The Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs (CBIC), under the Department of Revenue, Ministry of Finance, is introducing an exciting shift in the way gems, jewellery, and prototypes are handled in the Indian export and import ecosystem. Starting from May 1, 2025, passengers carrying these goods personally will be able to electronically process their Bill of Entry and Shipping Bill at specified airports. This change aims to streamline and digitize the export-import process for high-value goods, simplifying procedures, and making it more efficient for businesses involved in these transactions.
A Step Towards Modernizing the System
The initiative is designed to cater specifically to the export and import of gems, jewellery, and samples or prototypes of machinery. Under the new system, personal carriage of goods will be electronically processed at select airports, which will significantly ease the burden on businesses dealing with high-end merchandise. This change, which falls in line with the provisions of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023 and the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, is expected to facilitate smoother trade by reducing paperwork and the chances of errors or delays.
The personal carriage facility will be available in nine airports for exports of gems and jewellery: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. For imports of gems and jewellery, the facility will be available in seven airports: Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. These airports have been carefully selected based on their international connectivity and their role as major hubs for jewellery and high-end exports.
For samples and prototypes of machinery, the new facility will initially be available in four airports: Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, and Mumbai. This will be particularly beneficial for manufacturers and innovators in high-tech industries who often need to send samples or prototypes abroad for client evaluations or exhibitions.
How Does the Electronic Processing Work?
The introduction of electronic processing for Bill of Entry and Shipping Bill means that passengers carrying gems, jewellery, or prototypes will no longer need to undergo the traditional manual documentation process. Instead, they can submit their relevant paperwork electronically, reducing the time spent at customs. The digital system will handle all necessary checks, ensuring compliance with all regulations under the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023.
The harmonized electronic procedure will allow passengers to carry out transactions swiftly without the usual delays caused by physical document submissions, particularly important for high-value goods that need to be handled carefully and promptly. This upgrade also ensures better accuracy, as all customs data will be captured in real-time through the new electronic platform.
Advantages for Exporters and Importers
For exporters of gems and jewellery, the ease of digital documentation will make international trade more seamless, allowing businesses to focus on growth rather than dealing with time-consuming administrative tasks. Similarly, importers can expect faster clearance of their goods, leading to quicker access to inventory and a more efficient supply chain.
The integration of these processes into a digital platform will significantly reduce the scope for human error and streamline the overall transaction cycle. As India continues to grow as a hub for manufacturing, high-end jewellery, and tech-driven products, this modernization will further enhance its position in the global marketplace.
Conclusion: A Game Changer for Ease of Doing Business
With this move, India is taking a decisive step toward improving its trade and customs procedures, particularly for the high-value sectors of gems, jewellery, and advanced manufacturing. The electronic processing system will not only foster transparency and efficiency but will also reduce the time and costs traditionally associated with exporting and importing goods through personal carriage.
By focusing on simplifying processes for high-value products and promoting ease of doing business, the Ministry of Finance’s initiative is a welcome development for both large corporations and small businesses in the gems and jewellery sector, as well as those in advanced manufacturing. As India continues to modernize its trade infrastructure, such steps will pave the way for more competitive and smooth international business transactions in the future.
