When the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on 15 July 2026, the GJEPC ensured the agreement translated immediately from policy into commerce.

Rather than allowing the milestone to pass quietly, GJEPC  mounted a coordinated nationwide effort spanning six export hubs in India and culminating in a recognition ceremony at the High Commission of India in London. The initiative showcased not only the readiness of India’s exporters but also the industry’s ability to execute a complex, multi-location operation involving government agencies, Customs, DGFT, exporters and overseas stakeholders.

The result was India’s first jewellery exports under the India-UK CETA, with more than 30 exporters shipping approximately US$10 million worth of gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery from New Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata on the first day of the agreement.

Behind the ceremonies lay days of intensive planning. Internal coordination among GJEPC’s regional offices covered every operational detail, from identifying participating exporters and securing Customs and DGFT approvals to coordinating Certificates of Origin (CoO), confirming flight schedules, preparing branding, arranging media access and synchronising simultaneous flag-off events across the country. The Council also worked closely with the Department of Commerce, DGFT, Customs authorities and state governments to ensure exporters could begin availing of the agreement from Day One.

At Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal flagged off the first consignment in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Commerce, DGFT, the British High Commission and GJEPC. Simultaneously, regional events celebrated participating exporters in Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, highlighting the breadth of India’s jewellery manufacturing ecosystem.

Mumbai hosted parallel events at Bharat Diamond Bourse and SEEPZ-SEZ, reflecting the city’s central role in India’s gem and jewellery exports. Participating companies included Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Venkatesh Jewellers, Fine Jewellery, Kama Jewellery, Suashish Diamonds, IDI Jewels, Goldstar Jewellery, Supergems Jewellery, Zenstar Jewellery and others.

In Jaipur, Surat, Chennai and Kolkata, regional exporters joined the inaugural shipment through ceremonies attended by senior Customs, DGFT and British diplomatic officials, underscoring the nationwide significance of the agreement.

The celebrations extended beyond India. Later that day, the High Commission of India in London, in collaboration with GJEPC, hosted a special certificate ceremony recognising the first jewellery importers under the India-UK CETA.