What it is
A Qualified Jeweller is an Indian jeweller that has been given status under the IFSCA framework to import gold and silver directly through the India International Bullion Exchange in GIFT City. Without that status, a jeweller cannot buy on the exchange; with it, the jeweller becomes a recognised importer through the IFSC route.
Who applies
Jewellery manufacturers, wholesalers and larger retail groups that import bullion in meaningful volume and want a transparent, regulated sourcing channel rather than relying only on nominated agencies and banks.
What the status allows
- Direct participation in buying bullion contracts on the international bullion exchange.
- Import of gold and silver through the IFSC route, against exchange settlement and vaulting.
- Taking delivery of metal from an authorised IFSC vault.
Why jewellers use it
Pricing is visible on-exchange, settlement is standardised, and the metal is held in a regulated vault inside India. For a business whose margin is sensitive to sourcing cost and timing, that combination of transparency and control matters.
Broad requirements
- Registration status and a minimum trading turnover threshold in the relevant period.
- Net worth conditions and clean regulatory standing.
- Application through the framework and, in practice, tie-ups with a trading member or clearing member and a vault for delivery.
- Continuing conditions on reporting, end use of imported metal and record keeping.
Common questions
Is Qualified Jeweller status the same as a GIFT City entity? No. It is a status granted to an Indian jeweller for exchange participation, not an IFSC unit with its own licence.
Does every jeweller qualify? No — turnover, net worth and standing conditions apply, and smaller businesses often source through an existing member instead.
Is a physical office in GIFT City needed? No office in the IFSC is required for this status; the operating arrangements are with the exchange, member and vault.
Next step
If you import bullion and want to check whether you meet the thresholds, start with our eligibility check and we will confirm the route and the paperwork involved.
