Coordinated nationwide flag-offs and a landmark ceremony in London marked the operational launch of the India-UK trade pact for the gem and jewellery sector.
When the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) came into force on 15 July 2026, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) ensured the agreement translated immediately from policy into commerce.
Rather than allowing the milestone to pass quietly, the Council mounted a coordinated nationwide effort spanning six export hubs in India and culminating in a recognition ceremony at the High Commission of India in London. The initiative showcased not only the readiness of India’s exporters but also the industry’s ability to execute a complex, multi-location operation involving government agencies, Customs, DGFT, exporters and overseas stakeholders.
The result was India’s first jewellery exports under the India-UK CETA, with more than 30 exporters shipping approximately US$10 million worth of gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery from New Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata on the first day of the agreement.
A Nationwide Coordination Exercise
Behind the ceremonies lay days of intensive planning. Internal coordination among GJEPC’s regional offices covered every operational detail, from identifying participating exporters and securing Customs and DGFT approvals to coordinating Certificates of Origin (CoO), confirming flight schedules, preparing branding, arranging media access and synchronising simultaneous flag-off events across the country. The Council also worked closely with the Department of Commerce, DGFT, Customs authorities and state governments to ensure exporters could begin availing of the agreement from Day One.
Dedicated ceremonies were organised across the country’s principal jewellery manufacturing and export centres.
At Vanijya Bhawan, New Delhi, Commerce Secretary Rajesh Agrawal flagged off the first consignment in the presence of senior officials from the Department of Commerce, DGFT, the British High Commission and GJEPC. Simultaneously, regional events celebrated participating exporters in Mumbai, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, highlighting the breadth of India’s jewellery manufacturing ecosystem.
Mumbai hosted parallel events at Bharat Diamond Bourse and SEEPZ-SEZ, reflecting the city’s central role in India’s gem and jewellery exports. Participating companies included Malabar Gold & Diamonds, Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Venkatesh Jewellers, Fine Jewellery, Kama Jewellery, Suashish Diamonds, IDI Jewels, Goldstar Jewellery, Supergems Jewellery, Zenstar Jewellery and others.
In Jaipur, Surat, Chennai and Kolkata, regional exporters joined the inaugural shipment through ceremonies attended by senior Customs, DGFT and British diplomatic officials, underscoring the nationwide significance of the agreement.
London Ceremony Marks First UK Imports
The celebrations extended beyond India. Later that day, the High Commission of India in London, in collaboration with GJEPC, hosted a special certificate ceremony recognising the first jewellery importers under the India-UK CETA.
Certificates were presented by His Excellency Mr. Kumaran Periasamy, High Commissioner of India to the United Kingdom, and Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, to companies that were among the first to import jewellery under the agreement. The ceremony symbolised the completion of the trade corridor, linking Indian exporters with UK importers on the very first day of implementation.
The first companies recognised included Malabar Gold & Diamonds Ltd., Nysa Creations Ltd., PureJewels Ltd., Taj Jewels, Kalyan Gold & Diamond Jewellery Ltd., Siddharth Jewellery (UK) Ltd. and Fine Jewels Ltd.
Building Momentum
The United Kingdom is India’s fifth-largest market for gem and jewellery exports, with shipments valued at US$754 million in FY2025-26. The elimination of UK import duties of up to 4% is expected to significantly improve India’s competitiveness in the market. GJEPC estimates exports to the UK could grow to US$2.5 billion over the next three years.
Commenting on the milestone, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said: “Today marks a proud and defining moment for India’s gem and jewellery industry as we flag off the first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. This is far more than the movement of goods – it marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s global trade journey.
“The India-UK CETA eliminates UK import tariffs of up to 4%, providing Indian exporters with a significant competitive advantage in the UK’s US$4 billion jewellery import market. With zero-duty access, we expect India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK to increase from around US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years. This growth will create new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans and designers while further strengthening India’s position as a global leader in craftsmanship, innovation and value-added jewellery manufacturing.”
By bringing together exporters, policymakers, regulators and overseas partners, GJEPC ensured that India’s first jewellery shipments under the India-UK CETA became not merely symbolic exports, but a well-executed demonstration of the industry’s preparedness to capitalise on one of its most significant trade agreements to date.