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.
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