SEEPZ-SEZ Mumbai Gets New Customs Facilitation Centre To Support Jewellery Exporters
Union Minister of State for Commerce & Industry Jitin Prasada inaugurated the Customs Export-Import Facilitation Centre at SEEPZ-SEZ, Mumbai, marking a key step towards strengthening trade facilitation, customs clearances and export infrastructure for the gem and jewellery sector.
The inauguration was hosted by Dnyaneshwar B. Patil, IAS, Zonal Development Commissioner, SEEPZ-SEZ. Senior officials present at the occasion included Mayur R. Mankar, IRS, Joint Development Commissioner, SEEPZ, and Dr. Sandip D. Bhosale, IRS, Deputy Development Commissioner, SEEPZ.
The event was also attended by leading industry representatives including Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC; Shaunak Parikh, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Adil Kotwal, President, SGJMA; Colin Shah, Chairman – Working Group, Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC; and Vijay Gujarathi, Chairman, SEEMA, along with other members of the trade and industry.
The new CEIFC has been designed as a modern single-window centre that brings key customs processes under one roof. The facility is equipped with dedicated infrastructure for customs examination, secure handling of valuable consignments and e-commerce operations.
Speaking at the inauguration, Jitin Prasada said the Customs Export-Import Facilitation Centre reflects the need to modernise with changing times. He said the facility will particularly benefit small exporters by improving logistics and speeding up clearances.
“This world-class facility will particularly benefit small exporters by improving logistics and expediting clearances. India cannot afford to fall behind, and such infrastructure will strengthen our export ecosystem and enhance competitiveness,” he said.
He further added that quality remains paramount and that with a stable government and long-term vision, India is well-positioned to emerge as a global leader in trade and manufacturing.
The launch is expected to support exporters operating from SEEPZ-SEZ by reducing procedural delays, improving coordination and creating a more efficient export-import environment. For the gem and jewellery industry, where high-value consignments, compliance, documentation and timely clearances play a crucial role, the facility is expected to bring added operational convenience.
Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, also highlighted the importance of FTWZ Broad-Banding approval for the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC. He said the approval marks another milestone in strengthening India’s gem and jewellery ecosystem.
“The FTWZ Broad-Banding approval for the Bharat Ratnam Mega CFC marks another important milestone in strengthening India's gem and jewellery ecosystem. It transforms the Mega CFC into a global business hub by enabling international warehousing, product viewing and exhibitions under one roof,” said Bhansali.
He added that the initiative will attract greater global participation, create new business opportunities for MSMEs and reinforce India’s position as a preferred destination for gem and jewellery manufacturing, sourcing and trade.
The CEIFC inauguration comes at a time when the Indian gem and jewellery sector is focusing on stronger infrastructure, faster trade processes and improved global competitiveness. With secure customs handling, e-commerce support and single-window facilitation, the centre is expected to support both large exporters and smaller businesses operating within the export ecosystem.
The development also reflects the government’s continued focus on building world-class infrastructure for export-led sectors. For SEEPZ-SEZ and the wider jewellery trade, the facility adds another layer of support to improve ease of doing business, reduce turnaround time and strengthen India’s role in global jewellery sourcing and manufacturing.