Guinea [Authorised exporters: industrial and semi-industrial mining companies, approved buying-and-export comptoirs, BCRG (D/2026/216 art. 5)] → Switzerland (refine) → India · Sale of bullion on IIBX

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

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Guinea (Doré bar - unstamped → Pre-refined 995 bar (e.g. 'Dubai 995')) ⟶ Switzerland (Pre-refined 995 bar (e.g. 'Dubai 995') → LBMA Good Delivery 400oz bar) ⟶ India (LBMA Good Delivery 400oz bar)

Not researched: Guinea → Switzerland

Leg 1: Guinea

Where the goods start

Doré bar - unstamped → Pre-refined 995 bar (e.g. 'Dubai 995')

1
Conclude the sale contract or purchase order with the foreign buyer, issue the commercial invoice, domicile the export with a bank and sign the foreign-exchange repatriation commitment
Who
Purchaser in an accredited gold buying agency (comptoir d'achat et d'exportation d'or)
Issues
Purchase/sale contract; Commercial invoice; Bank domiciliation of the export; Foreign-exchange repatriation commitment
Primary law
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, art. 6(4), (5), (7), (8)
2
Issue the attestation de conformité for the refined-gold export (Office Guinéen d'Expertise, OGE)
Who
BNE (national expertise bureau for gold and precious materials)
Needs
Certificate of analysis of the approved Guinean refinery (refined gold 99.5-99.99%)
Issues
Attestation de conformité issued by the Office Guinéen d'Expertise (OGE/BNE)
Primary law
[not-read] The OGE's procedure and the form of the attestation were not found.
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, arts. 4, 6(3)
3
Obtain the export authorisation on production of the nine documents: certificate of origin, refinery certificate of analysis, OGE attestation de conformité, commercial invoice, sale contract or purchase order, customs declaration, proof of bank domiciliation, repatriation commitment
Who
Purchaser in an accredited gold buying agency (comptoir d'achat et d'exportation d'or)
Needs
Certificate of origin for Guinean gold (issued via the national traceability platform in the 2026 regime); Certificate of analysis of the approved Guinean refinery (refined gold 99.5-99.99%); Attestation de conformité issued by the Office Guinéen d'Expertise (OGE/BNE); Commercial invoice; Purchase/sale contract; Bank domiciliation of the export; Foreign-exchange repatriation commitment
Issues
Export authorisation for refined gold (Minister of Mines, 2026 regime)
Primary law
[conflict] gn.div-export-authority-2026 (issuer). [not-read] The export-procedure arrêté (art. 5) was not found.
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, arts. 3, 5, 6
4
Give prior declaration to the BCRG and clear the refined gold through Customs (detailed declaration) in the presence of Customs, within the institutional chain of the OGE, Customs, BCRG, LNG and anti-fraud brigade
Who
Purchaser in an accredited gold buying agency (comptoir d'achat et d'exportation d'or)
Needs
Export authorisation for refined gold (Minister of Mines, 2026 regime); Commercial invoice; Foreign-exchange repatriation commitment
Issues
Prior declaration of gold export (to the BCRG under Code art. 186; on the BNE form under Décret D/2014/013 art. 6); Export customs declaration (DGD)
Primary law
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, Code art. 186; Décret arts. 4, 6(6)
5
Fly the refined bars from Conakry to the buyer abroad
Who
Airline carrying the gold from Conakry
Needs
Export customs declaration (DGD)
Issues
Air waybill
Unverified
Logistics assumed.

