The Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an important amendment to the Handbook of Procedures (HBP) 2023 under Paras 4.87(a) and 4.88. This update expands the list of airports that can handle personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both export and import. Earlier, this facility was available through major airports such as Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Kochi, Coimbatore, Bangalore, Hyderabad, and Jaipur. The new amendment now includes Ahmedabad Airport in this list.
Under the revised Para 4.87(a), foreign-bound passengers can carry gems and jewellery export parcels from all EOU, SEZ, and DTA units through the approved airports, including Ahmedabad. Customs will handle the procedure for personal carriage, and export payments will continue through normal banking channels.
Para 4.88 has also been updated to allow import of gems and jewellery parcels by Indian importers or foreign nationals through Ahmedabad Airport. The process will follow the same steps as regular air freight. The parcels must be brought to Customs for inspection and release, and clearance will take place under the normal customs procedure.
The main effect of this public notice is the official inclusion of Ahmedabad Airport as an authorised point for personal carriage of gems and jewellery parcels for both import and export. This change supports smoother trade, faster movement of high-value goods, and easier access for exporters and importers operating in western India.