GIA India and GJEPC Elevate Diamond Grading Proficiency for Customs Officers in a Landmark Training Program

Mumbai, India – April 13, 2022 – In a significant move to bolster the expertise of India’s customs officials, GIA India, a leading authority in gemological education and research, collaborated with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) to conduct a specialized training program. This comprehensive initiative was designed for over 30 officers from the Precious Cargo and Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC), providing them with invaluable insights and practical skills in diamond grading and identification. The culmination of this intensive program was marked by a prestigious ‘Letter of Completion’ certificate ceremony, held at the GJEPC office within the esteemed Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB).

The ceremony saw the convergence of several prominent figures from both the gem and jewellery industry and customs administration, underscoring the critical importance of this collaborative effort. Dignitaries present included Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman of GJEPC; Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director of GJEPC; Sanjeev Chetule, Deputy Commissioner of PCCCC; Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Education and Market Development at GIA India; Mahendra Rathod, Assistant Commissioner – Mumbai Customs; and Samir Shah, Senior Director and Chief Financial Officer at GIA India. Their collective presence highlighted the strategic significance of empowering customs officials with advanced gemological knowledge to ensure the smooth, secure, and legitimate flow of precious cargo through India’s borders.

A Strategic Collaboration for Enhanced Trade and Security

The Indian gem and jewellery sector stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s economy, significantly contributing to its export revenue and global trade standing. As this industry continues its impressive growth trajectory, the role of customs officials becomes increasingly vital in facilitating legitimate trade while simultaneously safeguarding against illicit activities and ensuring compliance with international standards. Recognizing this imperative, GJEPC, the apex body promoting India’s gem and jewellery exports, joined forces with GIA India, renowned for its unparalleled expertise in gemological science and education. This partnership aimed to bridge potential knowledge gaps and equip PCCCC officers with the advanced skills necessary to accurately assess and identify diamonds, a crucial aspect of their daily duties.

The initiative reflects a proactive approach to maintain India’s reputation as a reliable and transparent global trading hub for gems and jewellery. By investing in the professional development of customs personnel, GJEPC and GIA India are collectively contributing to a more efficient, secure, and compliant trading environment. This capacity-building effort is not merely about technical training; it’s about fostering confidence, reducing discrepancies, and ultimately strengthening the integrity of India’s export-import ecosystem for precious goods. The commitment shown by all stakeholders, from the highest levels of industry leadership to the participating officers, demonstrates a shared vision for excellence and robust trade practices.

Comprehensive Gemmological Training: Equipping Officers with Expert Knowledge

The meticulously designed training program delivered by GIA India provided PCCCC officers with a deep dive into the intricate world of diamonds. A primary objective was to train these officers on how to consistently and accurately grade diamonds using industry-standard tools and methodologies. This involved extensive practical instruction on the proficient use of modern gem microscopes and loupes – essential instruments for detailed examination and precise assessment of diamond characteristics. Understanding the nuances revealed by these tools is paramount for making informed decisions regarding diamond quality and authenticity during customs clearance procedures.

Beyond foundational tool usage, the curriculum advanced to cover time-saving shortcuts and expert techniques for determining a variety of grading factors. This not only enhances efficiency in a high-volume cargo environment but also empowers officers to swiftly identify potential anomalies or misdeclarations. The educational journey also introduced participants to the fundamental aspects of diamond formation, tracing the natural genesis of these precious stones. Furthermore, officers gained insights into rough diamonds, understanding their characteristics and valuation, which is critical for assessing unprocessed cargo. The program also demystified diamond pricing mechanisms and provided in-depth instruction on how to accurately read and interpret a GIA Diamond Grading Report – the globally recognized benchmark for diamond quality documentation.

Hands-On Experience and Advanced Identification Techniques

The four-week training initiative was structured to maximize learning and practical application, with officers divided into smaller batches of approximately 10 per class. This ensured personalized attention and ample opportunity for hands-on practice, which is indispensable for mastering gemological skills. A significant portion of the training was dedicated to practical exercises on mounted diamonds, preparing officers for real-world scenarios where stones are already set in jewellery. Crucially, the program also delved into the complex area of treated and laboratory-grown diamonds. With the increasing prevalence of these types of diamonds in the market, the ability to accurately distinguish them from natural, untreated stones is paramount for customs officials to ensure proper valuation, adhere to disclosure regulations, and prevent fraud.

Participants were also trained on identifying various diamond simulants – materials that imitate diamonds but possess different gemological properties. This comprehensive approach ensures that customs officers are equipped to handle the diverse range of materials they may encounter. In an additional valuable component, the training extended beyond diamonds to include insights into coloured gemstones. A customized seminar delivered by an expert GIA instructor provided officers with foundational knowledge on the identification and characteristics of various coloured stones, further broadening their gemmological understanding and enhancing their capability to inspect a wider array of precious cargo. This holistic curriculum is a testament to the commitment of GIA India and GJEPC to provide robust, relevant, and future-proof education.

Voices from the Leadership: Affirming Commitment and Impact

The certificate ceremony served as a platform for key leaders to share their perspectives on the program’s success and its far-reaching implications. Their statements underscored the collective dedication to fostering expertise and upholding the highest standards in the gem and jewellery trade.

Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Education and Market Development, GIA India

Speaking with enthusiasm, Apoorva Deshingkar highlighted the privilege of extending GIA’s world-class training to the PCCCC officers. “It has been a privilege to offer GIA’s world-class training programme to the PCCCC officers,” she remarked. Deshingkar expressed strong confidence in the transformative power of the knowledge imparted: “I’m confident that the knowledge imparted will help them in their roles.” She extended heartfelt gratitude to GJEPC and all participating officers, acknowledging their pivotal support and unwavering commitment, which were instrumental in making the initiative “a truly enriching experience.” Her words emphasized GIA’s mission to disseminate research-backed knowledge and elevate professional standards across the industry.

Sanjeev Chetule, Deputy Commissioner, PCCCC

Sanjeev Chetule articulated the critical role of Customs in India’s burgeoning trade landscape. He stated, “India’s import-export trade is touching close to $1 trillion, and our role as Customs officers remains critical as ever to ensure smooth flow of trade within the confines of the law.” Chetule emphasized the tangible benefits of the program, noting, “GIA India’s training programme helps our officers gain important technical knowledge as well as practical experience, and will enable them to perform their duties effectively.” He concluded by expressing profound gratitude, saying, “I’m grateful to GIA and GJEPC for organising this programme,” recognizing its profound impact on enhancing the operational efficiency and integrity of customs processes.

Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC

Vipul Shah provided context on the gem and jewellery industry’s significant contribution to the national economy. “The Indian gem and jewellery industry contributes 10% of the total country’s exports, and we’re on the growth path to contribute more in the upcoming years,” he affirmed. Shah underscored the enduring importance of Customs, stating, “Customs has and will continue to play an important role in ensuring seamless import and export of gems and jewellery.” He extended appreciation for the educational partnership: “I’d like to thank GIA for sharing the knowledge and practical training provided to our Customs officers,” recognizing that enhanced customs capabilities are indispensable for the industry’s sustained growth and international competitiveness.

Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India

Sriram Natarajan reaffirmed GIA India’s steadfast commitment to empowering professionals through education. “We’re committed to the idea of offering GIA’s research-based knowledge to the PCCCC officers,” he stated, highlighting the scientific foundation of GIA’s curriculum. Natarajan also outlined a vision for continued collaboration: “GIA India will continue to support with GJEPC and train Customs officers with various gemmological training programmes.” He expressed optimism about the long-term impact, declaring, “I’m confident such programmes will empower the Customs officers in their roles,” thereby contributing to greater efficiency, accuracy, and confidence in the gem trade sector.

The Broader Impact: Securing India’s Position in Global Gem Trade

This collaborative training program between GIA India and GJEPC represents more than just a series of lectures and practical sessions; it is a strategic investment in the future of India’s gem and jewellery industry and its global standing. By elevating the gemological proficiency of PCCCC officers, the initiative yields multifaceted benefits. Firstly, it ensures greater accuracy in the assessment of precious cargo, which is vital for fair valuation, correct duty collection, and prevention of under-invoicing or misdeclaration. This directly contributes to national revenue and economic integrity.

Secondly, enhanced identification skills empower customs officials to effectively combat smuggling and the illicit trade of diamonds and gemstones, including undisclosed synthetics or treated materials. This strengthens border security and upholds ethical trade practices, protecting both consumers and legitimate businesses. Thirdly, by fostering a more knowledgeable and efficient customs force, the program streamlines trade processes, reduces clearance times, and minimizes potential bottlenecks. This facilitates smoother import and export operations, which is crucial for an industry that thrives on rapid global supply chains. Ultimately, this partnership reinforces India’s commitment to transparency, compliance, and excellence in the international gem and jewellery market, cementing its reputation as a trusted and reliable trading partner.

About GIA India

GIA India Laboratory Private Limited (‘GIA India’) operates as an independent subsidiary of the Gemological Institute of America, Inc. (‘GIA’). Since its establishment in 1931, GIA has earned global recognition as the preeminent authority in gemmology. The Institute is credited with inventing the universally acclaimed 4Cs of Color, Clarity, Cut, and Carat Weight – a standard that transformed the way diamonds are evaluated. Furthermore, in 1953, GIA pioneered the International Diamond Grading System™, which continues to be recognized worldwide as the definitive benchmark for assessing diamond quality.

Through relentless research, comprehensive education programs, state-of-the-art gemological laboratory services, and continuous instrument development, GIA remains dedicated to a singular mission: ensuring public trust in gems and jewellery. This commitment is upheld by adhering to the most stringent standards of integrity, academic rigor, scientific precision, and professionalism. Every facet of GIA’s extensive activities is governed by its core mission to serve the public interest. For more information, please visit GIA.edu or GIAindia.in.

About the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC)

The Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) was established in 1966 by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Government of India. It serves as the apex body dedicated to promoting the Indian gem and jewellery industry on a global scale. GJEPC acts as a bridge between the government and the industry, facilitating policy advocacy, trade promotion, and skill development. Its mandate encompasses a wide range of activities including organizing international trade shows, conducting market research, and fostering industry growth through initiatives that enhance competitiveness and adherence to global standards. The Council plays a pivotal role in ensuring that India maintains its position as a world leader in the manufacturing and export of gems and jewellery, contributing significantly to the nation’s economy and employment.