The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has recently announced a significant update for exporters and importers in the gems and jewellery sector. Through Public Notice No. 33/2025-2026, issued on 1st December 2025, DGFT has amended Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP), 2023, to include Ahmedabad Airport as an authorized hub for personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels. This change has immediate effect and marks a key step in enhancing trade facilitation for the jewellery industry.
What the Amendment Means for Exporters
Earlier, personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels by foreign-bound passengers was allowed through select airports, including Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. With the new amendment, Ahmedabad Airport has now been added to this list.
Exporters operating from Export Oriented Units (EOUs), Special Economic Zones (SEZs), and Domestic Tariff Area (DTA) firms can now leverage Ahmedabad Airport to carry their products personally when traveling abroad. This facility simplifies logistics for small and medium-sized exporters who often face challenges with large-scale shipments and customs procedures.
The procedure for personal carriage remains as prescribed by Customs authorities, ensuring compliance with existing regulatory norms. However, all export proceeds must continue to be realized through the normal banking channel, maintaining transparency in foreign trade transactions.
Benefits for Importers
Similarly, the amendment affects importers by allowing personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels through Ahmedabad Airport. Previously, Indian importers and foreign nationals could carry parcels only through select airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. Now, Ahmedabad has been added, offering a convenient gateway for importers in western India.
The process for imports under this scheme mirrors the procedure for goods imported via air freight. Parcels must be presented to Customs by the importer or foreign national for inspection and clearance, with all imports subject to normal customs clearance procedures. This ensures that regulatory oversight remains stringent while providing operational flexibility.
Impact on the Gems and Jewellery Sector
India’s gems and jewellery sector is one of the largest contributors to exports, with a strong presence in both the domestic and international markets. Facilitating personal carriage through additional airports reduces logistical hurdles and provides exporters and importers more options for transit. Ahmedabad, being a major industrial and commercial hub in Gujarat, is a strategic addition to the list of authorized airports, making trade smoother for businesses in western India.
This amendment is expected to enhance efficiency, reduce transit times, and improve convenience for small and medium-scale traders who often rely on personal carriage for high-value consignments. By streamlining regulatory processes and expanding airport access, DGFT is reinforcing India’s commitment to ease of doing business and export promotion.
Conclusion
The inclusion of Ahmedabad Airport under Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88 of the HBP-2023 is a welcome development for India’s gems and jewellery industry. Exporters and importers can now enjoy greater flexibility, reduced logistical challenges, and faster transit of high-value parcels. DGFT’s timely amendment highlights the government’s proactive approach in supporting trade, improving operational ease, and strengthening India’s position in the global jewellery market.
With this update, industry stakeholders are encouraged to stay informed about procedural requirements and leverage Ahmedabad Airport as a new gateway for the personal carriage of gems and jewellery.