Customs Rules for Jewellery Export

Jewellery faces more customs scrutiny than most product categories, on both the Indian export side and the destination country's import side. Here's what actually applies.

On the Indian export side

• IEC and GJEPC/RCMC registration are required for commercial jewellery export — see How to Ship Jewellery Internationally from India.
• CSB-V shipping bill is used for jewellery exports (not the simplified non-commercial CSB-IV route).
• The ₹10 lakh courier-export value cap was removed effective 1 April 2026 — higher-value shipments that previously needed cargo-mode export can now move through registered courier.
• Kimberley Process Certificate is mandatory for any shipment containing rough diamonds, issued by GJEPC, to confirm the stones are conflict-free.
• Accurate valuation matters more here than almost any other category — Indian customs scrutinises jewellery declared values closely given the potential for under-declaration to reduce duty exposure.

On the destination country's import side

Most countries apply their own specific duty treatment to precious metals and gemstones on import, separate from general merchandise duty schedules — check the destination country's specific rules rather than assuming a standard rate applies. For the US specifically, remember that the 2025 suspension of the de-minimis exemption means every jewellery shipment, regardless of value, is now subject to duty assessment — see Customs Information for Shipping to USA.

Some countries also require specific certification for gemstones with conservation status (for example, certain coral or shell-based materials can fall under CITES restrictions) — verify this if your jewellery uses any organic or protected materials, not just precious metals and standard gemstones.

Common customs issues with jewellery shipments

• Valuation disputes — customs on either end questioning a declared value that seems inconsistent with the described materials and weight
• Missing Kimberley Process documentation for shipments containing rough diamonds
• Vague goods descriptions — "jewellery" alone is rarely specific enough; describe materials (e.g. "18k gold ring, 4g, with 0.5ct diamond") on the commercial invoice
• Insufficient insurance relative to declared value, which complicates matters if a shipment is damaged, lost, or held for extended review

The practical takeaway

Jewellery export is fully viable through standard courier channels today, especially after the 2026 removal of the courier value cap — but it rewards precision. Accurate valuation, complete registration, and correct product-specific certificates (Kimberley Process, hallmarking) are what keep a jewellery shipment moving instead of sitting in a customs queue.