Mumbai airport to allow hand-carriage jewellery exports from May 1: GJEPC

Mumbai: In a significant step, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport in Mumbai is set to roll out hand-carriage jewellery export operations starting May 1, 2025, marking a major milestone for India’s gem and jewellery trade.

The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC) formalised the procedure through Circular No. 09/2025-Customs dated 28 March 2025, enabling import/export via personal carriage, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

A successful mock drill was conducted this week, with collaborative efforts from Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), BVC, Precious Cargo Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC), Airport Customs, and GJEPC.

The drill, overseen by Roopesh Sukumaran, Additional Commissioner of Customs, PCCCC, simulated a passenger export scenario with GJEPC Secretariat playing the role of the exporter.

“With the launch of hand‑carriage jewellery exports from Mumbai Airport on 1st May 2025, we are ushering in a new era for India’s gem and jewellery trade,” said Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC.

“This initiative not only simplifies logistics for our members—particularly emerging exporters—but also reinforces India’s standing as the premier global jewellery hub. We remain committed to advocating innovative solutions that drive growth and opportunity across our industry, especially MSMEs,” he added.

“GJEPC’s sustained advocacy has been instrumental in achieving this breakthrough. The upcoming advisory from DG Systems will pave the way for Mumbai Customs to issue the Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for hand carry exports. The initiative will benefit especially emerging exporters, offering them flexibility to personally carry jewellery to global markets. GJEPC has already set up a dedicated airport office to assist members with hand carry procedures,” the GJEPC said in a statement.