With the India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) now in force, four Surat-based jewelers have shipped their inaugural consignment to the United Kingdom, unlocking zero‑duty access to a $4 billion market. The move signals a transformative boost for India's gems‑and‑jewellery sector.

Key Takeaways

  • India‑UK CETA eliminates up to 4% UK import tariffs on jewellery.
  • Four Surat jewelers launch a $10 million first export shipment.
  • Projected export growth could reach $2.5 billion within three years.

On July 15, 2026, four leading jewelers – Gaurav Jewellers, Roy Diamonds, Shish Jewels, and Parvati Jewels LLP – convened at the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council office inside the Surat Diamond Bourse to dispatch their first consignment under the newly operational India‑UK Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA). Valued at $10 million, the shipment comprises gold, diamond, silver and platinum jewellery, marking a historic milestone for the Indian gems‑and‑jewellery industry.

Key Provisions of the Agreement

The India‑UK CETA removes the existing UK import duty of up to 4 percent on jewellery and grants Indian exporters zero‑duty entry from day one. This preferential treatment gives small‑ and medium‑sized enterprises (SMEs), artisans and designers a decisive edge in the United Kingdom’s $4 billion jewellery import market.

Export Statistics to Date

According to the Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics (DGCI&S), India’s jewellery exports to the UK rose from $164.77 million in 2023 to $941 million in 2024, before settling at $754.11 million in 2025. Growth has been especially pronounced in polished natural diamonds, lab‑grown diamonds, gold and silver‑based pieces, reflecting shifting consumer preferences.

Industry Voices

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali remarked, “Today is a proud and defining moment; the first CETA‑enabled shipment is more than a movement of goods—it is the opening of a new chapter in India’s global trade journey.” Gaurav Jewellers’ owner Gaurav Limbani told The Indian Express that the first consignment, worth roughly $39,000, is destined for a London buyer, and he expects business to double initially and quadruple over the coming years.

Future Outlook

Analysts anticipate that the zero‑duty pathway will cement Surat’s reputation as the world’s diamond capital, driving revenue, job creation and technological innovation across the value chain. If export values climb to the projected $2.5 billion, the sector could see a surge in foreign investment, higher‑skill employment and a stronger position for Indian craftsmanship on the world stage.