Jaipur Flags Off First Jewellery Export Consignment to the UK Under India–UK CETA

Jaipur, 16 July 2026: Jaipur, India’s renowned hub for coloured gemstones and handcrafted jewellery, today marked a historic milestone with the flagging off of the first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at the Air Cargo Complex, Sanganeer International Airport, Jaipur.

The ceremony was held in the presence of Shri R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs; Shri Jitendra Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Air Cargo Complex, Jaipur; and Shri Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman – Rajasthan, Gem GJEPC.

The Jaipur flag-off forms part of a nationwide initiative being held across Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Chennai and Kolkata, celebrating India’s first jewellery exports to the UK under the landmark trade agreement.

Leading exporters from Jaipur—Dwarka Gems Ltd., Gallant Jewellery, Vinayak Jewels India Pvt. Ltd., and Vaibhav Global Ltd.—are part of the inaugural US$10 million jewellery shipment comprising gold jewellery, diamond jewellery, silver jewellery and platinum jewellery.

The India–UK CETA ushers in a new era for India’s gem and jewellery industry by providing zero-duty access to the UK market from the day the agreement enters into force and eliminating UK import tariffs of up to 4%. The agreement gives Indian exporters a significant competitive advantage in the UK’s US$4 billion jewellery import market, paving the way for enhanced exports, investment and employment.

Shri R. K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs, said: “The flagging off of the first export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK CETA marks an important milestone in India’s export journey. Customs remains committed to facilitating seamless and efficient trade through faster clearances and robust export facilitation. I congratulate all the exporters who are part of this historic first shipment and wish them continued success in the UK market.”

Shri 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 export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement. This is more than the movement of goods—it is the beginning of a new chapter in India’s global trade journey. I sincerely thank Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and the Government of India for their visionary leadership in concluding this landmark agreement and for their unwavering support to our industry. 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.”

Shri Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman – Rajasthan, GJEPC, said, “Jaipur has long been celebrated across the world for its coloured gemstones, handcrafted jewellery and exceptional artistry. The India–UK Free Trade Agreement now opens the doors for this timeless craftsmanship to reach an even larger audience in one of the world’s most discerning jewellery markets. With zero-duty market access, India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK are expected to grow from around US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years. Rajasthan’s vibrant gemstone and jewellery industry is well positioned to play an important role in shaping this exciting new chapter of India’s export journey.”

The India–UK CETA is expected to deliver significant benefits to Rajasthan’s gem and jewellery sector by improving market access, encouraging value-added manufacturing, creating employment, promoting skill development and strengthening the participation of artisans, MSMEs and exporters. Jaipur’s globally acclaimed expertise in coloured gemstones, diamond-studded jewellery and handcrafted jewellery positions the city to emerge as one of the key beneficiaries of the landmark agreement.

The flagging off of the first consignment underscores Jaipur’s continued contribution to India’s gem and jewellery exports and reflects the confidence of the industry’s exporters in the opportunities created by the India–UK CETA. As Indian jewellery enters the UK market with zero-duty access for the first time, Jaipur’s manufacturers and artisans are poised to play a pivotal role in strengthening India’s global jewellery exports.