National News
Gudi Padwa jewellery sales flat; demand for gold coins surges
Gold prices have surged to nearly Rs 90,000 per 10 grams (excluding GST) in the physical market, leading to a noticeable decline in jewellery sales in Maharashtra/Goa during Gudi Padwa, a festival traditionally associated with gold purchases. Despite this, demand for gold coins as an investment remains strong, as consumers anticipate further price appreciation. Mumbai’s largest gold hub has observed a shift in consumer behavior toward gold coins and bars. Traders said that buyers are purchasing gold coins with the expectation of future price increases.
As of Gudi Padwa, gold prices have reached nearly Rs 90,000 per 10 grams, making gold jewellery significantly more expensive. Higher prices have deterred traditional jewellery buyers, shifting demand towards investment-oriented purchases, such as gold coins. Industry experts anticipate that gold prices may continue to rise, reinforcing gold’s status as a long-term store of value.
Equal demand was observed between gold jewellery and investment-grade coins. Retailers introduced discounts and exchange offers, but high prices still impacted sales volume.Tier-2 cities experienced similar trends, with more gold coin buyers than jewellery shoppers. Lightweight jewellery, silver accessories, and gold-plated ornaments saw higher traction compared to heavy gold jewellery.
Global trade tensions and potential U.S. Fed rate cuts are boosting gold’s attractiveness as an investment. Investors are shifting towards gold due to its historical role as a hedge against inflation and economic instability The Indian Rupee’s performance against the U.S. Dollar is also a contributing factor to local gold price fluctuations.
National News
SEZ Units To Get Courier-Mode Facility For Export Shipments
The Facility Is Expected To Reduce The Cost and Simplify The Process Of Courier-Based Exports, Making It Easier For SEZ Exporters To Serve International E-commerce Markets.
Special Economic Zone (SEZ) units will be able to export consignments through courier mode under a new Customs facility. The move addresses a longstanding demand raised by the gem and jewellery industry, with GJEPC engaging with the authorities to extend courier-based export facilities to SEZ units, particularly for e-commerce shipments.
The Directorate General of Systems, West Zonal Unit (WZU), Mumbai, issued Advisory No. 04/SYS/WZU/2026 on 29 April 2026, allowing SEZ export consignments to be processed through an integrated ECCS–ICEGATE–ICES system. The advisory came to wider notice following a minor amendment issued on 30 October 2026.
A key provision allows courier companies to directly accept SEZ-cleared goods without involving the SEZ custodian. This is expected to reduce export costs significantly. Once implemented, the estimated savings are around Rs 6,000 per parcel at Noida Special Economic Zone (NSEZ), Rs 1,500 or more at Surat SEZ and over Rs 1,000 at Jaipur SEZ.
Under the new process, ICEGATE–ICES will handle shipping bill filing, assessment, Export Transshipment Permit – ETP filing and shipment data transmission. The Express Cargo Clearance System – ECCS will manage arrival scanning, weight recording and X-ray screening. Courier companies will continue to transport shipments through their existing hub-and-spoke networks.
Following the advisory, GJEPC initiated discussions with the authorised courier’s Customs and Compliance team to operationalise the facility. The company has agreed to pilot the process across SEZs, starting with SEEPZ, Mumbai, followed by NSEZ, Jaipur SEZ and Surat SEZ shortly after Diwali.
The facility is expected to reduce the cost and simplify the process of courier-based exports, making it easier for SEZ exporters to serve international e-commerce markets.
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