Mumbai :– In a major boost to India’s gem and jewellery sector, Mumbai’s Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj International Airport (CSMIA) will permit hand carriage of high-value jewellery exports starting May 1, according to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).
This decision follows detailed discussions between GJEPC, customs officials, and airport authorities. The new policy is designed to simplify the export process, reduce delays, and improve security for valuable consignments.
Until now, all jewellery exports had to be sent as cargo, which involved lengthy procedures and longer delivery times. With the updated guidelines, exporters will be able to personally carry their shipments, leading to quicker turnaround and increased convenience.
“Allowing hand carriage is a landmark development for our industry,” said GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah. “It will drastically reduce time and cost, helping Indian jewellery compete more effectively in global markets.”
The move is expected to particularly benefit small and medium-sized exporters by easing logistics and cutting down on administrative overhead. Strict security measures, including mandatory pre-registration and verification, will be in place to ensure safe implementation.
Industry stakeholders have welcomed the change, anticipating a positive impact on export volumes. Authorities will evaluate the system’s performance at CSMIA before considering its rollout at other key international airports.
