The implementation of the India–UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) marks a historic milestone for India’s gem and jewellery industry. With duty-free access to the UK market and strategic initiatives like GJEPC’s London Buyer-Seller Meet, Indian exporters are preparing to capitalize on expanded business opportunities, stronger global partnerships, and accelerated bilateral trade growth.
Quick Summary
- India–UK CETA comes into effect on 15 July 2026.
- Nearly 99% of Indian exports will receive zero-duty access to the UK.
- GJEPC expects exports to the UK to grow from USD 754 million to USD 2.5 billion.
- Bilateral gem and jewellery trade is projected to reach USD 7 billion.
- London Buyer-Seller Meet connects 20 Indian manufacturers with over 50 UK buyers.
- The initiative supports exporters across diamonds, coloured gemstones, silver jewellery, and lab-grown diamond jewellery.
India–UK Free Trade Agreement to Transform Gem & Jewellery Trade
The implementation of the landmark India–UK Free Trade Agreement (FTA) on 15 July 2026 marks a transformative milestone for India’s gem and jewellery industry, opening the door to significantly greater market access, enhanced competitiveness and accelerated bilateral trade with one of its key export markets. With zero-duty access for nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, the agreement is expected to unlock substantial growth opportunities for Indian manufacturers, exporters, MSMEs and skilled artisans.
Enhanced Competitiveness Across Key Jewellery Categories
The FTA is expected to reshape India–UK gem and jewellery trade by improving the price competitiveness of Indian products across categories including diamond jewellery, coloured gemstone jewellery, silver jewellery and lab-grown diamond jewellery. GJEPC estimates that India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK could more than triple from current levels to USD 2.5 billion over the coming years, helping propel bilateral trade in the sector towards the USD 7 billion milestone.
London Buyer-Seller Meet Ahead of CETA Rollout
To help the industry capitalise on these opportunities from the outset, the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) has organised the second edition of the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet (BSM) 2026, being held on 7–8 July 2026 at Emirates Arsenal Stadium, London. Strategically timed ahead of the implementation of the India–UK Free Trade Agreement, the two-day event has brought together Indian exporters and leading UK buyers to forge commercial partnerships, gain insights into evolving consumer preferences and accelerate business opportunities under the new trade framework.
Event Inauguration by Industry Leaders
The event was inaugurated by Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Hon’ble Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, London, in the presence of Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, Mr. Mehdi Saadian – Chair, National Association of Jewellers (NAJ), Ms. Katie Cottham, Buying & Merchandising Manager, H&T Group plc (UK); and Mr. Will Evans, Director (Assay Master), London Assay Office, UK alongside key industry stakeholders.
Minister Highlights Economic Partnership
Ms. Nidhi Mani Tripathi, Hon’ble Minister (Economic), High Commission of India, London, said,
“The India–UK Free Trade Agreement marks a transformative milestone in our economic partnership. As the Agreement comes into effect on 15 July, platforms such as the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet will play a vital role in fostering business collaborations and unlocking new opportunities. With bilateral trade currently at around US$56 billion, we look forward to expanding this partnership to US$120 billion by 2030-31.”
GJEPC Chairman on Export Growth
Speaking about the opportunities for the gem and jewellery sector, Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said,
“The implementation of the India–UK CETA presents a significant competitive advantage for India’s gem and jewellery industry. Duty-free access to the UK market from 15 July will enhance the attractiveness of Indian products and create new opportunities across key product segments. We are confident of increasing India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK from the current US$754 million to around US$2.5 billion over the next few years, while contributing to the growth of bilateral trade in the sector to nearly US$7 billion.”
Strengthening Commercial Engagement
Mr. Vijay Mangukiya, Convener, International Exhibitions, GJEPC, said,
“The India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet is part of GJEPC’s broader strategy to deepen commercial engagement between the two countries ahead of the implementation of the India–UK CETA. Beyond facilitating direct business interactions through this platform, GJEPC will further strengthen India’s presence in the UK market through the India Pavilion at Jewellery Show London this September. We are also working closely with our UK partners to bring buyer delegations to IIJS Bhart Premiere and the International Gem & Jewellery Show (IGJS) in Jaipur, creating sustained opportunities for business, sourcing and long-term partnerships across both markets.”
Buyer-Seller Meet Connects Indian Manufacturers with UK Buyers
The two-day Buyer-Seller Meet features 20 leading Indian manufacturers showcasing a diverse range of diamond-studded jewellery, coloured gemstone jewellery, silver jewellery and lab-grown diamond jewellery. They are engaging with more than 50 prominent UK buyers, including retail chains, wholesalers and independent retailers, providing a platform to translate the opportunities created by the FTA into long-term commercial partnerships.
India–UK Trade Shows Strong Momentum
India’s gem and jewellery trade with the UK has already demonstrated strong momentum. In 2025, India’s exports to the UK stood at approximately USD 754 million, while imports from the UK reached around USD 3.07 billion, taking total bilateral trade in the sector to USD 3.83 billion. The FTA is expected to further strengthen these trade flows by reducing costs, improving ease of market access and encouraging deeper sourcing partnerships between businesses in both countries.
GJEPC to Continue Exporter Support
As the industry enters a new phase of enhanced market access and trade facilitation, GJEPC will continue to support exporters through dedicated buyer engagement platforms, capacity-building programmes, webinars and expert-led awareness initiatives to help members maximise the opportunities created by the India–UK FTA and strengthen India’s position as a preferred global sourcing destination for gems and jewellery.
About The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)
The Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), set up by the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India (GoI) in 1966, is one of several Export Promotion Councils (EPCs) launched by the Indian Government, to boost the country’s export thrust, when India’s post-Independence economy began making forays in the international markets. Since 1998, the GJEPC has been granted autonomous status. The GJEPC is the apex body of the gems & jewellery industry and today represents 10900+ members in the sector. With headquarters in Mumbai, GJEPC has Regional Offices in New Delhi, Kolkata, Chennai, Surat and Jaipur, all of which are major centres for the industry. It thus has a wide reach and is able to have a closer interaction with members to serve them in a direct and more meaningful manner. Over the past decades, GJEPC has emerged as one of the most active EPCs and has continuously strived to both expand its reach and depth in its promotional activities as well as widen and increase services to its members.
FAQs
What is the India–UK CETA for the gem and jewellery industry?
The India–UK CETA is a trade agreement that provides duty-free access for nearly 99% of Indian exports to the UK, enhancing competitiveness and export opportunities.
When will the India–UK CETA come into effect?
The agreement comes into effect on 15 July 2026.
What is the expected export growth under the agreement?
GJEPC estimates India’s gem and jewellery exports to the UK could increase from approximately USD 754 million to around USD 2.5 billion.
What was the purpose of the India–UK Buyer-Seller Meet 2026?
The event connected Indian manufacturers with UK buyers to develop long-term commercial partnerships ahead of the CETA implementation.
Which product categories will benefit from the agreement?
Diamond jewellery, coloured gemstone jewellery, silver jewellery, and lab-grown diamond jewellery are expected to benefit significantly.
How will GJEPC continue supporting exporters?
GJEPC will organize buyer engagement platforms, capacity-building programmes, webinars, and awareness initiatives to help exporters maximize opportunities under the India–UK CETA.
Source: SVAR Media Network
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