India–UK CETA Comes Alive as Mumbai Flags Off First Jewellery Export Consignment to the UK

Key Highlights

Mumbai flagged off India’s first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA).
Indian gem and jewellery exports now enjoy zero-duty access to the UK market, with import tariffs of up to 4% eliminated.
GJEPC projects India’s jewellery exports to the UK to grow from approximately US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years.
The landmark agreement is expected to boost exports, manufacturing, MSMEs, employment and investment across the gems and jewellery sector.
Flag-off ceremonies were simultaneously held across Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, marking the nationwide commencement of exports under CETA.

The India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) officially moved from policy to implementation as Mumbai flagged off India’s first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom, marking a defining milestone for the country’s gem and jewellery industry.

For Indian jewellery exporters, the development represents much more than the ceremonial dispatch of export parcels. The implementation of CETA opens the doors to zero-duty access into one of the world’s important jewellery markets, providing Indian manufacturers and exporters with a stronger competitive advantage while creating fresh opportunities for business expansion.

The Mumbai ceremony formed part of a nationwide initiative conducted simultaneously across Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Chennai and Kolkata, celebrating the commencement of India’s jewellery exports to the UK under the landmark trade agreement.

Mumbai Leads the Way

As India’s financial capital and the country’s largest gem and jewellery export hub, Mumbai played a pivotal role in the nationwide celebrations.

The city hosted flag-off ceremonies at two of the industry’s most important export centres—PCCC Customs at Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) and SEEPZ-SEZ.

The event witnessed the presence of senior officials from Customs, DGFT, SEEPZ, GJEPC and representatives of several leading jewellery exporters, underlining Mumbai’s continued leadership in India’s export ecosystem.

Participating exporters included Malabar Gold & Diamonds Pvt. Ltd., Shree Ramkrishna Exports, Venkatesh Jewellers, Fine Jewellery, Kama Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., Suashish Diamonds Ltd., S. Vinodkumar Diamonds Pvt. Ltd., IDI Jewels (India) Manufacturing Pvt. Ltd., Goldstar Jewellery Pvt. Ltd., Supergems Jewellery Manufacturing Co. Pvt. Ltd., Zenstar Jewellery LLP and Steckbeck Jewelry.

Why the India–UK CETA Matters

The implementation of the India–UK CETA is expected to significantly strengthen India’s position in the UK jewellery market by eliminating import tariffs of up to 4% from the very first day the agreement comes into force.

With the UK importing jewellery worth nearly US$4 billion annually, Indian exporters now gain a substantial pricing advantage over competitors, making Indian jewellery more attractive in one of the world’s important premium markets.

Beyond increased exports, the agreement is expected to encourage value-added manufacturing, attract investment, generate employment, support MSMEs and artisans, and further strengthen India’s reputation as a preferred global sourcing destination for high-quality gems and jewellery.

Industry Speaks

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC

“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.”

He added that the India–UK CETA eliminates UK import tariffs of up to 4%, giving Indian exporters 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.”

Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC

“Mumbai has always been the gateway of India’s gem and jewellery exports. Home to Bharat Diamond Bourse, SEEPZ and some of the country’s leading exporters, the city has built a globally respected ecosystem for diamond trading, jewellery manufacturing and exports.”

He said the India–UK CETA provides zero-duty access to one of the world’s most important jewellery markets and expressed confidence that the agreement would accelerate exports, encourage investment, create employment and further strengthen India’s position as a preferred global sourcing destination for high-quality jewellery.

Santosh Kumar, Commissioner of Customs, Mumbai

“The implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement opens new opportunities for Indian exporters by improving their competitiveness in the UK market.”

He affirmed that Customs remains committed to supporting exporters through faster clearances, reduced dwell time and seamless trade facilitation, enabling businesses to fully leverage the benefits of the agreement.

Dnyaneshwar Patil, Development Commissioner, SEEPZ

“Today is a moment of great happiness for the gem and jewellery industry as the India–UK Free Trade Agreement comes into effect.”

He noted that the removal of the 4% import duty would significantly improve the competitiveness of Indian exports in the UK market.

“Our current exports to the UK are around ₹3,000 crore, and we expect this to grow to nearly ₹6,000 crore over time. The FTA will boost production, create new opportunities for exporters, and drive greater demand for Indian gems and jewellery.”

Looking Ahead

Industry leaders believe the India–UK CETA will become one of the most transformative trade agreements for the Indian gems and jewellery sector in recent years. With duty-free access to the UK market now a reality, exporters are expected to benefit from enhanced competitiveness, stronger buyer confidence and expanded market opportunities.

For Mumbai, home to Bharat Diamond Bourse, SEEPZ and many of the country’s leading exporters, the agreement further reinforces its position as India’s gateway for international gem and jewellery trade.

JewelBharat Insight

While the flag-off ceremony symbolised the first shipment under the India–UK CETA, its long-term significance extends far beyond a single export consignment. The agreement has the potential to reshape India’s jewellery exports by lowering trade barriers, improving price competitiveness and opening new avenues for growth in one of the world’s key jewellery markets. For exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs and artisans, this marks the beginning of a new chapter—one that could accelerate India’s journey towards becoming an even stronger global jewellery sourcing destination.