Tanzania [Licensed dealer or mineral right holder (non-resident special permit as a variant)] → Switzerland → India (refine) · Jewellery manufacture, hallmarking and retail sale

Public law and official guidance, published as research. Not legal, tax or financial advice.

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Tanzania (Doré bar - unstamped → Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed) ⟶ Switzerland (Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed) ⟶ India (Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed → 999.9 kilobar)

Not researched: Tanzania → Switzerland

Leg 1: Tanzania

Where the goods start

Doré bar - unstamped → Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed

1
Before export, deliver the set-aside share to a designated refinery for sale to the BoT; the Resident Mines Officer verifies royalty paid (4% on the set-aside sold to the BoT, 6% on the rest) before export; issue the commercial invoice to the foreign buyer
Who
Licensed mineral dealer (exporter)
Needs
Dealer Licence (Form MTF.6); Evidence of set-aside compliance (sale of the set-aside to the BoT through a designated refinery, or to a domestic refinery after a BoT notice that it will not buy)
Issues
Exporter's commercial invoice to foreign buyer/refiner
Official guidance
[not-read] That no export permit issues without set-aside evidence is stated by VELMA Law from the 2024 regulations, which are not held; the guideline requires royalty verification before export.
- Mining Act s.69 as replaced by Finance Act 2024 s.57; Commission guideline on gold purchase (Aug 2024)
2
Assay and value the consignment to fix the gross value for royalty
Who
Mining Commission (incl. Resident Mines Officer)
Issues
Mining Commission sorting, assay and valuation record
Primary law
- Mining Act Cap. 123 R.E. 2019; Act No. 12 of 2024, s.100B (valuation); gross value definition
3
Pay royalty (6% of gross value; 4% on gold sold at refinery centres or to the BoT), the 1% inspection fee and the 0.1% HIV Response Levy
Who
Licensed mineral dealer (exporter)
Needs
Mining Commission sorting, assay and valuation record
Issues
Royalty, inspection fee and HIV levy receipt before export
Primary law
- Mining Act Cap. 123 R.E. 2023 as amended, s.111(1)(c)-(d); s.87(1)(e) added by Finance Act 2024 (old numbering); s.115; s.113A
4
Apply for a permit to export minerals on Form MTF.1 with the application fee
Who
Licensed mineral dealer (exporter)
Needs
Dealer Licence (Form MTF.6); Royalty, inspection fee and HIV levy receipt before export; Exporter's commercial invoice to foreign buyer/refiner
Issues
Application for permit to export minerals (Form MTF.1)
Primary law
[conflict] tz.div-gn-number-2019 (GN number only; the fee text is identical).
- Trading Regulations 2018, regs 3(1), 5(1); First Schedule item (i) as substituted by GN 45 of 2018 and GN 289 of 2019
5
Mines Resident Officer examines and weighs the gold and packs it in sealed containers
Who
Mining Commission (incl. Resident Mines Officer)
Needs
Application for permit to export minerals (Form MTF.1)
Issues
Examination, weighing and sealing of containers by Mines Resident Officer (reg 5(2)); Packing list
Form
Doré bar - unstamped → Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed
Primary law
- Trading Regulations 2018, reg 5(2)
6
Issue the export permit (Form MTF.2) certifying royalty and inspection fees paid
Who
Mining Commission (incl. Resident Mines Officer)
Needs
Examination, weighing and sealing of containers by Mines Resident Officer (reg 5(2)); Royalty, inspection fee and HIV levy receipt before export
Issues
Permit to export minerals (Form MTF.2)
Primary law
- Mining Act s.19(3) (R.E. 2023; s.18(3) R.E. 2019); Trading Regulations 2018, regs 3, 5(1), 5(3)
7
Non-resident buyer applies on Form MTF.13 for a special export permit (Form MTF.14); at most two a year
Who
Non-resident buyer exporting minerals
Issues
Special export permit for non-resident (Form MTF.14)
Primary law
- Trading Regulations 2018, reg 16
8
Apply (Form DMTF.2) for and obtain the ICGLR Regional Certificate (Form DMTF.3) for the gold consignment; the certificate is valid for 30 days and the consignment is sealed
Who
Licensed mineral dealer (exporter)
Issues
ICGLR Regional Certificate for designated minerals (Form DMTF.3)
Primary law
[conflict] tz.div-icglr-gold: the Commission export page lists the ICGLR certificate for tin, tantalum and tungsten only.
- Mining (Designated Minerals Certification) Regulations 2019, regs 13(1), 14, 15
9
Lodge and clear the customs export declaration; the exporter surrenders the export permit to the customs officer, who returns it to the issuing authority
Who
Tanzania Revenue Authority - Customs
Needs
Permit to export minerals (Form MTF.2); ICGLR Regional Certificate for designated minerals (Form DMTF.3); Exporter's commercial invoice to foreign buyer/refiner; Packing list
Issues
Customs export declaration (TRA)
Primary law
[unconfirmed] Customs procedure code and TANCIS entry type for gold not documented in any text held. [inferred] Gold is a restricted export under EACCMA Third Schedule Part B para 1(a) because its export is regulated by the Mining Act.
- EAC Customs Management Act 2004 (rev. 2019); Trading Regulations 2018, s.73; reg 5(4)
10
Secure transport to the airport and airline acceptance as valuable cargo
Who
Secure logistics provider / airline
Needs
Customs export declaration (TRA); Permit to export minerals (Form MTF.2)
Issues
Air waybill; Consignment Security Declaration
Unverified
[inferred] Airline acceptance (AWB, CSD) from standard air-cargo practice; no Tanzanian text on airport handling of gold beyond the Commission checks.

Taxes and fees

Inspection fee (clearance and inspection fee)
1% All minerals; not salt producers and refineries (s.115(5)); not a person selling gold to the BoT (s.90A(5) as amended by Finance Act 2024 s.61); the Commission rates page also excludes gold sold to refinery centres
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Mining Act Cap. 123 R.E. 2023 (s.90A R.E. 2019), s.115(3)-(5)
Mineral royalty on gold
6% Gold produced, sold or exported, except the reduced rates in tz.tax-royalty-refinery and tz.tax-royalty-bot
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Mining Act Cap. 123 R.E. 2023 (s.87(1)(c) R.E. 2019; rate raised from 4% to 6% by Act No. 7 of 2017 s.23), s.111(1)(c), (2); s.112(1)
Reduced royalty on gold sold to the Bank of Tanzania
4% Gold sold to the BoT
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Finance Act 2024 s.59 adding Mining Act s.87(1)(e) ("in the case of gold sold to the Bank of Tanzania, of four per centum"), s.87(1)(e) (R.E. 2019 numbering)
One third of royalty payable in refined gold to the National Gold and Gemstone Reserve
One third of the royalty due
Primary law
- Mining Act s.88(2) (Act No. 7 of 2017 s.24) and s.87(2) (Finance Act 2024 s.59), s.112(2) R.E. 2023; s.87(2) R.E. 2019 numbering
Reduced royalty on gold sold at refinery centres
4% Gold sold at refinery centres
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Finance Act 2022 s.87 adding Mining Act s.87(1)(d) (s.111(1)(d) R.E. 2023), s.111(1)(d)
Withholding tax on payments for precious metals to PML holders and artisanal miners
Not in the texts held (Clyde & Co reports 2% final; Rive & Co 5%) Precious metals, gemstones and other precious stones supplied by a PML holder or artisanal miner
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Income Tax Act Cap. 332 R.E. 2023, s.106(1)(e); final withholding para (g); First Schedule para 4(c)
Export permit application fee
USD 100 or TZS 230,000 per application (salt USD 10 / TZS 20,000)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Trading Regulations 2018, First Schedule item (i) as substituted by GN 45 of 2018 and GN 289 of 2019, First Schedule item (i)(a)
HIV Response Levy on minerals
0.1% All minerals
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Finance Act 2025 s.78 inserting Mining Act s.113A

