Gems, jewellery sector seeks duty rationalisation, GST cut ahead of Budget 2026-27

Mumbai, Jan 14 (PTI) In a bid to strengthen India's gem and jewellery competitiveness amid a challenging trade landscape, the gems and jewellery sector has sought targeted duty rationalisation, procedural reforms and reduction in GST in the upcoming Union Budget 2026-27.

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), in its pre-Budget recommendations to Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, has made several proposals to make Indian exports more cost-efficient and position India as a diamond trading and value-discovery centre.

"The global gem and jewellery trade is undergoing a major transformation. With high US tariffs, evolving consumer preferences, and shifting global supply chains, it is imperative that India maintains its competitive edge," GJEPC chairman Kirit Bhansali said.

Bhansali further noted that the pre-Budget proposals are focused on making Indian exports more cost-efficient, strengthening SEZ operations, and improving policy frameworks that encourage investment and skill development.

He said, with supportive reforms and a stable trade ecosystem, India can not only weather current global challenges but also lead the next phase of growth in the international jewellery market.

The current 4 per cent Safe Harbour tax is considered too high and deters international trade, GJEPC said, and urged the government to rationalise import duties on cut and polished diamonds and coloured gemstones to help Indian exporters remain globally competitive.

GJEPC has urged the need to amend the Customs Act, 1962, to align customs processes with the requirements of a fast-evolving, export-driven gems and jewellery sector.

The Council has recommended reforms such as risk-based customs clearance, AI-enabled digital appraisals, and self-certification for trusted exporters to improve speed, transparency, and cost efficiency.

Meanwhile, the All India Gem and Jewellery Domestic Council (GJC), in a representation to the government, has urged for GST reforms, hallmarking, reforms to direct taxes, and industry-wide improvements.

"GST on gold and silver jewellery should be rationalised to 1.25 per cent from 3 per cent, which will help restore proportionality, reduce financial stress on households, and enable a wider base of taxed transactions," GJC chairman Rajesh Rokde said.

GJC also proposed an exemption from capital gains tax on the exchange of hallmarked jewellery, where the sale proceeds are immediately reinvested in the purchase of new jewellery, maintaining the continuity of asset holding.

The Council urged to operationalise the Tourist GST Refund scheme at the earliest by issuing the requisite rules and establishing digital claim and verification mechanisms at major international gateways.

A phased pilot may be launched initially at Delhi, Mumbai and Bengaluru airports, where both jewellery sales and foreign tourist footfall are highest, GJC stated.

"Foreign tourists, particularly from the Middle East, Europe and the United States, face a tax-inclusive price disadvantage while purchasing jewellery in India as compared to regional competitors like the UAE and Singapore, where such refunds are efficiently processed through automated airport systems.

"This leads to a lost opportunity for India wherein foreign buyers either defer purchases or procure jewellery abroad, converting India's competitive craftsmanship into exported retail demand losses," Rokde added. PTI SM DRR