Taxes and fees

Taxe à l'exportation sur la production artisanale d'or
1% (collection suspended since 2016) Artisanal gold exported by comptoirs
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2014/013/PRG/SGG, Code art. 164; Décret art. 8
BCRG fee on gold exports (and reported BNE fee)
Reported variously: USD 500 per export operation (ITIE 2023 report, Tableau 24, citing a BCRG circular); 300 GNF per gram (same report, annex 12); USD 2,500 per export = BCRG USD 1,750 + BNE USD 750, with assay fees split BCRG 65% / BNE 35% (Guinee7) Every gold export; the fee covers reception, storage and secure transport to the airport (ITIE 2023)
SecondaryAmount not confirmed
- BCRG circular on the conditions for trading and exporting gold (Instruction N°037/BCRG du 04 février 2015, as cited); presidential decree (June 2020) and joint arrêté (April 2021) per Guinee7
Contribution au Développement Local (FODEL)
1% of annual turnover excluding tax for gold (0.5% only for category-1 substances, bauxite and iron) Industrial and semi-industrial gold mines
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2017/285/PRG/SGG, Code art. 130; Décret arts. 2-4, 6
Taxe sur la production industrielle ou semi-industrielle des métaux précieux
5% Gold, silver and PGMs from industrial and semi-industrial mines; doré at export
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2014/013/PRG/SGG, Code art. 161-I; Décret art. 7
Annual fees on gold comptoirs, buyers and collectors (redevance annuelle)
Comptoir GNF 25,000,000 a year; buyer (acheteur) GNF 5,000,000; collector GNF 2,500,000 Artisanal gold trade
Official guidanceAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2014/013/PRG/SGG; Loi de finances 2011 (arts. 43-48, as cited), Code art. 159-II; Décret art. 2(2)
Profit tax (impôt sur les sociétés / BIC)
30% for holders of a mining exploitation title; ordinary law for comptoirs, collectors and balanciers
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Code Général des Impôts, Code art. 176; CGI arts. 87 bis, 92 bis

Controls

Approved comptoirs must repatriate the proceeds of precious-metal exports through the banking circuit within the legal time limit set by BCRG Instruction 037/2015; the BCRG may restrict a comptoir's next operations if proceeds are not repatriated within 45 days, and refuses further shipments of comp…
45 days from export
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- BCRG Règlement N°098/2022/BCRG; Règlement N°103/2022/LBC-FT/CC/BCRG, Règl. 098 art. 8; Règl. 103 arts. 3-4, 13
Guinea's AML/CFT law of 2021 obliges financial institutions and designated non-financial businesses and professions to report cash transactions and incoming/outgoing wire transfers of GNF 150,000,000 or more to the CENTIF, and all operations with FATF high-risk countries (BCRG Instruction 111/2023).…
GNF 150,000,000 (cash transactions and wire transfers reported to the CENTIF)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- AML/CFT law 2021; BCRG Instruction N°111/DGSIF/DSB; BCRG Règlement N°103/2022; Décret D/2026/216; Code minier, Instr. 111 art. 2; Règl. 103 arts. 3, 9-10; D/2026/216 art. 7; Code art. 15
Refined gold for export must be 99.5%-99.99% fine, certified by a refinery authorised in Guinea, presented as a numbered ingot with the refinery's certificate of analysis (arts. 2, 3, 6). No Guinean refinery is known to be on the LBMA Good Delivery List, so exported bars are not Good Delivery.
Primary law
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, arts. 2, 3, 6
Import and export of gold are subject to prior declaration to the BCRG and must take place in the presence of a representative of the Direction Générale des Douanes (Code art. 186). Décret D/2014/013 art. 6 instead requires prior declaration to the BNE on a BNE form, which the BNE forwards within…
Primary law
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2014/013/PRG/SGG, Code art. 186; Décret art. 6
Gold is exported exclusively through Acheteurs organised in Bureaux d'Achat Agréés, whose opening is authorised by arrêté of the Minister on the BNE's proposal (Guinean and/or foreign persons); artisanal gold for export is bought from approved intermediaries (Code art. 60). Buying and selling ar…
Primary law
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décrets D/2014/013, D/2014/012, D/2026/216, Code arts. 59-61; D/2014/013 art. 8; D/2014/012 art. 114; D/2026/216 art. 5
Gold for export is weighed and valued jointly: industrial ingots by the LNG with the BCRG in the presence of the BNE, Customs and Sécurité Minière; artisanal lots by the LNG in the presence of the BCRG, Customs and the BNE; the Brigade Anti-Fraude des Matières Précieuses may attend; results go …
Primary law
- Décret D/2014/013/PRG/SGG; Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG, D/2014/013 arts. 7-8; D/2026/216 art. 4
Titles and authorisations may be withdrawn by the issuing authority on the grounds listed in Code art. 88 (inactivity beyond 6/12 months, failure to start works, unpaid taxes, missing registers, unauthorised transfer, etc.) after formal notice (1 month for permits and authorisations, 45 days for ope…
Secondary
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2014/012/PRG/SGG, Code art. 88; D/2014/012 art. 127
Every export of gold produced in Guinea must be preceded by compulsory local refining in a State-approved refinery (art. 3). Gold below 99.5% purity (ore, concentrate, doré or alloy) is 'or brut' and may not be exported; exported gold must be a numbered refined ingot of 99.5%-99.99% certified by a …
Gold below 99.5% purity (or brut)
Primary lawAmount not confirmed
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, arts. 2, 3, 12-14
Every person subject to the 2026 gold decree must supply approved refineries established in Guinea in priority (Décret D/2026/216 art. 10, applying Code art. 139, which obliges companies mining raw ore to supply local processing units in priority); supply conditions are to be set by arrêté of the…
Primary law
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG; Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT, D/2026/216 arts. 10-11; Code art. 139
Holders of mining titles and their direct subcontractors must repatriate their foreign-currency receipts from mineral exports into BCRG accounts held with a first-rank foreign bank (Code art. 184); free transfer of dividends is guaranteed subject to this (art. 185). The Code sets no percentage: pres…
No share in the law; 50% (2023) and 60-70% (from March 2026) as reported
SecondaryAmount not confirmed
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT; Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG, Code arts. 184-185; Décret art. 6
A national gold traceability platform is to be set up by the Ministry of Mines to register producers, record declared production, follow movements of raw gold and generate certificates of origin; its procedure and rules are to be set by arrêté of the Minister (art. 8). All actors must apply respon…
Primary law
- Décret D/2026/216/PRG/SGG du 08 juillet 2026, arts. 7, 8

