Milestone for Gem & Jewellery Trade: GJEPC and BDB Launch State-of-the-Art Cargo & Hand Carriage Facility at Mumbai Airport

In a major boost to India’s gem and jewellery export ecosystem, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in collaboration with Mumbai Customs and Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB), inaugurated a state-of-the-art Jewellery Hand Carriage Facilitation Centre and Strong Room at Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA), Terminal 2 on 16th July 2025.

The newly operational facility, located in the T2 departure area, is designed to provide secure, round-the-clock logistics support for the hand carriage of high-value exports and imports, especially for precious cargo. This initiative is part of GJEPC’s broader mission to enhance ease of doing business, improve trade efficiency, and strengthen India’s position as a global leader in the gem and jewellery industry.

The inauguration ceremony was attended by top customs officials and industry stakeholders, including:

Shri Surjit Bhujbal, Member Customs, CBIC
Ms. Prachi Saroop, Principal Chief Commissioner, Mumbai Customs Zone–III
Shri Alok Jha, Principal Commissioner, Airport
Shri Nilank Kumar, Commissioner (General)
Shri Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ

Leading the industry representation were:

Shri Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC
Shri Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC
Smt. Khushboo Ranawat, Regional Chairman (West), GJEPC
Shri Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC
Shri Ajesh Mehta, Convener, Diamond Panel, GJEPC
Shri Mehul Shah, Vice President, BDB
Shri Anup Zaveri, Customs Convenor, BDB

The new facility will significantly streamline hand carriage processes, ensure high-level security, and reduce clearance times — offering major operational advantages to exporters. GJEPC reaffirmed its commitment to driving forward infrastructure developments that benefit the trade at large, with strategic support from BDB and Mumbai Customs.