Kolkata flags off first zero-duty jewellery consignment to UK under India-UK CETA

GJEPC launched India's first duty-free jewellery export to the UK under CETA, part of a $10M nationwide shipment. With up to 4% tariffs eliminated on a $4B UK import market, gem and jewellery exports could climb from $754M to $2.5B within three years.

— Source publishedWed, 15 Jul, 2026, 17:00 IST·First seen Wed, 15 Jul, 2026, 17:04 IST·Source ET Small Business

What happened

Under the India-UK CETA, Kolkata flagged off its first zero-duty jewellery export consignment to the UK, part of a $10M nationwide shipment. GJEPC projects gem

Key facts

  • $10 million shipment
  • up to 4% tariff eliminated
  • $4 billion UK jewellery import market
  • $754 million to $2.5 billion projected exports over 3 years

Why this matters

The CETA tariff removal opens a $4B UK market, creating opportunities to acquire or partner with UK distribution channels and jewellery brands to lock in first-mover duty-free advantage.

What to watch

  • Quarterly gem & jewellery export data to UK
  • UK retail discretionary spending and gold price trends
  • CETA rules-of-origin enforcement and customs clearance friction
  • Capacity expansion announcements in Surat/Kolkata clusters
  • Sterling-rupee exchange rate movements affecting margins
  • GJEPC to expand duty-free export corridors from Surat, Mumbai and other hubs
  • Exporters ramp UK-market design and hallmarking compliance capacity
  • UK retailers and importers renegotiate sourcing contracts toward Indian suppliers
  • Competitor origins (Italy, Turkey, Thailand) defend share via pricing or design differentiation
  • Industry lobbies for streamlined rules-of-origin documentation under CETA