The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has updated key provisions of the Handbook of Procedures 2023, enabling both import and export of gems and jewellery parcels via personal carriage through Ahmedabad Airport. The change takes effect immediately and follows sustained representation by GJEPC, which had highlighted the industry’s need for additional gateways to improve ease of doing business.
The amendments revise Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88. Export parcels carried by foreign bound passengers from EOU and SEZ units, as well as DTA firms, can now move through Ahmedabad in addition to existing airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad and Jaipur. Export realisation norms and Customs procedures remain unchanged.
Similarly, imports carried personally by Indian importers or foreign nationals are now permitted through Ahmedabad. These parcels will follow the same process as air freight imports, requiring examination and clearance by Customs at the airport.