Gold Jewellery Exports Exempted From Mandatory Hallmarking

India’s Ministry of Consumer Affairs , Food & Public Distribution based on extensive consultations with key stakeholders of the trade has exempted Gold Jewellery Exports from the mandatory hallmarking that comes into effect from 16th June, 2021. 

Shri Piyush Goyal, Minister for Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution announcing the Key decisions of Mandatory Hallmarking post the meeting with Expert Committee on 15^th June said , “ Mandatory Hallmark certification of Gold Jewellery is good for both customers and business. Constructive suggestions are always welcome and implementation should be effective”

Colin Shah, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “I would like to thank Shri. Piyush Goyal for accepting the recommendations put forth by GJEPC in the mandatory hallmarking scheme coming into effect from 16th June, 2021. This has come as a major relief for the jewellery manufacturers as jewellery exports are now exempted from the Hallmarking scheme. In a welcome move, Kundan, Polki and Jadau jewellery along with export and re-import of jewellery as per the Trade Policy of Government of India, Jewellery for International Exhibitions, and Jewellery for Government-approved B2B Domestic Exhibitions are also  exempted from mandatory hallmarking. This is a welcome step towards ease of doing business”

K Srinivasan, Convener, Gold Jewellery Panel, GJEPC said, The jewellery exporters are thankful to the Govt. for accepting its recommendation and exempting jewellery meant for exports out of hallmarking. As Indian hallmarked articles do not have acceptance outside India, any legal interpretation that requires an exporter to comply with the hallmarking provisions wholly or partially, would have increased the transaction costs in the export stream, making gem and jewellery exports unviable.”

Colin Shah further added, “The Government has been very considerate in keeping small business units, with turnover under Rs.40 lakh, out of mandatory hallmarking. The Government has been very proactive, and at the same time, it has considered the concerns of the domestic as well as export sectors.”

The Govt. has included all the recommendations and amendments put forth by the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council :

1)        As exports are exempt under Hallmarking, Copy of Export order will not be required for this exemption as that is not the current practice if some exporter is supplying year round to his/her regular buyer abroad.

2)        Various export activities as per following that are permitted under Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) will be exempted from Hallmarking.

a.         Export and reimport relating to Export Promotion Tours and Participation in Overseas Exhibitions as  allowed under Para 4.46 FTP r/w Para 4.80 of Handbook of Procedures.

b.        Re-import of rejected Jewellery under Para 4.52 FTP r/w Para 4.91 of HBoP.

c.         Consignment exports and reimport under Para 4.53 FTP r/w Para 4.93 of HBoP.

3)        B2B local exhibitions, which are organised within India for promoting and facilitating trade.

4)        Exquisite handcrafted jewellery of Kundan, Minakari, Polki and Jadau, Thewa jewellery should also be excluded.