Government Bans More Than 1% Palladium, Rhodium & Iridium Alloy, Imposes Restrictions To Balance Trade Facilitation

The government imposed import curbs on certain colloidal precious metals. The illegal flow of gold in India in liquid form is a major problem. If the import of palladium, rhodium, and iridium alloy has more than one percent gold by weight, it is restricted.

"At the same time, the policy facilitates trade by allowing free import of alloys containing less than 1% gold, thereby ensuring continued availability of inputs for industrial and manufacturing sectors, including electronics, auto components, and specialised chemical industries, without disruption. This calibrated approach balances trade facilitation with the need for regulatory oversight," the DGFT said in a statement.

The DGFT also added that the import policy of items covered under CTH 2843 has been revised from free to restricted with immediate effect. Industry experts stated that some importers were using this route for imports from countries like Thailand.

For industrial and manufacturing sectors, imports will be allowed. Electronics, electrical and specialised chemical industry, against an import authorization. It will address the need of the domestic industry without disruption for actual use.

Colloidal precious metals are suspensions of gold or silver nanoparticles dispersed in a liquid. Goods under this number include colloidal precious metals, inorganic or organic compounds of precious metals.