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
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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National News11 hours agoBIS Introduces The Silver Refinery Certification Scheme; Framework Introduces “India Good Delivery For Silver”
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National News12 hours agoGJEPC, ECGC Programme Underlines Recent Changes In Export Credit Insurance For The GJ Sector.
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