Controls

Dealers in precious stones and metals are reporting persons under the AMLA (s.3): customer due diligence, records kept at least 10 years (s.17), suspicious transaction reports to the FIU within 24 hours (s.18). Tanzania was on the FATF grey list from October 2022 and was removed with effect from 13 …
Primary law
- Anti-Money Laundering Act Cap. 423 R.E. 2023, s.3; ss.17-18
Persons entering or leaving Tanzania with cash above USD 10,000 or equivalent must declare it (FX Regulations 2022 reg 4; AMLA s.25 and the cross-border declaration regulations).
USD 10,000
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Foreign Exchange Regulations 2022; Anti-Money Laundering Act, reg 4; s.25
A licensed dealer may keep minerals only at its licensed place of business, at a bank or in a safe deposit; offence: fine up to TZS 20 million or 1 year (reg 11).
Primary law
- Trading Regulations 2018, reg 11
Export only by a mineral right holder or licensed dealer that has paid royalty (or payment in lieu) and the inspection fee, or given security, holding a Commission export permit; goods examined, weighed and sealed by the Resident Mines Officer.
Primary law
- Mining Act s.19(3) (R.E. 2023); Trading Regulations 2018, regs 3, 5
Transactions at Mineral and Gem Houses clear only after deposit, payment of taxes and fulfilment of export conditions; a single buyer may take no more than 75% of minerals offered at an auction.
Primary law
- Mineral and Gem Houses Regulations 2019, regs 20(3), 31
Anyone who buys or disposes of minerals must do so at a Mineral and Gem House (mineral market) or Commission buying station; mining licence and special mining licence holders may sell at any market of choice. Trading outside: fine of three times the value of the mineral, confiscation and licence rev…
Primary law
- Mining Act s.27C (R.E. 2019; s.32 R.E. 2023); Mineral and Gem Houses Regulations 2019, s.27C(2)-(4); reg 6(1)-(6)
Only a mineral right holder, licensed dealer, licensed broker or Minerals Import Permit holder (or their employee, agent or contractor) may possess or dispose of minerals; only a mineral right holder or licensed dealer that has paid royalty and the inspection fee may export. Offence: individual fine…
Primary law
- Mining Act Cap. 123 R.E. 2023 (s.18 R.E. 2019), s.19(1), (3), (4)
Exporters must receive export proceeds in foreign currency through their account at a bank or financial institution in Tanzania within the agreed payment period, not more than 90 days; documents to the bank within 7 days after customs clearance; delays reported on Form A (FX Regulations 2022 reg 7);…
90 days
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Foreign Exchange Regulations 2022; Mining Act R.E. 2019, regs 7-8; s.106(2)(b)
Reporting persons and anyone holding others' funds or assets must screen customers against the UN Security Council and domestic lists, screen the whole customer base within 24 hours of a designation, freeze without delay, and report positive matches to the Minister, the FIU and the Police (POTA Regu…
Official guidance
- FIU Targeted Financial Sanctions Guide (Nov 2023); Prevention of Terrorism (General) Regulations 2022 (GN 379 of 2022), guide paras 2.2-2.4; reg 4(5)
Raw minerals may be kept in the Government Minerals Warehouse at the BoT under a transport permit (Form 1/2) sealed with the Resident Mines Officer and TRA; storage 1 month plus up to 2 months extension, monthly fees TZS 200,000-1,000,000; after the extension the BoT may buy (paying in TZS); offence…
Primary law
- Mining (Government Minerals Warehouse) Regulations 2021 (GN 58 of 2022), regs 23, 31
The Government, through the BoT, has the exclusive right to buy the set-aside gold, delivered to a designated refinery; where the BoT gives written notice (at least one month ahead) that it will stop buying, the set-aside gold is sold to domestic gold refineries. Only the set-aside share is covered;…
Official guidance
- Commission guideline on gold purchase (Aug 2024); Mining Act s.72A as inserted by Finance Act 2024 s.58
No person may transport minerals within Tanzania without the Mining Commission's written authorisation (Gem Houses Regs reg 13); a refinery, elution or VAT leaching plant may not refine any minerals or concentrates without the Commission's written authorisation (reg 14). The Commission checks licenc…
Primary law
- Mineral and Gem Houses Regulations 2019; Commission smuggling guideline, regs 13-14
Except with the Governor's permission, no person other than one authorised under the Foreign Exchange Act may buy, borrow, sell, lend, hold or otherwise deal in gold (FX Regulations 2022 reg 5). The Foreign Exchange Act 1992 s.10(1)(b) bars the export of any gold without the Governor's permission, "…
Primary law
- Foreign Exchange Regulations 2022; Foreign Exchange Act 1992, reg 5; s.2, s.10(1)(b)
Gold is a designated mineral under the ICGLR Regional Certification Mechanism: mine sites are classified red, yellow or green (reg 5), chain-of-custody and due-diligence duties apply (regs 8-9), no designated mineral may be exported without an export permit and the ICGLR certificate (reg 13(1)), imp…
Primary law
- Mining (Designated Minerals Certification) Regulations 2019, regs 2, 5, 8, 9, 13, 16, 19, 22
No licence or permit may be issued under any law for exporting raw minerals and mineral concentrates (s.100C(3) R.E. 2019); raw minerals leave the mine only under Government supervision. Gold dore and refined gold may be exported after laboratory analysis of the other minerals they contain and calcu…
Primary law
- Mining Act as amended by Act No. 7 of 2017; Mining (Value Addition) Regulations 2020, s.100C (R.E. 2019); GN 687 of 2020 Schedule (gold)
Mineral right holders and licensed dealers must set aside gold for processing, smelting, refining and trading in Tanzania at the percentage the Minister fixes by regulations, not less than 20% of the gold (Finance Act 2024 s.57 replacing s.59, now s.69). Holders of agreements with the Government tha…
Not less than 20% of the gold
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Mining Act s.69 (R.E. 2023) as replaced by Finance Act 2024 s.57 and amended by Finance Act 2025 s.77, s.69

