GJEPC Chairman Vipul Shah Welcomes Union Budget FY 2025-26: Key Reforms to Boost Gem & Jewellery Exports

“Union Budget FY 2025-26: GJEPC welcomes new Export Promotion Mission, National Manufacturing Mission & the National Centres of Excellence Skilling encouraging MSMEs to ‘Make for India ‘Make for the World’ as part of a new trade roadmap to navigate global uncertainties“

Budget Reaction by Mr. Vipul Shah, Chairman, GJEPC

“Union Budget presented by Hon. Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman puts India in the growth path to Viksit Bharat. The Budget reforms will help to realise India’s domestic growth potential and unveil a new trade roadmap to navigate global uncertainties.

Recognition of Exports as a Growth Engine

GJEPC welcomes the recognition of exports as the 4th engine of growth and the new Export Promotion Mission with sectoral and ministerial targets, driven jointly by Union Commerce, Finance & MSME Ministries. This will facilitate easy access to export credit cross border and factor support to MSMEs to tackle non-tariff barriers in exports.

Launch of ‘BharatTradeNet’ for International Trade

GJEPC welcomes the digital public infrastructure, ‘BharatTradeNet’ (BTN) for international trade to be set-up as a unified platform for trade documentation and financing solutions.

Proposal for New Tariff Items in Chapter 71

GJEPC further welcomes the proposal of creating of new tariff items in Chapter 71 so as to distinguish precious metals – containing 99.9% or more by weight of silver, containing 99.5% or more by weight of gold, containing 99% or more by weight of platinum under headings 7106, 7108 and 7110 respectively. This move aligns with the representation made by GJEPC for addressing the issue of classification of alloys of Platinum (pre-dominantly containing gold), which was invariably leading to claim of unwarranted customs duty exemptions for import of Platinum under India-UAE CEPA .

Support for MSMEs in the Gem & Jewellery Sector

Gem & Jewellery sector comprises of 85%-90% of MSMEs. The revision in classification criteria of MSMEs especially with those with turnover from Rs. 250 crore to Rs. 500 crore will help them achieve higher efficiencies of scale, technological upgradation and better access to capital. The extension of credit guarantee cover to MSMEs leading to additional credit of Rs. 1.5 lakh crore in the next 5 years will benefit and provide boost to the MSMEs in the sector.

Stable Approach on Duties and Levies

The Government’s stable approach on duties and levies across gem & jewellery products will enhance ease of doing business. The Basic Customs duty rate has been reduced from 25% to 5% on platinum findings classified under 7113 will enable consumers to get a new product and increase affordable jewellery sales.

Focus on Labour-Intensive Industry

GJEPC welcomes the Government’s labour intensive focus enhancing productivity, quality manufacturing and global competitiveness. G & J industry is labour intensive with 5 million people employed in Exports. The announcement of National Manufacturing Mission & the National Centres of Excellence Skilling furthering ‘Make for India ‘Make for the World’ is positive and is set to have direct benefit to the sector.

Income Tax Relief to Boost Consumer Demand

GJEPC welcomes income tax relief incentives to boost consumer demand. Overall, the Union Budget presented by Hon. Finance Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman puts India on the growth path to Viksit Bharat. The Budget reforms will help to realise India’s domestic growth potential and unveil a new trade roadmap to navigate global uncertainties.

Collaboration with the Government to Support the Sector

GJEPC remains committed to collaborating with the Government of India to ensure the sector continues to contribute significantly to the nation’s economy. The Council requests the issuance of FAQs on Safe Harbour Taxation. We seek Hon. FM’s support for co-funding global diamond promotion campaigns, the inclusion of jewellery parks in the harmonised infrastructure list, and an Infrastructure Support Fund to develop a Gem Bourse in Jaipur.

Request for Policy Alignment with Global Benchmarks

GJEPC urges the Government to align regulations with global benchmarks, to set up a policy that promotes exports, innovation, use of technology, and incentivises sustainable practices.