Jaipur, July 15 (IANS) Jaipur, India’s renowned hub for coloured gemstones and handcrafted jewellery, marked a historic milestone on Wednesday with the flagging off of the first jewellery export consignment to the UK under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at the Air Cargo Complex, Sanganer International Airport. The Jaipur flag-off formed part of a nationwide initiative across Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Chennai and Kolkata to commemorate India’s first jewellery exports to the UK under the landmark trade agreement.

Leading exporters are part of the inaugural $10 million shipment, comprising gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery.

The India-UK CETA ushers in a new era for India’s gem and jewellery industry by providing zero-duty access to the UK market from the date the agreement comes into force, eliminating UK import tariffs of up to 4 per cent. The agreement is expected to significantly enhance the competitiveness of Indian exporters in the UK’s US$4 billion jewellery import market while boosting exports, investment and employment.

Commissioner of Customs R.K. Chandan said, “The flagging off of the first export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK CETA marks an important milestone in India’s export journey. Customs remains committed to facilitating seamless and efficient trade through faster clearances and robust export facilitation. I congratulate all the exporters who are part of this historic first shipment and wish them continued success in the UK market.”

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali described the occasion as a defining moment for India’s gem and jewellery industry.

“Today’s flag-off is more than the movement of goods; it marks the beginning of a new chapter in India’s global trade journey. I sincerely thank PM Modi and the Government of India for their visionary leadership in concluding this landmark agreement and for their unwavering support to our industry,” he said.

Bhansali noted that the agreement would give Indian exporters a significant competitive edge by eliminating import duties of up to 4 per cent. He expressed confidence that India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK would grow from around US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years, creating new opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans and designers while reinforcing India’s position as a global leader in jewellery craftsmanship and value-added manufacturing.

Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC, said Jaipur has long been recognised globally for its coloured gemstones, handcrafted jewellery and exceptional craftsmanship.

“The India-UK Free Trade Agreement opens the doors for this timeless artistry to reach an even larger audience in one of the world’s most discerning jewellery markets. With zero-duty market access, Rajasthan’s vibrant gem and jewellery industry is well positioned to play a major role in India’s export growth under the agreement,” he said.

The India-UK CETA is expected to deliver significant benefits to Rajasthan’s gem and jewellery sector by improving market access, encouraging value-added manufacturing, generating employment, promoting skill development and strengthening the participation of artisans, MSMEs and exporters. Jaipur’s globally acclaimed expertise in coloured gemstones, diamond-studded jewellery and handcrafted jewellery positions the city as one of the key beneficiaries of the agreement.

The first export consignment also underscores Jaipur’s continuing contribution to India’s gem and jewellery exports and reflects the industry’s confidence in the opportunities created by the India-UK CETA. As Indian jewellery enters the UK market with zero-duty access for the first time, Jaipur’s manufacturers, exporters and artisans are expected to play a pivotal role in expanding India’s global jewellery footprint.

The ceremony was attended by R.K. Chandan, Commissioner of Customs; Neeraj Dubey, Additional Commissioner of Customs; Sunita Verma, Additional Commissioner of Customs; Jitendra Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Air Cargo Complex, Jaipur; and Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC).

–IANS

arc/pgh