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In India, CBIC’s published schedule does not show a different GST rate simply because gold is imported rather than domestically sourced. It lists a 3% rate for unwrought or semi-manufactured gold and articles of jewellery. Imports can also incur IGST at customs clearance, in addition to basic customs duty; that import-stage tax is separate from GST on a later retail jewellery sale.
Is GST different for imported and domestic gold?
CBIC’s GST Goods and Services Rates schedule lists rates by product category, including unwrought or semi-manufactured gold and articles of jewellery. It does not list separate GST rates based solely on whether the gold originated in India or was imported. The listed rate is 3% IGST, or 1.5% CGST plus 1.5% SGST/UTGST for applicable intra-State supplies.
That does not mean every transaction involving gold is taxed identically. Product classification, how a transaction is structured, and applicable notifications can matter. For an ordinary retail jewellery buyer, the key distinction is usually between tax at import clearance and tax on the subsequent jewellery sale—not an automatic “imported gold” surcharge at the shop.
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Where tax applies: import clearance versus retail sale
| Stage | What CBIC says | What it means for a buyer |
|---|---|---|
| Import clearance | IGST is payable on precious-metal imports in addition to basic customs duty. CBIC’s import guidance describes the IGST valuation base as assessable value plus basic customs duty. | This is part of bringing the goods into India. It is not, by itself, a retail GST surcharge calculated from the consumer’s jewellery invoice. |
| Retail jewellery sale | GST at 3% applies to the total transaction value of jewellery, including when making charges are separately shown. | For the retail example CBIC addresses, the stated making charge is included in the total value subject to 3%; do not add a separate 5% GST on making charges on top of 3% on the gold value based on that FAQ. |
CBIC’s Sectoral FAQs: Gems & Jewellery states: “GST is payable at the rate of 3% of the total transaction value of jewellery, whether the making charge is shown separately or not.” The FAQ’s example concerns gold, diamond or silver jewellery sold to an end consumer; unusual arrangements or separately supplied services may need separate analysis.
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How GST applies to jewellery making charges
For the retail jewellery transaction described in CBIC’s FAQ, the 3% GST applies to the full transaction value even if the invoice itemizes making charges. Separately showing a making charge does not, in that example, turn it into a second amount taxed at 5% in addition to 3% on the gold value.
Check the invoice to see how the seller has disclosed the jewellery value and charges, and what total taxable transaction value is used. Do not apply this jewellery example automatically to a separate service or a transaction that differs from the FAQ’s facts.
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Why the 3% rate does not give an import’s total cost
The 3% GST schedule rate is not enough to calculate the full cost of an imported gold shipment. CBIC’s Guidance Note for Importers and Exporters, Version 2 describes import IGST valuation using the assessable value plus basic customs duty. The applicable customs-duty amount depends on the shipment’s tariff classification and current customs measures, which are not established by the retail GST rate or the FAQ alone.
For a real import-cost estimate, confirm the classification, assessable value, import route and current applicable customs notifications. Without those details, quoting a precise landed-cost percentage would be unreliable.
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A supply-chain exception that is not a retail surcharge
CBIC’s FAQ says nominated-bank imports are taxed at customs clearance and that a later drawing from that consignment stock does not create a second supply for GST. This addresses a specific import and bank-consignment arrangement; it does not describe an extra tax imposed on an ordinary retail jewellery buyer.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What buyers should check on an invoice
- Product and transaction: Is the purchase jewellery sold to an end consumer, or a different kind of gold transaction?
- Taxable value: What total transaction value is shown, and are making charges included in it?
- Tax line: Does the invoice show the applicable GST for the retail supply, rather than treating import-stage taxes as a separate consumer retail GST rate?
- Import-cost claims: If a seller attributes a price difference to import duties, ask what classification and current customs measures support that calculation.
The official rate schedule and FAQ provide the general categories and retail-jewellery treatment described above. Customs measures can change, and a specific shipment or unusual transaction may require checking current official notifications and its exact facts.
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