DGFT Grants One-Time Relief to Diamond Exporters, Re-import Window Extended [Read Notification]
DGFT has granted a one-time 30-day extension in the re-import period for cut and polished diamonds in specified cases.
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The Directorate Generalof Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Notification No. 73/2025-26 dated March 31, 2026, giving one-time relief to diamond exporters by extending the time allowed to bring back exported diamonds into India. This decision has been taken due to shipping delays and logistical problems caused by the ongoing tensions in...
The Directorate Generalof Foreign Trade (DGFT), under the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, has issued Notification No. 73/2025-26 dated March 31, 2026, giving one-time relief to diamond exporters by extending the time allowed to bring back exported diamonds into India.
This decision has been taken due to shipping delays and logistical problems caused by the ongoing tensions in West Asia.
Key points
Applies to cut and polished diamonds of 0.25 carat or more
- Normal time limit of 3 months increased to 4 months in certain cases
- Applies where re-import deadline falls between March 1, 2026 and May 31, 2026
- Extra 30 days given automatically
- Re-import will still be allowed at zero duty
What has changed in the rule
| Existing Para 4.43 | Revised Para 4.43 |
| An exporter (with annual export turnover of Rs 5 crores for each of the last three years) or the authorized offices/agencies in India of laboratories mentioned under paragraph 4.73 of Hand Book of Procedures may export cut & polished diamonds (each of 0.25 carat or above) to any of the agencies/laboratories mentioned under paragraph 4.73 of Handbook of Procedures with re-import facility at zero duty within 3 months from the date of export. Such facility of re-import at zero duty will be subject to guidelines issued by Central Board of Customs & Excise, Department of Revenue. | An exporter (with annual export turnover of Rs 5 crores for each of the last three years) or the authorized offices/agencies in India of laboratories mentioned under paragraph 4.73 of Hand Book of Procedures may export cut & polished diamonds (each of 0.25 carat or above) to any of the agencies/laboratories mentioned under paragraph 4.73 of Handbook of Procedures with re-import facility at zero duty within 3 months from the date of export. Such facility of re-import at zero duty will be subject to guidelines issued by Central Board of Customs & Excise, Department of Revenue. However, as a one-time relaxation, in cases where the re-import period is expiring on or between March 01, 2026 and May 31, 2026, such re-import period shall automatically stand extended by 30 days from the date of its expiry. |
What this means
Exporters often send diamonds to foreign laboratories for grading and certification. After that, they must bring them back within a fixed time to avoid paying import duty. Due to global disruptions, many shipments got delayed. This relief gives exporters more time and helps them avoid losses.
Background and history
India is one of the largest exporters of cut and polished diamonds in the world. The industry is centered in cities like Surat and Mumbai and provides employment to lakhs of workers.
Under the Foreign Trade Policy, the government allows exporters to send diamonds abroad for certification and re-import them duty-free within a fixed time. This helps maintain quality standards in international markets.
However, in recent months, geopolitical tensions in West Asia have disrupted shipping routes, increased transit time, and created uncertainty in logistics. Exporters had requested relaxation in timelines.
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