National News
GJEPC and PCCCC Meet to Address Customs Clearance Challenges
On 5th February 2025, the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) hosted a significant meeting at its head office in Mumbai, bringing together Customs House Agents (CHAs) from the Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC) and various other stakeholders.
The primary focus of the meeting was to address the ongoing challenges faced in the export and import clearance process, particularly the daily operational hurdles encountered during parcel clearance with customs officials.
The meeting provided a platform for participants to engage in open dialogue and share the various difficulties they face while managing customs procedures. These included issues related to the timeliness of clearance, paperwork discrepancies, communication gaps, and other operational bottlenecks that often delay the smooth transit of goods. The participants discussed these challenges in detail, aiming to identify practical solutions to streamline the entire process.
In response to the discussions, GJEPC has requested all involved stakeholders to compile and submit a comprehensive report outlining the specific challenges faced in customs clearance, as well as providing suggestions for potential system improvements. These reports are expected to play a crucial role in identifying areas that require attention and in formulating effective solutions that will enhance the overall efficiency of the customs operations.
GJEPC aims to use these insights to work closely with the relevant authorities and stakeholders to improve the integration process, ensuring a more seamless experience for businesses involved in the import and export of precious cargo. The initiative is expected to contribute significantly to reducing delays, improving transparency, and boosting the overall efficiency of the jewellery trade’s customs clearance procedures.
National News
GJEPC addresses issue of Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs
GJEPC informed all exporter members of an important interim development concerning U.S. import duties applicable to Indian exports, particularly in the gem and jewellery sector.
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) informed all exporter members of an important interim development concerning U.S. import duties applicable to Indian exports, particularly in the gem and jewellery sector.
A letter issued by Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, addressed the Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs and outlined key implications for exporters.
Termination of IEEPA-Based Reciprocal Tariffs
Pursuant to the Executive Order dated February 20, 2026, titled “Ending Certain Tariff Actions”, the additional ad valorem duties imposed under IEEPA, including the reciprocal tariff framework under Executive Order 14257, shall no longer remain in effect and are directed to be terminated as soon as practicable.
Accordingly, entries made on or after February 20, 2026 should not be subject to the earlier IEEPA-based reciprocal tariffs.
1. Interim Window Prior to Section 122 Surcharge
A separate Presidential Proclamation dated February 20, 2026 imposes a temporary 10% surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act of 1974, effective 12:01 a.m. EST on February 24, 2026.
Therefore, between: February 20, 2026 – before 12:01 a.m. EST on February 24, 2026 imports into the United States should be subject only to ordinarily applicable HTSUS (MFN) rates, without the earlier reciprocal tariff, and prior to the commencement of the Section 122 surcharge.
For products such as cut and polished diamonds (where the MFN rate is ordinarily 0%), this period represents a limited operational window.
2. Refund Position (If Collected in Error or Due to Implementation Lag)
In cases where reciprocal IEEPA duties are collected due to implementation lag, such duties should be eligible for refund through the standard:
- U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) protest mechanism under 19 U.S.C. §1514, or
- Post-summary correction procedures, as applicable.
However, exporters should note that there is no assurance that the refund process will not be time-consuming.
3. Important Caution for Exporters
While GJEPC is actively engaging with U.S. customs authorities and keeping customs at Bharat Diamond Bourse informed, members are strongly advised to:
- Seek confirmation from their U.S. customs broker and trade counsel
- Obtain written confirmation from their U.S. buyer/importer regarding entry treatment
- Confirm that CBP has ceased collection of the reciprocal tariff at the port of entry
Given the evolving implementation environment, entry-level verification is critical.
Members are encouraged to carefully assess:
- Shipment timing
- Entry dates
- Applicable HTS classification
before dispatching consignments, wherever applicable.
source: GJEPC
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