India Extends CEPA Gold Import Licence Deadline Till June 30 Amid West Asia Disruptions

The Government has extended the validity of Gold Import Licences issued under the India-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) until June 30, 2026. As per PTI reports, these licences were earlier set to expire on March 31, 2026. 

The extension applies to tariff rate quota (TRQ) authorisations issued during the financial year 2025-26, allowing importers additional time to complete shipments. 

Reason for the Extension 

The decision follows disruptions linked to ongoing geopolitical developments in West Asia. Trade routes and logistics networks have faced delays, affecting the movement of goods, including gold consignments. 

In a public notice, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) stated that the extension aims to facilitate importers impacted by these conditions. 

CEPA Framework and TRQ Mechanism 

The India-UAE CEPA, implemented in 2022, allows imports of gold at concessional duty rates within a fixed quota. This quota is administered through the TRQ system, under which eligible importers receive licences for a specified quantity. 

The arrangement is designed to regulate inflows while offering duty benefits on limited volumes of imports from the UAE. 

Impact on Importers 

The revised deadline provides importers with additional time to utilise their allocated quotas. Delays in shipment schedules and logistical constraints had raised the possibility of some quotas remaining unutilised under the earlier timeline. 

By extending validity, the government has allowed existing licence holders to complete pending imports without requiring fresh approvals. 

Continuity of Existing Policy 

The extension does not alter the structure of the TRQ scheme or the concessional duty framework under CEPA. It is limited to adjusting timelines in response to external factors affecting trade. 

No changes have been announced regarding quota limits or eligibility criteria. 

Read More: UPI Transaction Growth Eases to 30%, Volumes Seen at 240 Billion in FY26! 

Conclusion 

The extension of licence validity offers temporary relief to importers affected by disruptions in West Asia. It ensures continuity in gold imports under the CEPA framework while maintaining existing policy conditions. 

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