Leg 2: Switzerland

On the way

11
Onboard Dubai supplier: KYC pack, chain-of-custody statement, mine-of-origin/scrap declaration, DMCC/UAEGD audit reports
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Air waybill
Issues
Refiner file on the Dubai supplier: identity, commercial-register extract, proof of lawful acquisition (export permit/declaration, mining licence where applicable), SECO embargo check, origin clarification (kept for the period the EMKV sets: zehn Jahren); KYC questionnaire for mined material, naming each ASM supplier in the chain (team/cooperative, aggregators, local exporter); Independent assurance report on the Dubai refiner's responsible sourcing practices, as an Intermediate Refiner (RGG v9 s.2.3 enhanced due diligence for high-risk recycled gold); Site visit at the mine of origin before transacting (or within 6 months) - enhanced due diligence
Primary law
[inferred] Asking for DMCC/UAEGD audit reports and a chain-of-custody statement is the model's application to a Dubai supplier; the LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance and the BAZG melter due-diligence directive do not name them. The EMKV duties are read in the official fedlex consolidation held on the server. In the EMKV record on the server these articles are parsed into the section labelled Anhang (section id in the refs), not into their own sections; the quotes are from that section.
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 1 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Der Inhaber einer Schmelzbewilligung darf Schmelzgut nur von Per-”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 1 (lawful acquisition) (parsed into section sch-2)
  “die sich über deren rechtmässigen Erwerb aus- weisen können.”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 2 (identity) (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Es muss die Identität des Kunden anhand eines beweiskräftigen Do- kumentes wie Pass oder Identitätskarte überprüfen.”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 3 (origin clarification) (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Bestehen über die Herkunft der Ware Zweifel oder stammen die An- gebote von Unbekannten, so ist der Inhaber der Schmelzbewilligung verpflichtet, die Herkunft des Schmelzgutes besonders sorgfältig abzu- klären.”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168b Abs. 3 (retention) (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Schmelzprodukten müssen während zehn Jahren aufbewahrt werden.”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKG Art. 31a Abs. 1
  “Wer gewerbsmässig Schmelzgut im Sinne von Artikel 1 Absatz 3”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), EMKG Art. 31a Abs. 6
  “Die Absätze 1-5 gelten nicht für Inhaber einer Schmelzbewilligung nach Artikel 24.”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), BAZG Richtlinie R-247 (1 Jan 2023) annex matrix Teil 1 (KYC)
  “Identifikation des Kunden gemäss Art. 168a Abs. 2 EMKV für natürliche Personen, für juristische Personen mittels Han-”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), BAZG Richtlinie R-247 (1 Jan 2023) Ziff. 3.3.2
  “Bestehen Zweifel über die Herkunft des Materials oder in Bezug auf die Integrität des Kunden sind Bewilligungsinhaber verpflichtet, den Sachverhalt besonders sorgfältig abzuklären”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), RGG v9 Step 2.1 (origin of mined gold)
  “Mined Gold: The location of the mine (LSM and ASM).”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), RGG v9 Step 2.2 (transit red flag)
  “Is claimed to originate from a country through which gold from CAHRAs is known, or reasonably suspected, to transit”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), RGG v9 Step 1.2 (records)
  “Records are required to be maintained for at least five years, or the minimum timeframe stipulated by local regulatory requirements”
- PMCO/EMKV; LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance; BAZG melter due-diligence directive (sections in refs), BAZG Schmelzen und Prüfen (Dec 2023) Ziff. 4.1.6 (restates Art. 168b Abs. 3)
  “Die Dokumente über den Geschäftsverkehr mit Schmelzgut und Schmelzprodukten müssen während zehn Jahren aufbewahrt werden.”
12
File the Swiss electronic customs import declaration (formal declaration; simplified or oral declarations excluded for melt material imported for sale), tariff heading 7108.1200 (statistical key 911 for mining gold), with actual origin if known; import VAT-exempt for investment gold (cast bars of at least 995 thousandths fineness bearing the fineness and the stamp of a recognised assayer-melter) and for gold in raw form or semi-finished for refining; unmarked doré may only be imported by a trade assayer (BAZG practice)
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Air waybill
Issues
Electronic customs import declaration (commercial import; simplified and oral declarations excluded for melt material)
Primary law
The Federal Council report (citing the customs administration) says actual origin must be declared if known, but for large imports, e.g. from the United Kingdom or the UAE, the dispatch country is sometimes entered; [inferred] Dubai-refined Nigerian gold can therefore appear as UAE origin. [unconfirmed] That no certificate of origin is required is not stated in the sources read. No written precious-metals control record found for a passed border check. The rule that unmarked doré may only be imported by a trade assayer is BAZG practice (BAZG letter on unmarked melt products; BAZG directive on applying the EMKG); it is not in the EMKG import article. The EMKV (precious metals control ordinance) is not held on the server, so its provisions on recognised fineness marks and banking precious metals are not relied on here. Corrected earlier: the declaration was described as "Passar"; the BAZG melt-material sheet names e-dec web. [time-limited] When the BAZG-VG enters into force (date not set), the EMKG import-check paragraphs are repealed and replaced by a new BAZG control article (BAZG-VG annex amending the EMKG).
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), MWSTG (SR 641.20, Stand 1 Jan 2025) Art. 23 Abs. 2 Ziff. 12: gold supplies exempt
  “die Umsätze, die mit Gold und Legierungen von Gold der folgenden Form erzielt werden:”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Art. 23 Abs. 2 Ziff. 12 Bst. b: investment gold, cast bars
  “Gold zu Anlagezwecken mit einem Mindestfeingehalt von 995 Tausendsteln, in Form von:”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Art. 23 Abs. 2 Ziff. 12 Bst. b, first indent
  “gegossenen Barren, versehen mit der Angabe des Feingehalts und dem Stempelzeichen eines anerkannten Prüfer-Schmelzers oder”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Art. 23 Abs. 2 Ziff. 12 Bst. d: raw or semi-finished gold for refining
  “Gold in Rohform oder in Form von Halbzeug, das zur Raffination oder Rückgewinnung bestimmt ist”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), MWSTG Art. 53 Abs. 1 Bst. m: import of gold exempt
  “Gold und Legierungen von Gold nach Artikel 23 Absatz 2 Ziffer 12.”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), AS 2024 438 (amendment of 16 June 2023, in force 1 Jan 2025): inserts Art. 53 Abs. 1 Bst. m
  “Gold und Legierungen von Gold nach Artikel 23 Absatz 2 Ziffer 12.”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), MWSTV Art. 44 (former gold provision) repealed
  “Aufgehoben durch Ziff. I der V vom 21. Aug. 2024, mit Wirkung seit 1. Jan. 2025”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), EMKG (SR 941.31) Art. 20 Abs. 3: import checks
  “Die diesem Gesetz unterstellten Waren können bei der Einfuhr einer umfassenden oder stichprobenweisen Kontrolle unterworfen werden.”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG statistics page: tariff heading 7108.1200
  “Data relating to gold in raw form (e.g. bars) are recorded under customs tariff heading 7108.1200”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG statistics page: statistical key 911 (from 1 Jan 2021)
  “mining gold *(key: 911)*”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Federal Council report 14 Nov 2018, s.3.7
  “dass der tatsächliche Ursprung der Waren gemeldet werden muss, sofern er bekannt ist”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Federal Council report s.3.7
  “Bei umfangreichen Einfuhren, zum Beispiel aus Grossbritannien oder den Vereinigten Arabischen Emiraten, wird in der Zollerklärung gelegentlich das Versendungsland angegeben.”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG R-247 (1 Jan 2023) s.3.4.2: unmarked melt products only imported by trade assayers
  “Daher sind ausschliesslich Handelsprüfer berechtigt, nicht gekennzeichnete”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), R-247 s.3.4.2 (doré bars as example)
  “(bspw. Doré-Barren aus dem Bergbau)”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG Merkblatt "Annahme von Schmelzgut aus dem Ausland" (Jan 2024): simplified declarations excluded
  “Vereinfachte Zollanmeldeverfahren wie Quickzoll oder gar eine mündliche Zollanmeldung sind daher grundsätzlich ausgeschlossen.”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Merkblatt: e-dec web