Leg 2: Switzerland

On the way

Pre-refined 995 bar (e.g. 'Dubai 995') → LBMA Good Delivery 400oz bar

6
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.”
7
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
8
Weigh-in, seal-check, drill/dip-sample, fire-assay (ASTM E1335/ISO 11426) the incoming 995 bar
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Refining/re-refining agreement, Swiss refiner; 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)
Issues
Refiner outturn/assay report (Switzerland); Purchase book: customer, ID proof, acceptance date, description and marking, weight on acceptance, weight after melting, completion
Standard
[unconfirmed] Weigh-in, seal check and ISO 11426 are not in the sources read; ASTM E1335-24 covers fire assay of bullion, and Valcambi describes fire assay of drillings from samples taken from the melt of the received material.
- Fire assay standard practice
9
Pay the Dubai counterparty for the imported bar once the Swiss refiner's own assay confirms fine content
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Refiner outturn/assay report (Switzerland)
Issues
Final invoice from the Dubai seller (against Swiss outturn assay); Settlement wire, Swiss refiner -> Dubai counterparty
Secondary
- Refining/sale contract; SWIFT MT103
10
Wohlwill electrolytic re-refine to 999.9, or cast directly to LBMA Good Delivery 400oz spec (995 min) if already qualifying
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Needs
Refiner outturn/assay report (Switzerland)
Form
Pre-refined 995 bar (e.g. 'Dubai 995') → LBMA Good Delivery 400oz bar
Standard
[unconfirmed] Wohlwill electrolytic refining to 999.9 is industry practice not described in the Good Delivery Rules, which set only the bar specification (350-430 fine troy ounces, minimum fineness 995.0).
- LBMA Good Delivery Rules (bar spec, marking)
11
Stamp each bar with the melting-licence holder's stamp (Stempelzeichen); bars for resale are assayed by a control office or sworn trade assayer and marked with fineness and the assayer's mark; for LBMA Good Delivery bars also serial number, fineness to four figures and year
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
Bar list (serials, weights, fineness)
Primary law
Serial number and year are LBMA requirements, not Swiss law. The earlier wording "registered responsibility mark" was wrong for bars (that mark, EMKG Art. 9, applies to finished wares). EMKV marking articles (Arts. 169, 173) were read only as restated by the BAZG (Vorschriften Dec 2023, held); the EMKV text is not yet held.
- PMCA (EMKG, SR 941.31); BAZG R-247; LBMA Good Delivery Rules, EMKG Art. 31(1); R-247 s.3.4.1; LBMA GD Rules s.2.1.7
12
File annual LBMA RGG independent assurance report; and (if volume threshold met) CO 964j-l conflict-minerals public report
Who
Swiss refiner (melter/trade-assayer licence, LBMA Good Delivery-listed)
Issues
LBMA Responsible Gold Guidance annual assurance report; CO 964j-l conflict-minerals due-diligence public report
Standard
[time-limited] RGG v9 applies until RGG v10 takes effect: implementation 1 Jan-31 Dec 2027, first v10 audits for the reporting year ending 31 Dec 2027 (consultation closed 10 Jul 2026).
- LBMA RGG v9; CO Art. 964j-964l
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

