India Sends First Duty-Free Gold Jewellery Shipment to Oman Under CEPA

India's efforts to expand its footprint in global jewellery markets received a major boost with the dispatch of the first gold jewellery shipment from Kolkata to Oman under the newly implemented India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) . The milestone shipment marks the beginning of direct duty-free exports from eastern India to the Gulf nation and is being viewed as an early success of the landmark trade pact that came into force on June 1, 2026 .

The maiden consignment was exported by Kolkata-based jewellery manufacturer Wonder Jewels via air cargo and was flagged off in the presence of Pankaj Parekh , Chairman of the Eastern Region of the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) , along with senior Customs officials. The development comes at a time when India is seeking to diversify export markets and strengthen trade ties with key partners in the Gulf region.

The India-Oman CEPA provides duty-free access for Indian gold jewellery and diamonds in the Omani market, significantly improving the competitiveness of Indian exporters. The agreement also grants preferential market access to a wide range of Indian products, including textiles, leather goods, engineering products, pharmaceuticals, agricultural commodities, services, and investments .

Industry leaders believe the agreement could unlock substantial growth opportunities for India's gems and jewellery sector. According to industry estimates, India's gems and jewellery exports to Oman currently stand at around USD 35 million , including nearly USD 10 million worth of gold jewellery . With the elimination of import duties and easier market access, exports are expected to rise to nearly USD 150 million over the next three years .

GJEPC Chairman Kirit Bhansali said the industry has already witnessed the positive impact of trade agreements such as the India-UAE CEPA and the India-Australia ECTA , which have helped expand market access and create new export opportunities. He noted that despite geopolitical uncertainties and changing tariff regimes, India's gems and jewellery sector recorded exports of nearly USD 28 billion in FY 2025-26 , underscoring the industry's resilience and adaptability.

The shipment also highlights the increasing importance of eastern India in the country's jewellery export ecosystem. Parekh said direct exports to Oman would eliminate the need for costly routing through the UAE, reducing logistics expenses, improving efficiency, and enabling faster deliveries. He added that the development is expected to encourage more exporters from the region to explore opportunities in Oman and the wider Gulf market.

Beyond immediate commercial gains, the first shipment symbolizes the broader potential of the India-Oman CEPA. With Oman emerging as a strategic gateway to West Asia, North Africa, and East Africa , the agreement is expected to deepen bilateral economic ties and strengthen India's presence in some of the world's fastest-growing consumer markets.