The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) convened a key meeting with senior Customs officials in New Delhi on 6 May to discuss and finalise draft Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) aimed at simplifying the hand-carriage process for import and export shipments in the jewellery sector.

The meeting, held at the office of the Chief Commissioner of Customs, focused on addressing logistical challenges and enhancing procedural efficiency for exporters hand-carrying jewellery for international exhibitions and business purposes.

Mr. Antarpal Singh Sawhney, Regional Chairman – North, GJEPC, led the discussion on behalf of the exporting community, highlighting persistent issues related to the deposit and release of hand-carry jewellery shipments at the Passenger Cargo Wing (PCW), Celebi Cargo. He emphasised the need for a smoother, more transparent process to support the sector’s global outreach.

High-level Customs officials, including the Commissioner and Principal Commissioner of Customs (ACC Exports) and the Commissioner (Airport Imports), took part in the discussion. From GJEPC, Mr. Anil Sankhwal, Convener of the Studded Jewellery Panel; Mr. K.K. Duggal, Director – Policy; and Mr. Sanjeev Bhatia, Regional Director – North, were also present.

The meeting marked a constructive step toward implementing streamlined procedures that would ease compliance and encourage greater participation of Indian jewellery exporters in international markets.