DGFT Extends Gold TRQ Authorisation Validity Under India-UAE CEPA Till 30th September 2026
The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued a Public Notice extending the validity of Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Authorisations for the import of gold under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). The extension applies to TRQ Authorisations issued during the financial year 2025–26 for imports under Customs Tariff Heading (CTH) 7108.
Previously valid until 30th June 2026, these authorisations will now remain valid up to 30th September 2026. The extension is automatic, and importers are not required to submit any application or pay any fee to avail this benefit.
Introduction
Importers of gold operating under the India-UAE CEPA have received additional time to utilise their Tariff Rate Quota (TRQ) Authorisations. Recognising the need for operational flexibility, DGFT has extended the validity of eligible authorisations by three months.
The notification eliminates procedural requirements by granting the extension automatically, enabling eligible businesses to continue importing gold under the preferential tariff framework without seeking fresh approvals.
What Has DGFT Announced?
DGFT has extended the validity of TRQ Authorisations issued during FY 2025–26 for the import of gold under:
- India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)
- Customs Tariff Heading (CTH) 7108 (Gold)
Revised Validity
Particular | Earlier | Revised |
Validity of TRQ Authorisations | 30th June 2026 | 30th September 2026 |
This extension has been issued under the powers conferred by Paragraphs 1.03 and 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
Which Authorisations Are Covered?
The extension applies only to:
- TRQ Authorisations issued during Financial Year 2025–26
- Gold imports under CTH 7108
- Imports covered under the India-UAE CEPA
Authorisations issued outside the specified financial year are not covered by this Public Notice.
Automatic Extension Without Any Additional Formalities
One of the key features of this Public Notice is that the extension is completely automatic.
Importers are not required to:
- Submit a fresh application
- Request an amendment
- Obtain an endorsement
- Pay any composition fee
Existing TRQ Authorisations will remain valid until 30th September 2026 without any additional action from the importer.
Why This Extension Matters
The extension provides importers with additional operational flexibility by allowing more time to utilise their allocated quota.
Key Benefits
Additional Time to Import
Businesses receive an extra three months to complete imports under the authorised quota.
Reduced Compliance Burden
Since the extension is automatic, businesses avoid unnecessary documentation and administrative procedures.
Better Supply Chain Planning
Importers can better align procurement schedules, shipment timelines, and customs clearance with market conditions.
Continued CEPA Benefits
Eligible importers can continue availing preferential import benefits under the India-UAE CEPA within the extended validity period.
Conclusion
DGFT’s decision to extend the validity of Gold TRQ Authorisations until 30th September 2026 provides welcome relief for importers who were unable to utilise their quota before the earlier deadline. By making the extension automatic and eliminating additional compliance requirements, the Government has simplified the import process while ensuring businesses continue to benefit from the preferential tariff framework under the India-UAE CEPA.
Eligible importers should review their existing TRQ Authorisations and plan imports within the revised validity period to maximise the benefits available under the agreement.
Notification Reference: Public Notice No. 18/2026-27
01/07/2026