- GJEPC hails DGFT move that brings Gujarat into the international export fast lane
- Customs assures swift SOP rollout after meeting with GJEPC leadership
- Boost for diamonds, studded jewellery and MSME exporters across Ahmedabad–Surat–Rajkot belt
- Industry says: Convenience, speed and competitiveness will redefine Gujarat’s global trade edge
NE BUSINESS BUREAU
AHMEDABAD, DEC 3
The inclusion of Ahmedabad International Airport in India’s official Hand-Carriage/Hand-Baggage of Precious Cargo (HBoP) system marks a pivotal leap for the gem and jewellery export ecosystem, giving Gujarat long-awaited direct access to global markets. Announced through DGFT Public Notice No. 33/2025–26 dated 1 December 2025, the approval comes at a time when India is deepening trade partnerships via FTAs with the UAE, Australia, the UK and the European Free Trade Association.
Until now, the facility existed only at select ports such as Delhi, Jaipur, Kolkata, Mumbai, Hyderabad and Chennai. Ahmedabad—initially excluded—has now been officially added following persistent representation by GJEPC to the DGFT.
Soon after the notification, a GJEPC delegation led by Regional Chairman (Gujarat) Jayanti Savaliya met Principal Commissioner of Customs Ahmedabad, Shiv Kumar Sharma, who “assured that the Customs department will fast-track the process and issue the SOP for the Ahmedabad hand-carriage facility at the earliest.”
For Gujarat exporters, the move is much more than procedural ease—it opens a faster, secure and strategically located gateway for high-value consignments. Direct hand-carriage at Ahmedabad allows manufacturers and traders to leverage preferential access offered under current and upcoming FTAs.
Gujarat’s Ahmedabad–Surat–Rajkot corridor, the global powerhouse of cut and polished diamonds and an emerging leader in studded jewellery manufacturing, exported gem and jewellery worth US$ 1,979.90 million in FY 2024–25, accounting for nearly 7% of India’s total exports in the sector. With Ahmedabad now part of the network, export operations are expected to become more agile, globally aligned and cost-efficient.
MSMEs—forming the industry’s backbone—stand to benefit the most. Faster turnaround, reduced procedural dependency and direct connectivity to Middle East, European and Latin American markets will significantly enhance their competitiveness.
Expressing gratitude to DGFT and the Ministry of Commerce, GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said that Ahmedabad’s inclusion strengthens the region’s growing prominence in studded jewellery manufacturing. Bhansali added: “This has been a long-standing need of exporters in Gujarat, and GJEPC has been consistently pursuing it with DGFT. The new facility will greatly support businesses across Ahmedabad, Surat, and Rajkot—regions that collectively drive India’s diamond and jewellery exports. The decision brings convenience, speed, and greater ease of operations for thousands of exporters who can now ship and receive goods through Ahmedabad Airport.”
Reiterating the importance of this development, Jayanti Savaliya said: “Gujarat is the heart of India’s diamond cutting and polishing industry, and Ahmedabad is emerging as a major international aviation hub. Allowing hand-carriage from Ahmedabad will simplify procedures, save crucial time for exporters, and provide a major boost to MSMEs. This policy change will directly strengthen India’s position in the global gem and jewellery trade.”
The new facility is expected to accelerate exports, reduce costs and bring greater transparency and efficiency to high-value cargo movement. In line with the Government of India’s vision, the GJEPC says the step reinforces a shared commitment to strengthening exporters, sharpening industry competitiveness and positioning Gujarat as a rising global centre for value-added jewellery manufacturing.
