Following Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi’s appeal to reduce non-essential gold purchases and conserve foreign exchange reserves, the GJEPC has issued a detailed statement backing the Government’s “Nation First” approach while expressing concern over the impact of the recent hike in gold import duty and Agri cess on exporters and MSMEs.
The Prime Minister, in his address on 10 May 2026, urged citizens to avoid non-essential gold purchases for a year as part of a broader effort to conserve foreign exchange reserves and reduce import dependence.
Below is the full text of GJEPC’s statement:
GJEPC Chairman Takes Bold Stance on Recent Hike in Gold Import Duty and Agri Cess
Mumbai, May 13, 2026: The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) acknowledges the Government’s decision to raise gold import duty to 10% from 5% and Agri cess to 5% from 1%.
As an industry, we remain committed to the spirit of ‘Nation First’ echoed by Honourable Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi. In response to his call, GJEPC convened a meeting yesterday with major retailers and manufacturers. We have written to the Prime Minister outlining proactive measures from our members to curb gold imports and bolster self-reliance:
1) Promote sales of lower caratage jewellery (e.g., 14K and 9K) to reduce imports by 20-30%
2) Encourage consumers to exchange old gold for new jewellery making, further decreasing import dependence.
3) Revamp the Gold Monetisation Scheme (GMS) to tap India’s 25,000 tonnes of grandfather stock.
4) Discourage investment in gold bars, billets, and coins, which account for 20-30% of total imports.
5) Provide special policy framework for gold jewellery exporters to earn precious foreign exchange amid economic challenges.
We are submitting a detailed paper on revitalizing GMS for the Government’s consideration. That said, GJEPC’s consistent position is that hiking import duties rarely curbs gold imports—it merely inflates prices. Despite gold prices doubling recently, imports have not declined proportionally. Such measures often fuel smuggling and escalate export costs.
Exporters now face Bank Guarantees of ₹28-30 lakhs per kg of duty-free gold from Nominated Agencies, severely blocking working capital and stifling exports. The most severe impact of this policy will be felt by MSME manufacturers, who are the “backbone” of our industry, accounting for 80% of GJEPC’s membership, who are currently facing a critical liquidity crunch. GJEPC urges the Government to engage in dialogue for sustainable solutions that align fiscal goals with export growth.
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