The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) has officially implemented a new procedure for the import and export of gems and jewellery through personal carriage at Jaipur’s Air Cargo Complex (ACC) and Jaipur International Airport. Effective from July 14, 2025, the initiative follows CBIC Circular No. 09/2025-Customs and aligns with advisories from the Directorate General of Systems to simplify and digitise high-value consignments carried by passengers.

Simplified Import Process

Under the revised system, individuals importing gems and jewellery through personal carriage must pre-file a Bill of Entry (BE) at ACC, Jaipur, using a new importer category labelled “H”. The BE must include detailed passenger and travel information such as e-ticket, PNR, flight and passport numbers, along with the Importer Exporter Code (IEC) and Authorised Dealer (AD) code.

Supporting documents—including a hand carriage authorisation letter (HAC001), detention receipt (HAC002), and product photographs—must be uploaded via the integrated customs portal. Re-imports must be accompanied by certification from the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

On arrival, passengers must declare the goods at the Red Channel Counter at Jaipur International Airport. Customs will seal the consignment and issue a Detention Receipt, which will be used to initiate clearance at ACC. Goods submitted before noon will be processed the same day, wherever feasible.

Enhanced Export Procedure

Exporters can now electronically file Shipping Bills a minimum of 24 hours prior to departure. These must be clearly flagged for “Personal Carriage” and include specific passenger details. Coloured photographs of the goods are mandatory, and physical carting must be completed at ACC a working day before the flight.

Once customs examines the goods and grants the Let Export Order (LEO), consignments are sealed and moved to the airport warehouse for temporary detention. If the goods are not exported, exporters must notify customs and request a “Back to Town” (BTT) clearance, which involves a full examination and may result in penalties, depending on the case.

Why It Matters

This procedural overhaul aims to eliminate longstanding logistical challenges faced by jewellery exporters, designers, and traders who travel internationally with samples or inventory. The new system provides a transparent, digital framework to support smoother trade movements and improved compliance.

Implementation and Support

Any concerns regarding the new process can be addressed to the Additional Commissioner of Customs (Prev.), Jodhpur, stationed at the Jaipur headquarters. This latest directive overrides all previous inconsistent instructions.