  “dies selbst mittels e-dec web vornehmen”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Merkblatt: prior customs procedure
  “Annahme von Schmelzgut aus dem Ausland sichergestellt wird, dass dieses vorgängig”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Merkblatt: fine per case (under the EMKG)
  “mit bis zu CHF 2 000 pro Fall gebüsst werden”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), Merkblatt: licence withdrawal
  “In schweren Fällen kann die entsprechende Bewilligung”
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG letter of 4 Dec 2019 on import of unmarked melt products (only footnotes are sectioned; cited law-only)
- VAT Act (MWSTG) as amended with effect from 1 Jan 2025; Precious Metals Control Act (EMKG) (sections in refs), BAZG-VG of 20 June 2025, Anhang 2 Ziff. 53 (EMKG Art. 20 Abs. 3-5 repealed, new Art. 22a); annex not sectioned, cited law-only
13
Optionally store under customs control in a free port (e.g. Geneva La Praille / Aéroport, Embrach - Embraport, Zürich-Flughafen - Cargologic): stored goods are not subject to import customs duties or trade-policy measures and may be stored indefinitely
Who
Bonded warehouse / freeport operator (Geneva/Embrach)
Issues
Electronic customs declaration on entry of sensitive goods into the free port (content: the inventory-record particulars listed in the Customs Ordinance, letters a to f, plus the depositor's name and address); Electronic inventory record of sensitive goods: previous customs document, entry date, owner, origin country, description, value, marks, gross/net mass, origin proof, location, exit date, etc. (17 fields)
Primary law
The BAZG free-port list held is the old list in the library (its record dates it to the start of the year it was issued; no newer list found); operators may have changed. [time-limited] The BAZG-VG (adopted, not yet in force) treats free ports as a kind of customs warehouse and will replace these articles when in force. [inferred] Suspension of import VAT is read from the BAZG free-port directive ("auf das Erheben der Abgaben ... verzichtet"); the ZG names only import customs duties and trade-policy measures. Supplies of goods stored in a free port are VAT-exempt under the MWSTG (read). The ZG and ZV are now read in their official fedlex consolidations held on the server.
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG (SR 631.0, Stand 1 Sep 2023) Art. 62 Abs. 1
  “Zollfreilager sind Teile des Zollgebiets oder in diesem gelegene Räumlichkeiten:”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG Art. 62 Abs. 3
  “Die eingelagerten Waren unterliegen weder den Einfuhrzollabgaben noch handels- politischen Massnahmen.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG Art. 64 Abs. 1
  “Wer ein Zollfreilager betreibt, braucht eine Bewilligung des BAZG.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG Art. 65 Abs. 1
  “Waren, die in einem Zollfreilager gelagert werden sollen, sind der zuständigen Zoll- stelle zur Einlagerung anzumelden und in das Zollfreilager zu verbringen.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG Art. 65 Abs. 2
  “In Zollfreilagern dürfen Waren beliebig lange gelagert werden.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZG Art. 66 Abs. 1
  “Die Lagerhalterin oder der Lagerhalter muss über alle eingelagerten sensiblen Wa- ren Bestandesaufzeichnungen führen.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZV (SR 631.01, Stand 1 Oct 2024) Art. 178a Abs. 1
  “Die anmeldepflichtige Person muss sensible Waren bei der Einlagerung ins Zollfrei- lager elektronisch anmelden.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZV Art. 182 Abs. 2
  “Sie oder er muss zudem für sensible Waren eine Bestandesaufzeichnung führen.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZV Art. 184 Abs. 2
  “Sie muss elektronisch geführt werden.”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), ZV Anhang 2 Ziff. 5 (sensitive goods; the section id carries footnote 193 glued to the label)
  “Perlen, Diamanten, Edelsteine, Schmucksteine, Edelmetalle und Edel- metallplattierungen sowie Waren daraus (ex Zolltarifkapitel 71)”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), BAZG Richtlinie R-10-50 Ziff. 1.1 (levies not raised)
  “Dabei wird auf das Erheben der Abgaben, auf deren Sicherstellung und auf die Anwendung handelspolitischer Massnahmen”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), MWSTG Art. 23 Abs. 2 Ziff. 3bis
  “die Lieferung von Gegenständen, die wegen Einlagerung in einem Zollfreilager (Art. 62-66 ZG) nachweislich im Inland unter Zollüberwachung standen und diesen Zollstatus nicht rückwirkend verloren haben”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), Embrach
  “Zürcher Freilager AG, GVZ Embraport”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), Genève La Praille and Genève Aéroport
  “Ports Francs et Entrepôts de Genève SA”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), BAZG-VG (20 June 2025, not in force) Art. 64
  “Zolllager sind vom BAZG zugelassene Orte im Zollgebiet”
- Swiss Customs Act (ZG); Customs Ordinance (ZV) (articles in refs), BAZG-VG Art. 65 Abs. 2
  “Als Zolllager können bewilligt werden:”
14
Screen the bars, buyer and destination against Swiss sanctions before release: no purchase, import, transit or related services (including brokerage and financing) for gold of Russian origin exported after 4 Aug 2022 or gold processed from it in third countries
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Primary law
[transcription] Art. 14d paras 1-4 read in an unofficial third-party English translation (as at 22 Mar 2024, held in laws/); Annex 26 covers 7108, 7112 91 and ex 7118 90 gold coins; Annex 27 ex 7113 and ex 7114. [unconfirmed] The official consolidation is now Stand 21 Sep 2026 and was not read (the fetch tool truncates before Art. 14d); changes after March 2024 are not ruled out. The ordinance contains no explicit ban on selling gold to Russia; the export-side effect is through the services ban.
- Ordinance of 4 March 2022 on measures in connection with the situation in Ukraine (SR 946.231.176.72), Art. 14d
15
Release the bars from the refinery vault or free port against the owner's instruction and prepare the weight list (bar list), commercial invoice and packing list for the shipment
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
Outbound weight list / bar list; Commercial invoice to the foreign buyer; Packing list
Standard
The weight list is sourced to LBMA Annex C; commercial invoice and packing list are standard export practice, not read in a Swiss source.
- LBMA Good Delivery Rules, Annex C (weight lists); Customs Act Arts. 62-66 (free ports)
16
Lodge the electronic export declaration in Passar (HS 7108; e-dec Export was usable only to end-2025); the declarant must make it binding and physically export the goods within 120 days of its acceptance in the IT system
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
Passar export declaration (HS 7108)
Official guidance
R-10-10 (valid 1 Jan 2026) cites Art. 25-29 ZG and Art. 79-83 ZV for the declaration duty, says declarations are electronic in principle, and sets the 120-day limit from acceptance in the IT system. R-10-10 held and read in full on 2026-09-28; the Customs Act and Ordinance texts themselves were not read. R-10-10 has no gold-specific rule.
- Customs Act (ZG, SR 631.0); BAZG R-10-10, ZG Arts. 25-29 (as cited in R-10-10)
17
Receive the export assessment notice (Veranlagungsverfuegung Ausfuhr), the evidence that the goods were properly cleared for export
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
Veranlagungsverfuegung Ausfuhr
Official guidance
R-10-10 cites Art. 38 and 69 ZG and Art. 92 ZV for the export assessment notice and says it is evidence of proper assessment and of export for VAT. R-10-10 held and read in full on 2026-09-28.
- Customs Act (ZG); BAZG R-10-10, ZG Arts. 38 and 69; ZV Art. 92 (as cited in R-10-10)
18
Treat the sale as a VAT-exempt export (supply of goods directly transported abroad) and keep the export assessment notice as evidence
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Veranlagungsverfuegung Ausfuhr
Primary law
Art. 23(2) no. 1 read in the held MWSTG (Stand 1 Jan 2025, German wording current). Art. 23(3): direct export includes export into an open customs warehouse or a free port. Investment gold of at least 995 fineness is separately exempt with credit under Art. 23(2) no. 12 (see ch.tax-import-vat).
- Federal VAT Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20), Art. 23(2) no. 1
19
Hand the sealed consignment to a secure valuables carrier and fly it out (Zurich or Geneva) under an air waybill
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
Air waybill (outbound)
Unverified
Carrier practice. Cantonal licensing: in the Canton of Zurich "Sicherheitstransporte von Personen, Gütern und Wertsachen" require a licence under the Polizeigesetz, 9. Abschnitt (cantonal page, read by WebFetch 2026-09-28; PolG text not read). Geneva and other cantons not checked. No Swiss source read describes the outbound air leg for gold.

