Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Shri Jitin Prasada inaugurated the Customs Export-Import Facilitation Centre (CEIFC) at SDF-VIII in SEEPZ-SEZ, Mumbai, on June 19, 2026. The facility has been established to strengthen trade facilitation and improve export-related customs processes within the special economic zone.

The inauguration was hosted by Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ. Senior officials in attendance included Mayur R. Mankar, IRS, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, and Dr. Sandip D. Bhosale, IRS, Deputy Development Commissioner, SEEPZ.

Industry representatives present at the event included Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC); Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Adil Kotwal, President, SGJMA; Colin Shah, Chairman – Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC; and Vijay Gujarathi, Chairman, SEEMA, along with members of the trade.

Addressing the gathering, Jitin Prasada said, “The Customs Export-Import Facilitation Centre reflects the need to modernize with changing times. This world-class facility will particularly benefit small exporters by improving logistics and expediting clearances. India cannot afford to fall behind, and such infrastructure will strengthen our export ecosystem and enhance competitiveness. Quality remains paramount, and with a stable government and long-term vision, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in trade and manufacturing.”

The CEIFC has been developed as a single-window facility bringing together key customs processes under one roof. According to the announcement, it includes dedicated infrastructure for customs examination, secure handling of valuable consignments and support for e-commerce operations.

Commenting on related infrastructure developments, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “The FTWZ Broad-Banding approval for the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC marks another important milestone in strengthening India's gem and jewellery ecosystem. It transforms the Mega CFC into a global business hub by enabling international warehousing, product viewing and exhibitions under one roof. This will attract greater global participation, create new business opportunities for our MSMEs and reinforce India's position as a preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, sourcing and trade. We thank the Government of India for its continued support in creating world-class infrastructure that enhances the competitiveness of our industry.”

For exporters in the gem and jewellery sector, the new facility is expected to consolidate customs procedures and provide infrastructure designed to support faster and more secure movement of consignments.