India has dispatched its first duty-free gold jewellery shipment to Oman under the newly implemented India-Oman Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA), marking a milestone for the country's jewellery export sector. The consignment, exported by Kolkata-based Wonder Jewels via air cargo, signals new duty-free access for Indian gold jewellery and diamonds in the Omani market, offering overseas buyers a more competitive sourcing route from eastern India.
Supply-chain impact
The India-Oman CEPA, effective June 1, 2026, eliminates import duties on Indian gold jewellery and diamonds, directly improving price competitiveness for importers and distributors sourcing from India. Industry estimates suggest India's gems and jewellery exports to Oman, currently around USD 35 million including nearly USD 10 million in gold jewellery, could surge to USD 150 million over three years. This opens a cost-effective supply channel for Gulf-based buyers and private-label brands seeking high-quality Indian craftsmanship without tariff markups.
Compliance and logistics signals
Direct exports from Kolkata to Oman bypass traditional routing through the UAE, reducing logistics expenses and delivery times. GJEPC Eastern Region Chairman Pankaj Parekh noted that this eliminates costly transshipment, enabling faster and more efficient shipments. For overseas trading companies and marketplaces, this means streamlined compliance under CEPA rules of origin and potentially lower landed costs for gold jewellery and diamond-studded pieces destined for Oman and re-export hubs.
What buyers should watch
Importers and distributors should monitor how the CEPA's preferential access extends to other product categories like textiles and leather goods, which may affect bundled sourcing strategies. The agreement positions Oman as a gateway to West Asia, North Africa, and East Africa, potentially creating new re-export opportunities. Buyers should verify CEPA certification requirements with Indian suppliers to ensure duty-free benefits apply to their orders.
China sourcing context
While India strengthens its Gulf trade ties under CEPA, Chinese jewellery manufacturers face intensified competition in the Omani market, particularly for gold jewellery and diamond-set pieces. Indian exporters now enjoy a tariff advantage over Chinese suppliers who must pay standard Omani import duties. This shift may prompt Chinese OEM/ODM producers to explore alternative markets or adjust pricing strategies for Gulf buyers.
Source: Read the original report | Published: June 13, 2026