Taxes and fees

Customs duty on gold
0% HS 7108
Official guidanceAmount not confirmed
Import VAT on gold
Exempt Gold and gold alloys under MWSTG Art. 23(2) Ziff. 12: (a) state-minted gold coins of tariff nos. 7118.9010, 9705.3100, 9705.3900; (b) investment gold of at least 995 fineness as cast bars bearing the fineness and the stamp of a recognised assayer-melter, or stamped plates; (c) granules of at least 995 packed and sealed by a recognised assayer-melter; (d) gold in raw form or semi-finished for refining or recovery, and gold waste and scrap; (e) alloys under (d) with 2% or more gold
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- VAT Act (MWSTG, SR 641.20), Art. 53(1)(m) (import) with Art. 23(2) Ziff. 12

Controls

Banks identify the contracting party and beneficial owner for precious-metals trading and for cash transactions over CHF 15,000 (CDB 20; Form A, Form K).
CHF 15,000 cash
StandardAmount not confirmed
- CDB 20 (SBA), CDB Art. 4(2)(f)-(g), 7, 20-21, 27-28
Melt material imported from abroad for sale in Switzerland needs a formal import declaration; simplified and oral declarations are excluded in principle. A buyer or licensee who accepts melt material that has not been through customs breaches due diligence under the PMCA: fine up to CHF 2,000 per ca…
Official guidance
- BAZG Merkblatt 'Annahme von Schmelzgut aus dem Ausland' (Jan 2024)
Commercial production of melt products (bars, plates, rods, granules made by melting precious metal or melt material) requires a melt licence; acting without it is punishable by a fine (EMKG Art. 48). Every melt product must bear the licence holder's stamp; melt products for resale must be assayed b…
Primary law
- EMKG/PMCA (SR 941.31), Arts. 1(2), 24, 31(1), 32-33, 47, 48
Holders of a melter licence may accept melt material only from persons who can prove lawful acquisition, and must verify the customer's identity by a probative document such as a passport or identity card. Where origin is doubtful or the offer comes from unknown persons, origin must be clarified wit…
Primary law
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 1 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Der Inhaber einer Schmelzbewilligung darf Schmelzgut nur von Per-”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 2 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Es muss die Identität des Kunden anhand eines beweiskräftigen Do- kumentes wie Pass oder Identitätskarte überprüfen.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168a Abs. 3 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Bestehen über die Herkunft der Ware Zweifel oder stammen die An- gebote von Unbekannten, so ist der Inhaber der Schmelzbewilligung verpflichtet, die Herkunft des Schmelzgutes besonders sorgfältig abzu- klären.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168b Abs. 1 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “derlichen organisatorischen Massnahmen, um das Schmelzen von Schmelzgut unrechtmässiger Herkunft zu verhindern.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168b Abs. 2 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “so ist die Ware durch den Inhaber der Schmelzbewilligung bis zur Klärung des Falles in unverändertem Zu- stand aufzubewahren.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168b Abs. 3 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Schmelzprodukten müssen während zehn Jahren aufbewahrt werden.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168c Abs. 1 (parsed into section sch-2)
  “Der Inhaber einer Schmelzbewilligung muss über seine Ankäufe von Schmelzgut und Schmelzprodukten Buch führen.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), EMKV (SR 941.311, Stand 1 Jan 2024) Art. 168c Abs. 2 Bst. b (parsed into section sch-2)
  “die in Artikel 168a Absatz 2 vorgeschriebenen Identifikations- nachweise;”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), BAZG Schmelzen und Prüfen (Dec 2023) Ziff. 4.1.6 (restates Art. 168a)
  “Er muss die Identität des Kunden anhand eines beweiskräftigen Dokumentes wie Pass oder Identitätskarte überprüfen und muss sich vor Ausführung des Auftrages den rechtmässigen Erwerb des Schmelzgutes durch den Auftraggeber nachweisen lassen.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), BAZG Schmelzen und Prüfen (Dec 2023) Ziff. 4.1.6 (restates Art. 168b Abs. 3)
  “Die Dokumente über den Geschäftsverkehr mit Schmelzgut und Schmelzprodukten müssen während zehn Jahren aufbewahrt werden.”
- PMCO/EMKV (articles in refs), BAZG Richtlinie R-247 (1 Jan 2023) Ziff. 3.3.2
  “Bestehen Zweifel über die Herkunft des Materials oder in Bezug auf die Integrität des Kunden sind Bewilligungsinhaber verpflichtet, den Sachverhalt besonders sorgfältig abzuklären”
Purchase, import, transit and transport of gold (Annex 26) originating in Russia and exported from Russia after 4 Aug 2022, and of gold processed from it in third countries, are prohibited, as are related services (all kinds, including financial services, brokerage and technical assistance) and the …
Primary law
- Ordinance of 4 March 2022 on measures in connection with the situation in Ukraine (SR 946.231.176.72), Art. 14d
Precious metals are 'sensitive goods' in free ports (Customs Ordinance Annex 2, as amended on 18 November 2015): the declarant must declare them electronically on entry into storage, and an electronic inventory record of them is kept per depositor and submitted by the warehouse keeper to customs on …
Primary law
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), AS 2015 4917, ZV Anhang 2 (sensitive goods) as amended
  “Anhang 2 wird wie folgt geändert:”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), ZV Anhang 2 Ziff. 5: precious metals ex tariff chapter 71
  “Perlen, Diamanten, Edelsteine, Schmucksteine, Edelmetalle und Edel- metallplattierungen sowie Waren daraus (ex Zolltarifkapitel 71)”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), AS 2015 4917 Ziff. IV: in force
  “Diese Verordnung tritt am 1. Januar 2016 in Kraft.”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), ZV Art. 178a Abs. 1: electronic declaration on entry into the free port
  “Die anmeldepflichtige Person muss sensible Waren bei der Einlagerung ins Zoll- freilager elektronisch anmelden.”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), ZV Art. 185: inventory record per depositor
  “Die Bestandesaufzeichnung für sensible Waren ist je Einlagererin oder je Einlagerer zu führen.”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), ZV Art. 184 Abs. 2: kept electronically
  “Sie muss elektronisch geführt werden.”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), ZV Art. 184 Abs. 3bis: warehouse keeper submits it on request
  “Auf Verlangen muss die Lagerhalterin oder der Lagerhalter der EZV die”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), AS 2015 4917, ZV Art. 246a: amendment date
  “Übergangsbestimmungen zur Änderung vom 18. November 2015”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), BAZG R-10-50 (1 Jul 2025) s.1.3.1: export goods count as sensitive goods
  “Ausfuhrwaren gelten als sensible Waren”
- Customs Ordinance (ZV) as amended on 18 November 2015 (articles in refs), R-10-50 s.4.1: inventory records over all sensitive goods
  “Bestandesaufzeichnungen nach den Grundsätzen der ordnungsgemässen Buchführung”
Cash threshold for dealers in goods (anti-money laundering)
Primary law
- GwG Art. 8a(1)
  “Händlerinnen und Händler nach Artikel 2 Absatz 1 Buchstabe b müssen folgende”
- GwG Art. 8a(1)(a)
  “Identifizierung der Vertragspartei (Art. 3 Abs. 1);”
Cash threshold for dealers in gold (anti-money laundering)
Primary law
- GwG Art. 8a(1)
  “Händlerinnen und Händler nach Artikel 2 Absatz 1 Buchstabe b müssen folgende”
- GwG Art. 8a(1)(a)
  “Identifizierung der Vertragspartei (Art. 3 Abs. 1);”
- GwG Art. 8a(2bis)
  “oder Edelsteinen beträgt die massgebende Schwelle im Sinne von Ab-”
- EMKG Art. 1(1)
  “Edelmetalle im Sinne dieses Gesetzes sind Gold, Silber, Platin und Palladium.”

