An Indian jewellery exporter needs an Importer-Exporter Code (IEC) to ship at all. A GJEPC registration is the council membership many gem and jewellery exporters hold, and RoDTEP is a government scheme that refunds embedded taxes to the exporter. Imitation jewellery does not usually need a special export licence, but check the rule for your product.
For you as the buyer, these registrations are evidence about the supplier, not guarantees about quality. Here is what each one tells you and what it does not.
What does GJEPC registration mean?
GJEPC is the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council, set up under India's Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Exporters register with it to obtain a Registration-cum-Membership Certificate (RCMC), which is needed to claim export promotion benefits in the sector.
A GJEPC member exporter has a verifiable membership, which is a reasonable sign of a real export business. Ask for the RCMC number and the validity date, and check it with the council if it matters to you.
Membership does not prove that the supplier owns a factory, passes lead or nickel tests, or makes your design well. For that, see how to tell a trader from a manufacturer and how to audit a jewellery workshop in Rajkot.
What is RoDTEP and does it change what you pay?
RoDTEP stands for Remission of Duties and Taxes on Exported Products. It refunds central, state and local duties and taxes that are embedded in the production of exported goods and not otherwise rebated. It is claimed by the exporter against the shipping bill, at rates set by tariff line.
We do not quote rates, because they are revised and differ by product. What matters to you is this: the benefit goes to the exporter, so a supplier may be able to offer a sharper quote, or may claim it and keep it. Neither is wrong, but you should know which applies when you compare quotes.
Also be wary of a supplier who describes RoDTEP as something you will receive or who asks you to pay more to cover it. It is an export-side claim and does not appear on your import entry.
Do you need an export licence for jewellery?
For imitation jewellery made of base metals and plated, there is generally no product-specific export licence. The exporter needs an IEC from the Directorate General of Foreign Trade, a GST registration, an authorised dealer bank account and customs filing through a registered agent.
Precious metal jewellery, loose stones and some natural materials have their own rules, and some species-based materials are restricted by law. If any design includes real gold, silver, gemstones, pearls, shell, coral or feathers, ask the supplier which permits apply and keep copies.
Our broader checklist is in registrations an Indian sourcing agent should have, and the certification side is in jewellery manufacturer certifications in India.
What to ask a supplier before you order
Ask for the following, and keep them in your supplier file:
- The IEC and GST numbers, which you can cross-check against the name on the commercial invoice.
- The RCMC from GJEPC, if the supplier claims to be a member.
- A statement of which exports will be shipped under their name and which through a merchant exporter or trader.
- Any permits needed for protected or precious materials in the design.
Next step
Registrations show that a business is set up to export. They do not replace a visit, a sample check and a lab test. If you want those done for you, book a free sourcing review.