About Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC):
- It is an apex body of the Gem and Jewellery industry in India, sponsored by the Ministry of Commerce & Industry, Government of India.
- Primary Function:
- It is primarily involved in introducing Indian gem and jewellery products to the international market and promotes their exports.
- To achieve this, the Council provides market information to its members regarding foreign trade inquiries, trade and tariff regulations, rates of import duties, and information about Jewellery fairs and exhibitions.
- Headquarters: Mumbai, Maharashtra
- It has regional offices across the country and with a strength of over 7,500 members.
- Other Functions:
- Organising joint participation in international jewellery shows.
- Inviting countries to explore areas of cooperation in the supply of rough diamonds, coloured gemstones and sourcing of finished jewellery.
- Identifying potential partners and buyers in international markets through buyer-seller meets.
- Executing the Kimberly Process Certification Scheme in the country, as the Nodal Agency appointed by the Government of India.
- Taking up relevant export-related issues with the Government, Ministries, Regulatory Authorities and Agencies.
- Undertaking image-building exercises through international advertisements, publications and audio-visuals
- Running training institutes that impart manufacturing skills, technical and design excellence in six cities – Mumbai, Delhi, Surat, Jaipur, Varanasi and Udupi.
- Setting up Jewellery Parks across the country.
What are Rough Diamonds?
- Rough Diamonds refer to diamonds which are still in their natural state after being removed from the belly of the earth.
- This is the stage before they are actually cut or polished in order to create the marvellousdiamonds found in all of our unique jewellery.
Key Facts about Kimberly Process (KP):
- KP is a multilateral trade regime established in 2003 with the goal of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds.
- The core of this regime is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), under which States implement safeguards on shipments of rough diamonds and certify them as “conflict-free".
- KP defines conflict diamonds as: ‘rough diamonds used to finance wars against governments’ - around the world.
- The participants include all major rough diamond-producing, exporting and importing countries. The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups are also integral parts of the KP.