Leg 3: India

Where the goods arrive

Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed → 999.9 kilobar

20
Declare jewellery beyond the special allowance (40 g female / 20 g other passengers, residents or tourists of Indian origin abroad more than one year) and any gold other than ornaments electronically in CBD-I before the green channel, and pay duty (eligible passengers may import up to 1 kg of gold at the concessional rate of 45/2025 S. No. 194, duty in convertible foreign currency)
Who
International passenger
Issues
Baggage declaration
Primary law
- Baggage Rules 2026 r.6 and Annexure-I; Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations 2026 reg. 3; 45/2025 S. No. 194, condition 23, r.6; reg. 3
21
Import dore as actual user under 45/2025 S. No. 192 (conditions 3 and 22: direct shipment from the producing country, bars of 5 kg or more, mining-company packing list and assay certificate, refining to 99.5% or more); file Bill of Entry; pay BCD 10% from 13 May 2026 (5% before) plus AIDC, and IGST 3%
Who
Domestic gold refinery (dore importer under actual-user condition)
Needs
Origin country's export authorisation for the gold (permit, licence or clearance issued by the mining or trade authority); Export customs declaration accepted by the dispatching country's customs; Assay certificate (fineness and fine weight); Packing list; Air waybill
Issues
Bill of Entry for gold dore (actual-user); Duty and IGST payment on dore
Primary law
[unconfirmed] AIDC serial for dore not identified (see in.tax-dore-2026). The origin-country documents (export authorisation, export declaration) are what the exporting country issues; Indian law read here asks for the mining-company packing list and assay certificate.
- 45/2025-Customs S. No. 192, conditions 3 and 22, as amended by 15/2026; IGCR Rules 2022, TABLE I S. No. 192; condition 22
22
Refine dore to 995/999.9 bars and issue outturn assay
Who
Domestic gold refinery (dore importer under actual-user condition)
Needs
Bill of Entry for gold dore (actual-user)
Issues
Refinery outturn assay; List of refined bars produced
Form
Doré bar - stamped/exporter-sealed → 999.9 kilobar
Unverified
No Indian legal text prescribes the refinery process or outturn documents; industry-standard step. Condition 22(d) of 45/2025 requires refining into bars of 99.5% or more.
23
Sell refined bars to jewellers/dealers with GST invoice at 3%
Who
Domestic gold refinery (dore importer under actual-user condition)
Issues
GST invoice on sale of refined bars
Primary law
IGST rate (inter-State) 3% read; CGST/SGST rate notifications for intra-State sales not read.
24
Submit jewellery to a BIS-recognised Assaying and Hallmarking Centre for fineness testing, hallmark and HUID (fee Rs 45 per article, minimum Rs 200 per consignment)
Who
BIS-registered jeweller / dealer in precious metals
Needs
BIS registration certificate
Issues
Hallmark and HUID
Primary law
- Hallmarking Order 2020 cls. 1A, 2; BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations 2018 reg. 5(6)-(8) and Schedule IV (2022), Order cl. 2; Regulations reg. 5
25
Identify the customer and apply due diligence (enhanced for higher-risk clients) where the dealer is a reporting entity
Who
BIS-registered jeweller / dealer in precious metals
Issues
Client KYC/CDD record
Primary law
- PMLA ss.11A, 12AA; PMLR r.9; DGA guidelines paras 5.2.2, 5.3, PMLR r.9; DGA paras 5.2.2, 5.3.1
26
Sell hallmarked jewellery with GST invoice (3% on gold value)
Who
BIS-registered jeweller / dealer in precious metals
Needs
Hallmark and HUID
Issues
Retail GST invoice for jewellery
Primary law
IGST 3% read (inter-State); CGST/SGST intra-State notifications not read. Invoice must show net weight, purity and hallmarking charges (Hallmarking Regulations reg. 5(11)); cash receipts of Rs 2 lakh or more barred (ITA 2025 s.186).
27
Report cash transactions (Rule 3 PMLR) to FIU-IND monthly by the 15th of the following month; register on FINGate 2.0 at the first cash transaction of Rs 10 lakh or more
Who
BIS-registered jeweller / dealer in precious metals
Issues
CTR; FIUREID
Primary law
- PMLA s.12(1)(b); PMLR r.8(1); G.S.R. 799(E) of 28.12.2020, PMLA s.12(1)(b); PMLR r.8(1)
28
File a Suspicious Transaction Report (including attempted transactions) promptly, in writing by fax or electronic mail, on being satisfied that the transaction is suspicious
Who
BIS-registered jeweller / dealer in precious metals
Issues
STR
Primary law
[conflict] in.div-conflict-str-deadline: PMLR r.8(2) in the current FIU-IND consolidation says "promptly"; the ED consolidation (2013 substitution) says "not later than seven working days"; the DGA guidelines say "prompt reporting" (para 4.8) and "within seven working days of its occurrence"; the FIU-IND guidance (para 5) "within 7 days of forming such a suspicion". The model follows the Rule as now in force; the seven-working-day figure is held as an amount marked as the conflicting text. [unconfirmed] The amending notification that substituted r.8(2) is not identified (the FIU-IND consolidation carries no footnotes).
- PMLA; PMLR r.8(2), PMLR r.8(2) (FIU-IND consolidation)
  “8. Furnishing of information to the Director.-(1) The Principal Officer of a reporting entity”
- PMLA; PMLR r.8(2), PMLR r.8(2) (ED consolidation)
  “furnish the information promptly in writing or by fax or by electronic mail to the Director in respect of transactions referred to in clause (D) of sub-rule (1) of rule 3 not later than seven working days on being satisfied that the transaction is suspicious”
