DHL Express signs MoU with GJEPC

SMEs exporting via courier mode with TDI delivery! 

DHL Express, the world’s leading international express services provider, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Gems and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) to ship India-crafted jewellery via courier mode, leveraging DHL’s time-definite international (TDI) delivery service.  

As the first international logistics provider to sign MoU with GJEPC, DHL will support local jewellery and gem makers to broaden their footprint and increase revenue. The GJEPC is an apex body of the gem and jewellery industry under the Ministry of Commerce, Government of India.  

“India’s gems and jewellery industry is a vibrant export segment. Our product offering for exporting fine jewellery shipments addresses critical pain points for local exporters through our trusted, seamless, and cost-effective shipping solution. Through this partnership, we are simplifying international shipping and providing jewellery makers with the tools they need to thrive in global markets,” said R. S. Subramanian, SVP South Asia-DHL Express.

The MoU intends to simplify the customs clearance process for jewellery shipments, reducing transit times, paperwork, and costs compared to traditional cargo shipping methods.  

Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC, said “GJEPC has been actively working towards simplifying the export process for our members, as well as the industry on the whole, to enable the shipment of gems and jewellery across borders through e-commerce channels.  

While we have made significant progress towards this, cross-border logistics has always been a challenge given the complexities of international trade. The MoU signed with DHL today, which helps us navigate international waters by relying on their expertise to simplify the cross-border logistics process. Through this MoU, members of the industry will now be empowered to showcase their craftsmanship on the global stage.”  

This collaboration underscores DHL’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises to thrive in global markets. GJEPC members will benefit from exclusive discounts and direct participation in seminars where DHL will educate exporters about best practices for global shipping. Initially available in Mumbai, the service will also be extended to key jewellery hubs such as Surat, Jaipur, Delhi, and Bangalore, ensuring a wider reach and greater accessibility.

Sandeep Juneja, Vice President of Sales and Marketing, DHL Express India, commented, "We are happy to support the growing gems and jewellery sector by partnering with GJEPC today. The collaboration will enable members to further their ambitions to grow their cross-border e-commerce partnerships globally and potentially reach over 220 countries and territories.”

DHL Express’s TDI service ensures competitive transit times, reliable door-to-door delivery, and optional shipment protection that reimburses the value of goods in rare instances of loss. The partnership also helps to amplify the quality of Indian craftsmanship and contribute to the growth of the country’s export and e-commerce industry. Gems and jewellery shipments being exported cross-border through the courier mode, leveraging DHL Express’ TDI service, must be valued at INR 10 lakh (EUR 11,300) or below, addressing a critical segment of the market.  

According to Zion Market Research, the global online jewellery market is estimated to nearly triple (+189%) to US$130.86 billion (~EUR124 billion) by 2032 from US$45.33 billion (~EUR32 billion) in 2023. This presents a significant opportunity for Indian exporters to tap into a growing consumer base and expand their market reach.  

By leveraging its export logistics capabilities, DHL seeks to reinforce India’s position as a global leader in gems and jewellery, celebrating its craftsmanship and entrepreneurial spirit. The partnership between DHL Express and GJEPC demonstrates the potential of private and public partnerships to strengthen international trade and India’s export ecosystem.