According to DGCI&S data, the gems and jewellery exports has been showing positive growth since January, 2016. From December, 2014 to December, 2015 gems and jewellery exports were showing decline with exception in the month of June, July and August, 2016. The details of gems and jewellery export since December, 2014 till June, 2016 is at Annexure I.

With a view to strengthen the Gems & Jewellery industry in the country, the Government has taken a number of steps such as establishment of Special Notified Zone (SNZ); announcement of separate ITC HS Code for lab-grown diamonds; introduction of Gold Monetisation Scheme; approved the scheme for setting up of Common Facility Centres for gem and jewellery sector; and providing financial assistance for participation in international fairs, organizing buyer-seller meets etc. under Market Development Assistance (MDA) and Market Access Initiative (MAI) Schemes of the Department of Commerce to boost the exports of gem and jewellery.

This information was given by the Commerce and Industry Minister  Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman in a written reply in Lok Sabha today.

Export support measures for gems and jewellery enhance industry capacity through regulatory codes and financial assistance. To strengthen the gems and jewellery sector and support exports, the Government implemented regulatory and promotional measures: establishment of a Special Notified Zone; assignment of a separate HS Code for lab-grown diamonds; introduction of the Gold Monetisation Scheme; approval of Common Facility Centres; and provision of financial assistance for trade promotion under Market Development Assistance and Market Access Initiative schemes.