- PMLA; PMLR r.8(2), DGA guidelines para 4.8
  “Recommendation 20, Rule 8(2) read with Rule 3(1)(D) of the PMLR provides for prompt reporting of a suspicious transaction”
- PMLA; PMLR r.8(2), FIU-IND guidance para 5 (paragraph not in a parsed section)
- PMLA; PMLR r.8(2), PMLA s.12(1)(b)

Taxes and fees

Duty-free special allowance for jewellery (Baggage Rules 2026 r.6)
Duty-free jewellery up to 40 g (female passenger) or 20 g (other passengers) Residents or tourists of Indian origin residing abroad for more than one year, in bona fide baggage; gold or silver in any form other than ornaments is excluded from the general free allowance (Annexure-I item 5)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Baggage Rules 2026, r.6; r.5 and Annexure-I item 5
India-UAE CEPA tariff rate quota for gold (22/2022-Customs TABLE III S. No. 12)
In-quota BCD 10% + AIDC 4% (14%) from 13 May 2026 (18/2026); 4% + 1% (5%) from 24 Jul 2024 (31/2024); 6.6% + 2.5% as notified in 2022 Gold of 71081100, 71081210, 71081290, 71081310, 71081390 (all goods) of UAE origin within the TRQ quantity: 200 tonnes from 1 Apr 2026 (09/2026); 180 tonnes FY 2025-26 (21/2025); 120 tonnes "other than Gold Dore Bar" in 2022
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Notification 22/2022-Customs TABLE III S. No. 12, conditions 1 and 2, as substituted/amended by 31/2024, 21/2025, 09/2026 and 18/2026
BCD and AIDC on other chapter 71 goods from 13 May 2026 (7107, 7109, 7110, 7111, 7112, 7118; findings; spent catalyst)
BCD 10% (45/2025 S. No. 202 as substituted and S. No. 203 findings, by 15/2026); AIDC: findings of gold or silver 5%, platinum findings 5.4% (15F), 7107 and 7109 5%, 7111 5.4%, 7118 5%, 7112 other than spent catalyst 5% (16/2026); spent catalyst or ash BCD 10% (S. No. 200A, to 31 Mar 2027), AIDC 4.35% (15E) Headings 7107, 7109, 7110, 7111, 7112, 7118
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
Customs duty on gold dore
5.35% combined (BCD 5% + AIDC 0.35%) Gold dore bars with gold content not over 95% imported by actual users for refining (45/2025 S. No. 192, conditions 3 and 22)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- 30/2024 (BCD); 32/2024 (AIDC); from 1 Nov 2025 45/2025 S. No. 192
Customs duty on gold dore from 13 May 2026: BCD 10% + AIDC
BCD 10% + AIDC 4.35% (11/2021 Sl. No. 15B, gold dore bar) = 14.35% Gold dore bar with gold content not over 95% (45/2025 S. No. 192), subject to conditions 3 (IGCR Rules 2022) and 22 (see in.cr-refinery-au)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- 45/2025-Customs S. No. 192 as amended by 15/2026; 11/2021 Sl. No. 15B (inserted by 03/2023, rate 4.35% set by 16/2026)
Customs duty on gold bars (BCD + AIDC), July 2022 - July 2024
15% (dore 14.35%) HS 7108 bars; dore
Official guidanceAmount not confirmed
Customs duty on gold bars: BCD 5% + AIDC 1% (24 Jul 2024 - 12 May 2026)
6% combined (BCD 5%, AIDC 1%, SWS exempt) Gold bars (HS 7108)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Notification 30/2024-Customs (BCD, amending 50/2017; carried at 5% into 45/2025 S. No. 196 from 1 Nov 2025); 32/2024-Customs (AIDC Sl. No. 15D 1%)
Customs duty on gold bars from 13 May 2026: BCD 10% + AIDC 5% (SWS exempt)
15% combined (BCD 10%, AIDC 5%) All goods of heading 7108 other than dore (45/2025 TABLE I S. No. 196); silver 7106 likewise (S. No. 197)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- 45/2025-Customs S. No. 196 as amended by 15/2026 (BCD "5%" -> "10%"); 11/2021-Customs Sl. No. 15D as amended by 16/2026 (AIDC "5%"); 11/2018-Customs Sl. No. 1 (SWS exemption includes 7108)
IGST on gold (Schedule IV, 3%)
3% Heading 7108 gold (Schedule IV S. No. 5) and 7113 jewellery (S. No. 10), among other chapter 71 goods
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Notification 9/2025-Integrated Tax (Rate), para 1(iv) and Schedule IV, Schedule IV S. Nos. 5 and 10
IGST exemption on gold imported by listed banks and agencies
IGST nil Gold or silver imported by the banks in List 13, gold by the banks in List 14 (incl. SBER Bank from 25 Jun 2025, domestic consumption only), gold/silver/platinum by the entities in List 15 (HHEC, MSTC, Diamond India) of 45/2025
Primary law
- 45/2025-Customs TABLE I S. No. 198, column (5); Lists 13-15; 06/2026
Concessional duty on gold bars/coins brought by an eligible passenger
BCD 10% from 13 May 2026 (5% before); AIDC 4.35% (11/2021 Sl. No. 15C as substituted by 44/2025 and amended by 16/2026) Gold bars (non-tola) with engraved serial number and metric weight, gold coins of 99.5% or more, and other gold except studded ornaments, up to 1 kg per eligible passenger (Indian-origin passenger or passport holder after six months abroad), duty paid in convertible foreign currency (condition 23)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- 45/2025-Customs S. No. 194 and condition 23, as amended by 15/2026; 11/2021 Sl. No. 15C (44/2025, 16/2026)
BIS hallmarking fee
Rs 45 per gold article, minimum Rs 200 per consignment, payable by the jeweller to the AHC; BIS levies Rs 4.50 per article (minimum Rs 20) from the AHC; applicable taxes extra
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- BIS (Hallmarking) Regulations 2018, Schedule IV as substituted by the Amendment Regulations 2022, Schedule IV, paras 1(a)-(b)

