India-Oman CEPA scraps 5% duty on Kashmir handicrafts, reopens ₹250-cr Gulf export channel

Effective June 1, the India-Oman trade pact removes a 5% customs duty on Kashmiri shawls and Pashmina entering Oman. The Kashmir Chamber of Commerce expects the cut to revive a ₹250-crore annual Gulf export trade supporting 440,000 artisans, after a stretch of order declines.

— Source publishedThu, 4 Jun, 2026, 18:38 IST·First seen Thu, 4 Jun, 2026, 18:43 IST·Source The Hindu BusinessLine

What happened

Kashmir Chamber of Commerce and Industry · India-Oman CEPA, effective June 1, removes 5% customs duty on Kashmiri handicrafts entering Oman, expected to revive

Key facts

  • ₹250 crore annual exports
  • 5% duty removed
  • 440,000 artisans
  • June 1 effective date

Why this matters

Consider partnerships or JVs with Omani distributors and Gulf retail chains to lock in shelf space while the CEPA tailwind is fresh, and explore roll-up opportunities among the 440,000-artisan supply base.