GJEPC and GIA jointly held a certificate award ceremony for Customs Officials from the Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC) at the Council’s Head Office at Bharat Diamond Bourse, on April 6.

The Guest of Honour Sanjeev Chetule, Deputy Commissioner, PCCCC, awarded certificates to the officials. He was joined by dignitaries including Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Apoorva Deshingkar, Senior Director – Education and Market Development, GIA; and Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, Samir Shah, Senior Director & CFO, GIA India Laboratory.

From March 7 to April 5, the 35 newly posted customs officials were trained by GIA instructors in gemmology grading and testing in four separate batches. This also happened to be the first training session of Customs Officials undertaken by GIA on a complimentary basis.

The training imparted is necessary for the accurate valuation of parcels of diamonds and other gems and jewellery being exported from and imported into India.

The need for training of customs officials arises periodically as new officials are appointed from time to time, and this activity helps the business to run smoothly without any delay. GIA has joined hands with GJEPC to provide free training to customs officials whenever the need arises.