Controls

No person may receive Rs 200000 or more in cash (in aggregate from a person in a day, in a single transaction, or for transactions relating to one event or occasion from a person); only account payee cheque or draft, ECS through a bank account or prescribed electronic modes. Penalty equal to the sum…
Rs 200000
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Income-tax Act, 2025, ss.186, 451
Gold Advance Authorisations capped at 100 kg; physical inspection for first-time applicants; next AA only after 50% of prior export obligation; fortnightly CA-certified reporting.
100 kg per AA
SecondaryAmount not confirmed
Passengers carrying dutiable or prohibited goods must declare their accompanied baggage electronically in Customs Baggage Declaration CBD-I, with supporting documents, before entering the green channel; gold or silver other than ornaments is outside the free allowances.
Primary law
- Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations 2026; Baggage Rules 2026, reg. 3(1); r.5 and Annexure-I item 5
Trade credit (supplier's or buyer's credit incl. LC usance) for gold in any form max 90 days from shipment (C.11.2); QJs and TRQ holders may remit advances for IIBX purchases for eleven days, unused advance returned to the same AD bank within eleven days, Bill of Entry submitted to the remitting ban…
Official guidance
- RBI Master Direction - Import of Goods and Services, paras C.7, C.11.1-C.11.4
Gold of heading 7108 is "Restricted": imported only by nominated banks and nominated agencies (consignment basis), and by IFSCA-notified Qualified Jewellers and valid India-UAE CEPA TRQ holders through IIBX under specific ITC(HS) codes (71081210, 71081290); all domestic sale of gold is against upfro…
Official guidance
- ITC(HS) Schedule I policy conditions (DGFT notifications 49/2015-2020, 35/2023, 08/2025-26); RBI Master Direction C.11.1(ii); 45/2025-Customs condition 22, RBI MD para C.11.1(ii)
Gold jewellery and artefacts may be sold only by BIS-registered jewellers and must bear a hallmark to IS 1417 (cl. 2); the Order applies only to the districts in its Annexure (cl. 1A) - 385 districts in 26 States/UTs since S.O. 2117(E) of 28 Apr 2026. Exempt (cl. 2(3)): articles for export to buyer …
Primary law
- Hallmarking Order 2020 as amended (S.O. 2481(E) 2021; S.O. 1594(E) 2022; S.O. 2117(E) 2026), cls. 1A, 2
IIBX accepts only bars from LBMA Good Delivery or UAE Good Delivery refiners (spot: LBMA 995 1 kg, UAEGD 999 100 g).
Official guidance
Gold, silver and platinum jewellery (CTH 7113) moved from Free to Restricted from 1 Apr 2026, and articles, clad items and non-legal-tender coins from 2 Apr 2026; no transitional relief; exemptions for EOU/SEZ (no DTA sale), FTP export schemes and CEPA TRQ lines.
Secondary
Dealers in precious metals and stones that engage in cash transactions with a customer of Rs 10 lakh or more (single or apparently linked) are persons carrying on a designated business or profession and so reporting entities; CBIC (DGA) is their regulator. They must register with FIU-IND (FINGate 2.…
Rs 10 lakh cash
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- PMLA s.2(1)(sa)(iv), ss.11A, 12, 12AA; PMLR rr.3, 8, 9; G.S.R. 799(E) and 800(E) of 28 Dec 2020; DGA guidelines 2023, PMLA ss.2(1)(sa)(iv), 12, 12AA; PMLR r.8
CEPA preference on gold requires UAE origin: the product-specific rule for 710812 is "Certified UAE/ India good delivery gold bars in different denomination"; goods must be transported directly (art. 3.12) and origin proved under the Customs (Administration of Rules of Origin under Trade Agreements)…
Primary law
- CEPA Annex 3B (PSR 710812), arts 3.12-3.14; Notification 22/2022-Customs proviso to para 1

Leg 4: Tanzania

Back in the origin country: the proceeds of the export

29
Receive the export proceeds in foreign currency through the exporter's account at a bank in Tanzania within the agreed payment period (not more than 90 days); give the bank the export documents within 7 days after customs clearance; report delays beyond 90 days on Form A
Who
Commercial bank in Tanzania
Issues
Credit of export proceeds to exporter's account
Primary law
- Foreign Exchange Regulations 2022, reg 7(1)-(5)

Crossings between countries

Tanzania → Switzerland Not researched
Papers that cross: Mining Commission sorting, assay and valuation record; Application for permit to export minerals (Form MTF.1); Examination, weighing and sealing of containers by Mines Resident Officer (reg 5(2)); Packing list; Permit to export minerals (Form MTF.2); Special export permit for non-resident (Form MTF.14); ICGLR Regional Certificate for designated minerals (Form DMTF.3); Customs export declaration (TRA); Air waybill; Consignment Security Declaration
Switzerland → India Researched
Papers that cross: Electronic customs import declaration (commercial import; simplified and oral declarations excluded for melt material); Passar export declaration (HS 7108); Veranlagungsverfuegung Ausfuhr; Air waybill (outbound)