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
Offer bullion on an IIBX spot/T+2 contract (only suppliers and trading members may sell; QJs and TRQ holders are buy-only)
Who
IIBX Qualified Supplier (LBMA- or UAEGD-approved refiner/supplier)
Needs
BDR for bars deposited in IFSC vault
Official guidance
22
Clear and settle the trade: funds every 3 hours, BDRs every 30 minutes
Who
Bullion exchange in GIFT IFSC (IIBX) and its clearing house
Issues
IIBX trade and settlement confirmation
Official guidance

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: Guinea

Back in the origin country: the proceeds of the export

23
Pay the export proceeds to the exporter's account
Who
Receiving institution abroad (refiner or buyer on the MMG-approved list)
Issues
Bank transfer record
Secondary
24
Repatriate foreign-currency export receipts into BCRG accounts held with a first-rank foreign bank (Code art. 184); the government's reported shares are 50% (enforced from 2023) and 60-70% through local banks from March 2026, with DDI-DDE filings
Who
Industrial or semi-industrial mining-title holder
Issues
DDI-DDE export intention / export declaration filings (2026 FX measures)
Secondary
[unconfirmed] The shares and the DDI-DDE requirement are from press; the obligation itself is primary law (art. 184).
- Code minier 2011 (L/2011/006/CNT) as amended by L/2013/053/CNT, art. 184, 185
25
Repatriate the export proceeds through the banking circuit within 45 days, the SWIFT message quoting the shipment file number; the BCRG releases the funds after checking the SWIFT copy, the shipment file and earlier repatriations, and the comptoir may sell the currency only to BCRG-listed compliant exchange bureaux
Who
Purchaser in an accredited gold buying agency (comptoir d'achat et d'exportation d'or)
Primary law
- BCRG Règlements N°098/2022 and N°103/2022, Règl. 098 art. 8; Règl. 103 arts. 4, 7-13

Crossings between countries

Guinea → Switzerland Not researched
Papers that cross: Attestation de conformité issued by the Office Guinéen d'Expertise (OGE/BNE); Export authorisation for refined gold (Minister of Mines, 2026 regime); Prior declaration of gold export (to the BCRG under Code art. 186; on the BNE form under Décret D/2014/013 art. 6); Export customs declaration (DGD); Air waybill
Switzerland → India Researched
Papers that cross: Electronic customs import declaration (commercial import; simplified and oral declarations excluded for melt material); Refiner outturn/assay report (Switzerland); Purchase book: customer, ID proof, acceptance date, description and marking, weight on acceptance, weight after melting, completion; Bar list (serials, weights, fineness); Passar export declaration (HS 7108); Veranlagungsverfuegung Ausfuhr; Air waybill (outbound)