Jaipur flags off first jewellery exports to UK under India-UK CETA
Synopsis
For the first time, Indian jewellery is entering the UK market duty-free — and Jaipur is leading the charge. A US$10 million inaugural shipment flagged off on 15 July signals the start of what the GJEPC projects could be a more than three-fold jump in exports to the UK, from US$754 million to US$2.5 billion within three years.
Key Takeaways
Jaipur flagged off India's first jewellery export consignment to the UK under the India-UK CETA on 15 July 2025 at Sanganer International Airport .
The inaugural shipment is valued at US$10 million , comprising gold, diamond, silver, and platinum jewellery.
The CETA eliminates UK import tariffs of up to 4 per cent , granting Indian jewellery zero-duty access from the date of entry into force.
GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali projected exports to grow from US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years .
The UK's jewellery import market is valued at approximately US$4 billion .
The flag-off was held simultaneously across Delhi , Mumbai , Surat , Chennai , and Kolkata .
Jaipur, India's globally recognised centre for coloured gemstones and handcrafted jewellery, on 15 July 2025 flagged off the first jewellery export consignment to the United Kingdom under the India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) at the Air Cargo Complex, Sanganer International Airport. The ceremony was part of a coordinated nationwide initiative spanning Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Chennai, and Kolkata, marking India's inaugural jewellery shipments to the UK under the landmark trade pact.
The Inaugural Shipment
Leading exporters contributed to an inaugural consignment valued at US$10 million, comprising gold, diamond, silver, and platinum jewellery. The Jaipur flag-off underscored the city's pivotal role in India's gem and jewellery export ecosystem, given its globally acclaimed expertise in coloured gemstones and diamond-studded pieces.
What CETA Means for the Industry
The India-UK CETA grants 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 on Indian jewellery. The UK's jewellery import market is valued at approximately US$4 billion, and the agreement is expected to sharply improve the competitiveness of Indian exporters within it.
Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) Chairman Kirit Bhansali described the occasion as a defining moment for the 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 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 opportunities for exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans, and designers.
Jaipur's Strategic Role
Yogendra Garg, Regional Chairman (Rajasthan), GJEPC, highlighted the city's unique positioning. '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.
Beyond Jaipur's established exporters, the CETA is expected to benefit MSMEs, artisans, and designers across Rajasthan by encouraging value-added manufacturing, generating employment, and promoting skill development. This is the first time Indian jewellery has entered the UK market with zero-duty access.
Customs and Official Response
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.'
The ceremony was also attended by Neeraj Dubey, Additional Commissioner of Customs; Sunita Verma, Additional Commissioner of Customs; and Jitendra Meena, Deputy Commissioner of Customs, Air Cargo Complex, Jaipur.
What Comes Next
With zero-duty access now in effect, industry bodies anticipate a sustained ramp-up in volumes over the coming quarters. Jaipur's manufacturers, exporters, and artisans are expected to play a central role in driving India's jewellery footprint in the UK — a market that has historically favoured European and Gulf suppliers. The sector will be watching whether the tariff advantage translates into sustained order flows and whether MSME participation scales alongside larger exporters.
Point of View
Brand-driven, and heavily influenced by consumer trust in provenance. The real test for Jaipur's MSMEs and artisans will be whether the duty benefit is passed through to buyers in a way that builds long-term relationships, or whether it is absorbed as margin by intermediaries. GJEPC's US$2.5 billion projection is ambitious; achieving it will require consistent quality, hallmarking compliance with UK standards, and marketing investment that smaller exporters may struggle to fund without targeted government support.
NationPress
16 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the India-UK CETA and how does it affect jewellery exports?
The India-UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a bilateral trade pact that grants Indian jewellery zero-duty access to the UK market, eliminating import tariffs of up to 4 per cent. This makes Indian gold, diamond, silver, and platinum jewellery more price-competitive in the UK's approximately US$4 billion jewellery import market.
What was flagged off in Jaipur on 15 July 2025?
The first jewellery export consignment to the UK under the India-UK CETA was flagged off at the Air Cargo Complex, Sanganer International Airport, Jaipur. The inaugural nationwide shipment is valued at US$10 million and includes gold, diamond, silver, and platinum jewellery from leading exporters.
How much could India's jewellery exports to the UK grow under the CETA?
GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali projected that India's gem and jewellery exports to the UK could rise from around US$754 million to nearly US$2.5 billion over the next three years. The growth is expected to benefit exporters, manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans, and designers.
Why is Jaipur significant for this trade agreement?
Jaipur is globally recognised for coloured gemstones, diamond-studded jewellery, and handcrafted pieces, making it one of India's most important gem and jewellery export hubs. The zero-duty access under CETA is expected to directly benefit Jaipur's manufacturers, MSMEs, artisans, and exporters, positioning Rajasthan as a key driver of India's jewellery exports to the UK.
Which other cities participated in the nationwide flag-off?
The flag-off was a coordinated nationwide initiative held simultaneously in Delhi, Mumbai, Surat, Chennai, and Kolkata, in addition to Jaipur, to mark India's first jewellery exports to the UK under the CETA.
