In a major step to simplify and accelerate the export of high-value shipments, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in partnership with Mumbai Customs, has inaugurated a state-of-the-art Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Terminal 2
The centre was formally inaugurated by Shri Surjit Bhujbal, Member Customs, CBIC, in the presence of senior officials including Smt. Prachi Saroop, Principal Chief Commissioner, Shri Alok Jha, Principal Commissioner, Shri Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, and key representatives from GJEPC including Chairman Shri Kirit Bhansali, Vice Chairman Shri Shaunak Parikh, and other senior office-bearers.
The facility will enable exporters to hand-carry gem and jewellery shipments with greater ease, speed, and transparency. With Mumbai accounting for nearly 65–70% of India’s total gem and jewellery exports—valued at US$ 19.65 billion from the Western Region in FY 2024-25—this move is seen as a critical boost to India’s export infrastructure.
The launch marks the culmination of GJEPC’s sustained advocacy and planning. Even before receiving final clearance, the Council had secured and equipped a dedicated space at the airport, which has now been officially designated as a Customs-notified area. Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) has been appointed as the custodian, and the facility will operate 24/7 with the support of Mumbai Customs, CISF, police, and airport authorities.
“This is a significant milestone in our efforts to enhance the ease of doing business for our exporters,” said Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC. “The hand carriage mode complements other export channels like e-commerce and is particularly advantageous for MSMEs and urgent high-value consignments to countries such as the UAE, Australia, and the UK under various FTAs.”
Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC, added, “This long-awaited facility unlocks new efficiencies and flexibility in how Indian exporters serve global markets. It is especially valuable for small exporters needing quicker turnaround and reduced logistics overhead.”
Shri Dnyaneshwar Patil, IAS, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ, noted that the centre’s proximity to SEEPZ—responsible for about 13% of India’s gem and jewellery exports—will significantly improve logistics for exporters in the zone. “It will reduce delays, ease operations, and enhance competitiveness,” he said.
The Mumbai facility is part of a larger strategy to strengthen infrastructure at key airports across the country. As per India’s Foreign Trade Policy, personal carriage for exports is permitted at nine airports (including Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, and others), and for imports at seven. With the Mumbai facility now fully operational, the hand carriage option is currently active at four locations: Mumbai, Delhi, Kolkata, and Jaipur.
GJEPC emphasized that this initiative aligns with the Indian Government’s broader “ease of doing business” agenda, helping exporters meet international demand quickly and efficiently.
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