Simplified Jewellery Export-Import Rules in 2025: What Indian Businesses Must Know
Starting May 2025, CBIC has introduced a streamlined customs clearance system for gems, jewellery, samples, and prototypes via personal carriage. This change, announced via Public Notice No. 06/2025, aims to ease export-import formalities, especially for MSMEs and exporters traveling with high-value goods.
Let’s break down what’s changed and how it helps Indian businesses.
What is ‘Personal Carriage’ of Gems & Jewellery?
Personal carriage refers to physically carrying precious goods like gold, diamonds, or jewellery in hand luggage or on person, typically while flying internationally for exhibitions, sales, or trade shows.
Until now, such transactions faced delays and inconsistent procedures at customs. The new rules fix that.
Key Features of the Streamlined Clearance System
- Applies to: Gems, jewellery, samples, and prototypes (including 3D printed models).
- Effective from: May 2025
- Mode: Personal carriage by Indian exporters/importers through designated international airports.
- Document Requirement:
- EDI shipping bill
- Invoice
- Packing list
- Undertaking form as per Annexure to the notice
Focus Keyphrase: Streamlined customs clearance
Steps for Clearance at Indian Airports
Here’s a simple walk-through for exporters:
- Pre-Arrival
- File EDI shipping bill on ICEGATE portal
- Mention “Personal Carriage – Jewellery” under mode of shipment
- At Customs
- Declare items with invoice and valuation certificate
- Present goods for examination at customs counters
- Submit Annexure undertaking
- Post Clearance
- Obtain release order and proceed to board
- Return with unsold goods using re-import procedures (if applicable)
CBIC Reference: Public Notice No. 06/2025
Practical Tip from Experts
Use the same shipping bill for both export and re-import. It simplifies documentation and ensures quicker customs checks.
Benefits for Indian Exporters
- Time saved at airports
- No separate customs warehouse visits
- Greater transparency in valuation and duty
- Ease of doing business for MSMEs and startups
Legal Backing & Alignment with Trade Policy
This move aligns with India’s FTP 2023 and the “Ease of Doing Business” initiative, supported by the Ministry of Commerce. It reduces compliance friction without compromising customs security.
Common FAQs
Q1: Is this applicable for import too?
Yes, for re-import of unsold items and import of prototypes/samples for trade purposes.
Q2: What if goods are not declared at departure?
Undeclared goods may be confiscated or attract penalties under the Customs Act, 1962.
Q3: Does this apply to courier or cargo?
No, this applies only to personal carriage through airports.
Summary
India now allows streamlined customs clearance for jewellery and gems via personal carriage from May 2025. Exporters can clear goods through airports with simplified documentation, boosting trade ease.