The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has welcomed the introduction of new, streamlined personal carriage procedures by the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) aimed at enhancing the export and import of gems and jewellery. The new guidelines, set to take effect on May 1, 2025, were detailed in CBIC Circular No. 09/2025-Customs, issued on March 28, 2025.

Commenting on the landmark announcement, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “This initiative is the outcome of the Council’s continuous efforts and advocacy to Customs and other Government authorities. The Council had consistently represented at all the meetings and forums that personal carriage should be permitted from all the ports as it is allowed from Delhi port only urging its extension to all ports to boost exports. Following multiple representations and discussions, the Government of India has issued the circular to address this long-standing demand of the trade, which aims at improving the ease of doing business while ensuring regulatory compliance.”

Under the new guidelines, Bills of Entry and Shipping Bills for personal carriage transactions will be processed electronically, increasing both efficiency and transparency. Personal carriage for exports will now be permitted at nine major airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Personal carriage imports will be allowed through seven designated airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur.

The Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) will also continue to impose a value cap on personal carriage exports, with limits of $5 million for overseas exhibitions and $1 million for export promotion tours.

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman of GJEPC, emphasized that this move would significantly reduce logistical challenges and costs, particularly benefiting small and medium enterprises (SMEs). He added, “By simplifying personal carriage procedures, this initiative strengthens India’s competitive edge in the global gem and jewellery trade.”

The new rules will require importers and exporters to follow advance documentation, baggage declaration, and customs examination protocols at designated airports. Before May 1, 2025, Jurisdictional Commissioners will issue further operational guidelines and organize outreach programs to ensure a smooth transition to the new procedures.