National News
CEPA completes 3 years; powering India-UAE trade and economic ties
Bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase
The *Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA)* between *India and the UAE*, formalised on 18th February 2022, has profoundly strengthened economic ties between the two nations. As we commemorate its third anniversary, it is evident that CEPA has significantly enhanced trade opportunities, particularly for India’s gem and jewellery industry.
Since CEPA’s implementation, trade between India and the UAE has witnessed remarkable growth. The bilateral gem and jewellery trade surged from US$ 20.88 billion in FY2022 to US$ 28.15 billion in FY2024, reflecting a robust 35% increase. India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UAE also soared by over 60%, from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024.
Notably, UAE’s share in India’s total exports rose from 13% in FY2022 to 25% in FY2024, overtaking Hong Kong as India’s second-largest export market. This underscores the transformative impact of CEPA on India’s trade dynamics.
One of the most significant benefits of CEPA has been the duty-free access for all gem and jewellery products, including gold, silver, and platinum jewellery, along with polished diamonds and gemstones.This development has motivated Indian exporters to increase their supply of various gem and jewellery items to the UAE, capitalising on the enhanced market access provided by the agreement.
This policy shift has led to substantial growth in key export categories:
Plain Gold Jewellery: Exports surged by 127.62%, reaching US$ 4,240 million in FY2024.
Studded Gold Jewellery: Increased by over 50%, from US$ 917 million in FY2022 to US$ 1,382 million in FY2024.
Worked Lab-Grown Diamonds: Witnessed a 58.16% growth, reaching US$ 172 million in FY2024.
Platinum Jewellery: Recorded a staggering 820.87% increase, reaching US$ 23 million.
Coloured Gemstones: Grew by 17.19% to US$ 9.34 million
*Kirit Bhansali*, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The India-UAE CEPA has propelled our gem and jewellery exports to new heights, growing by over 60% from US$ 4.95 billion in FY2022 to US$ 8.04 billion in FY2024. The UAE now accounts for nearly a quarter of India’s total gem and jewellery exports, surpassing Hong Kong. The duty-free advantage has unlocked immense opportunities, particularly in plain gold jewellery, which saw a 127% surge. As we celebrate three years of CEPA, we remain committed to strengthening this vital partnership and exploring new avenues for growth.”
National News
BIS Introduces The Silver Refinery Certification Scheme; Framework Introduces “India Good Delivery For Silver”
Buyers, Institutional Investors, and Jewelers Are Guaranteed Strict Adherence To Exact Quality, Testing, and Traceability Standards. Silver From Any BIS-Approved Refinery Ensures A Verified Fineness and Purity
The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has officially prioritized the domestic bullion sector by introducing the Silver Refinery Certification Scheme, that involved critical inputs and efforts by IBJA.
Mirroring the long-established certification ecosystem for gold, this framework introduces a structured “India Good Delivery for Silver” standard specifically tailored for silver bars and coins.
Buyers, institutional investors, and jewelers are guaranteed strict adherence to exact quality, testing, and traceability standards. Silver from any BIS-approved refinery ensures a verified fineness and purity.
Surendra Mehta, National Secretary- IBJA, said:

“BIS is introducing the Silver Refinery Certification Scheme, an initiative that involved critical inputs and efforts by IBJA. Mirroring the long-established certification ecosystem for gold, this framework introduces a structured India Good Delivery for Silver. Now, silver from any BIS-approved refinery ensures a verified fineness and purity. This will gradually end the impure silver bar market.”
Market structures have already evolved alongside this rollout. The Multi Commodity Exchange (MCX) aligned its exchange delivery protocols to accept BIS-standard domestic silver, allowing empanelled Indian refiners to fulfill physical delivery contracts directly on the exchange.
By formalizing the local refining of silver (including silver recovered as a by-product of gold dore), this scheme strengthens the domestic precious metals ecosystem in line with Aatmanirbhar Bharat objectives
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