Surat rough-diamond Special Notified Zone to shift to Surat Diamond Bourse, Khajod: CBIC Circular 44/2026-Customs
CBIC has allowed a Special Notified Zone for rough diamonds at Surat International Diatrade Centre, 2nd Floor, Tower-B, Surat Diamond Bourse, Khajod. Imports only by air cargo, re-packing of lots within 60 days and export of unsold lots within 75 days of import. The old SNZ at Gujarat Hira Bourse, Ichhapore is to be de-notified after the new one starts.
Key facts
- In force
- On written authorisation by the Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad
- Who it affects
- Diamond manufacturers and traders in Surat, foreign rough-diamond mining companies, GJEPC / SIDC, customs brokers
- What it is
- New facility
- Section
- Customs
- Published
- 28 September 2026
In 30 seconds
- Circular No. 44/2026-Customs is dated 28 September 2026.
- The SNZ, run by Surat International Diatrade Centre (SIDC, a GJEPC subsidiary), moves from Gujarat Hira Bourse, Ichhapore to Surat Diamond Bourse, Dream City, Khajod.
- Operations start only after written authorisation by the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad.
- Rough diamonds can come in by air cargo only — no hand carriage, no express courier.
- Lots are to be re-packed within 60 days of import; unsold goods exported under a shipping bill filed within 75 days of import.
- For sold lots, the mining company’s sale invoice is the document for declaring value under section 14 of the Customs Act, 1962.
हिंदी में सार
CBIC ने Circular 44/2026-Customs (28 सितंबर 2026) से सूरत डायमंड बोर्स, खजोद (टावर-B, दूसरी मंज़िल) में Surat International Diatrade Centre को रफ़ हीरों के लिए Special Notified Zone की अनुमति दी है। आयात सिर्फ़ एयर कार्गो से; लॉट 60 दिन में दोबारा पैक और बिना बिके हीरे 75 दिन के भीतर शिपिंग बिल से निर्यात। संचालन अहमदाबाद कस्टम्स आयुक्त की लिखित मंज़ूरी के बाद शुरू होगा; इच्छापोर का पुराना SNZ उसके बाद de-notify होगा।
Before and now
Gujarat Hira Bourse (GHB), Ichhapore, Surat — under Circular No. 36/2019-Customs.
2nd Floor, Tower-B, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dream City, Khajod, Surat — once the Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad authorises operations.
What has been allowed
The Gems & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), through its wholly owned subsidiary Surat International Diatrade Centre (SIDC), runs a Special Notified Zone at Gujarat Hira Bourse, Ichhapore, Surat. An SNZ lets eligible foreign mining companies bring in rough diamonds for viewing, tender, auction or sale to Indian diamond manufacturers and traders, and re-export the unsold lots.
GJEPC proposed shifting this SNZ to its premises at 2nd Floor, Tower-B, Surat Diamond Bourse (SDB), Dream City, Khajod, Surat. By Circular No. 44/2026-Customs dated 28 September 2026, CBIC has decided to allow the SNZ there. Village Khajod is already notified under section 7 of the Customs Act, 1962 for diamonds, precious and semi-precious stones, pearls and jewellery (Notification No. 74/2023-Customs (N.T.) dated 6 October 2023, as amended).
Before it can start
- Operations begin only after written authorisation by the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad.
- SIDC has to submit the floor plan and proposed facilities, including security features, for approval under section 8 of the Customs Act, 1962; the Commissioner may issue the section 8 notification.
- SDB Diamond Bourse may be appointed Custodian / Customs Cargo Service Provider, subject to section 45 read with section 141(2) and the Handling of Cargo in Customs Area Regulations, 2009.
- The Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad is to issue the consequential trade notices / standing orders immediately.
The procedure, step by step
| Stage | What the circular lays down |
|---|---|
| Who can consign | Companies permitted under RBI’s Circular No. 116 dated 1 April 2014, as amended |
| Mode of import | Air cargo only. Hand carriage and express courier are not permitted |
| Documents with the parcel | Invoice declaring value, packing list, insurance documents and a Kimberley Process Certificate (as in Circular No. 53/2003-Cus dated 23 June 2003) |
| Arrival | Transhipped from Air Cargo Complex, Sahar, Mumbai to Surat Diamond Bourse, Khajod. Examined there by Customs in the presence of the mining company, SIDC and the custodian, tallying carat weight with the invoice, packing list and Kimberley Certificate; then sealed and moved to the SNZ strong room |
| Viewing and sale | Open to traders who meet eligibility conditions set by GJEPC / Surat Diamond Bourse, under intimation to Customs; photo identity cards for every visitor. Sale by auction, bidding or negotiation — of a single lot or multiple lots. No sale of a sub-lot and no mixing of lots |
| Re-packing | Lot-wise, in the same manner as received, no later than 60 days from the date of import; sealed in the presence of Customs after tallying carat weight |
| Sold lots | The mining company issues a sale invoice — the relevant document for declaring value under section 14. The buyer files a bill of entry at Surat Diamond Bourse, Khajod; no delivery until assessment, payment of duty and Out-of-Charge |
| Unsold lots | Exported under a shipping bill filed not later than 75 days from the date of import, by the custodian on account of the consignor, using the custodian’s IEC. No separate permission to file the shipping bill. Export allowed to any destination outside India, via Sahar, Mumbai |
SIDC and the custodian are responsible for receipt, sales, custody, delivery, re-export and accounting of the rough diamonds, in the form the Commissioner prescribes. Working hours and viewing / auction timings are to be notified by them with the Commissioner’s approval.
What happens to the old zone
Within 10 days of the new SNZ becoming operational, the Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad is to begin de-notifying the old SNZ at Gujarat Hira Bourse, Ichhapore (set up under Circular No. 36/2019-Customs), while ensuring that the SNZ keeps functioning without interruption during the transition.
Why it matters
For Surat’s diamond manufacturers and traders, rough-diamond viewings and tenders by foreign miners move into the Surat Diamond Bourse building. Buyers should note where the bill of entry is filed and that goods stay in the customs area until duty is paid and Out-of-Charge is given.
Questions and answers
Where is the new Special Notified Zone in Surat?
At Surat International Diatrade Centre (SIDC), 2nd Floor, Tower-B, Surat Diamond Bourse, Dream City, Village Khajod, Taluka Majura, District Surat.
Has the new SNZ started working?
The circular allows the facility, but operations commence only after written authorisation by the Principal Commissioner or Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad.
Can rough diamonds for the SNZ be hand-carried or sent by courier?
No. Import is permitted through air cargo mode only; hand carriage and express courier are not permitted.
What are the time limits?
The diamonds must be re-packed lot-wise no later than 60 days from the date of import, and unsold goods exported under a shipping bill filed not later than 75 days from the date of import.
What happens to the SNZ at Gujarat Hira Bourse, Ichhapore?
Within 10 days of the new SNZ becoming operational, the Commissioner of Customs, Ahmedabad is to initiate its de-notification, while ensuring uninterrupted functioning during the transition.
Published 28 September 2026. Updated 6 October 2026. This report is for general information and is not professional advice. Read the source document before acting on it.