Ahmedabad: In a significant boost to Gujarat’s gems and jewellery sector, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has added Ahmedabad Airport to the list of authorised airports for the import and export of gems and jewellery parcels carried personally by passengers. The changes were notified on December 1, 2025, and have come into effect immediately.

The DGFT has amended Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88 of the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023, enabling exporters and importers to route high-value parcels through Ahmedabad — an option previously restricted to airports in Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Jaipur.

Under the revised norms, foreign-bound passengers can now personally carry export parcels from EOU/SEZ units and DTA firms via Ahmedabad Airport, following Customs-prescribed procedures. Similarly, Indian importers and foreign nationals are permitted to bring personal carriage import parcels through Ahmedabad. Customs examination and clearance will continue as per normal air freight rules, and all export proceeds must be realised through regular banking channels.

The move is expected to significantly ease operations for Gujarat’s jewellery exporters, diamond units, and SEZ-linked traders, many of whom earlier depended on Mumbai or other metros, adding to logistics costs and transit time.

Industry bodies have long advocated this inclusion, citing Ahmedabad Airport’s expanding cargo capabilities, improved Customs infrastructure, and increasing international connectivity.

The DGFT noted: “Import and export of gems and jewellery parcels for personal carriage are now also permitted through Ahmedabad Airport.” DeshGujarat