In a recent meeting with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) on 27th Feb, 2026, flagged several operational and regulatory hurdles that India’s gem and jewellery importers and exporters face. Some hurdles, like export documents not reflecting in RBI monitoring systems to payment mismatches, and exhibition shipment complications, could make it difficult for exporters to conduct business smoothly.
The concerns carry significant weight, as India is the eighth-largest gem and jewellery exporter globally, with exports accounting for around 3.2% of world trade, and the country holds a dominant position in segments like cut and polished diamonds. With such a strong global footprint, industry leaders stressed that resolving these system-level bottlenecks is crucial to maintaining India’s competitiveness in international markets.
SOME OF THE HURDLES OF JEWELLERY EXPORT TALKED ABOUT IN THE MEETING
Shipping Bills Not Showing Up in the System
When jewellers export goods, they file a document called a Shipping Bill. Think of it as proof that the jewellery has left India legally.
However, many exporters reported that their Shipping Bills are not reflected in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS) — the RBI’s system that tracks export payments.
It is a major problem because:
- If the system doesn’t show the export, banks may assume payment hasn’t been received.
- Exporters can face compliance notices.
- Future shipments may get delayed.
- Working capital gets blocked.
In simple words, Jewellers export the goods, but the system doesn’t recognize it properly — and that creates paperwork headaches and financial stress.
Over 500 Manual Import Records Missing
Exporters also import raw materials like gold, diamonds, and gemstones. These imports are recorded through Bills of Entry.
But more than 500 manual Bills of Entry and hand-carry shipment documents are not appearing in the Import Data Processing and Monitoring System (IDPMS).
In simple words:
- The system shows imports as “pending” even when they are completed.
- Banks may question transactions.
- Exporters struggle to reconcile accounts.
- Regulatory compliance becomes difficult.
It is akin to a situation where you are maintaining your bank statement, but half your deposits don’t show up. That’s the kind of confusion exporters are facing.
Problems with Exhibition Exports
Jewellers often send jewellery abroad for exhibitions. They display items, sell some, and bring back the rest. It is a process which sounds simple in theory, but is fairly complicated financially.
Over-realisation or under-realisation of remittances:
If the final payment doesn’t exactly match the original declared value, it creates regulatory complications.
Advance remittances:
Managing advance payments for exhibition shipments is difficult under the current rules.
Third-party remittances:
Sometimes payment comes from a different entity than the buyer. Exporters need clarity on whether that’s acceptable.
In simple terms, if the rules are unclear or systems dont sync, exporters risk penalties, even if the sale is genuine.
WHAT DID GJEPC DO?
At the meeting with the Reserve Bank of India:
- GJEPC submitted a detailed representation outlining these concerns.
- RBI officials acknowledged the operational bottlenecks.
- Authorities assured that the issues would be reviewed on priority.
Senior officials from CBIC, ICEGATE, Customs, and Authorised Dealer (AD) banks were present, allowing direct dialogue between regulators and industry stakeholders.
The RBI also highlighted recent reforms aimed at streamlining online declaration processes — indicating that improvements are underway.
The jewellery export industry isn’t asking for relaxation of rules.
They are asking for:
- Better system integration
- Faster digital updates
- Clearer guidelines
- Practical solutions for exhibition exports
In short, they want systems that match the speed and complexity of global trade.
FAQs
1. What issues did GJEPC raise with the RBI?
GJEPC highlighted problems such as Shipping Bills not appearing in the Export Data Processing and Monitoring System (EDPMS), missing Bills of Entry in IDPMS, remittance mismatches in exhibition exports, and lack of clarity on third-party payments.
2. Why are missing Shipping Bills a serious problem?
If export documents don’t reflect in RBI systems, banks may treat payments as pending, which can lead to compliance issues, delayed clearances, and blocked working capital for exporters.
3. What are the exhibition export challenges?
When jewellers send goods abroad for exhibitions, final payments often differ from initial declarations. This creates regulatory confusion regarding over- or under-realisation of export proceeds and advance remittances.
4. How does this affect India’s global trade position?
India is the eighth-largest gem and jewellery exporter globally. Operational bottlenecks can reduce efficiency, increase costs, and affect competitiveness in international markets.
5. What was RBI’s response?
RBI officials acknowledged the concerns raised by GJEPC and assured that the issues would be reviewed on priority for early resolution.
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