to buy from there.
Margins on gold shipped to India will increase, which will have a direct impact on prices during the investment and wedding season.
Why was the step taken?
In recent months, gold imports into India had increased significantly, increasing the trade deficit. The government has taken this step to improve the foreign exchange balance and the quality of the domestic industry.
Aspects Old rule New rule Impact Certification not required BIS certification required Import will decrease GST number Optional Mandatory Limited traders Price stable May increase slightly Expensive jewelry supply General Temporary shortage Market unstable UAE impact Less More Spending on Indians will increase
Gold prices in India may increase slightly in the initial weeks, which may shock NRI Indians as well. However, as soon as the new system is fully implemented, gold supply will normalize and prices will stabilize.