GIA India Organises Training Programme for Precious Cargo & Customs Clearance Centre Officers

GIA India, in association with the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), organised a training programme for more than 30 Precious Cargo and Customs Clearance Centre (PCCCC) officers. A ceremony to award ‘Letter of Completion’ certificates to the Customs officers was held at the GJEPC office in Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB).

Dignitaries that graced the occasion were Vipul Shah, Vice Chairman, GJEPC; Sabyasachi Ray, Executive Director, GJEPC; Sanjeev Chetule, Deputy Commissioner, PCCCC; Apoorva Deshingkar, Sr. Director – Education and Market Development, GIA India; Mahendra Rathod, Assistant Commissioner – Mumbai Customs; and Samir Shah, Senior Director and Chief Financial Officer, GIA India, among others.

The programme trained Customs officers on how to consistently and accurately grade diamonds using a modern gem microscope and a loupe. The Customs officers were also trained on time-saving shortcuts to determine a variety of grading factors. As a part of the training programme, Customs officers were introduced to the diamond formation, rough diamonds, pricing, and methods of reading a GIA Diamond Grading Report.

Delivered across four weeks to a batch of around 10 Customs officers in each class, the training programme emphasised hands-on practice on mounted diamonds, treated and laboratory-grown diamonds, and diamond stimulants. In addition to the curriculum on diamond grading, the Customs officers also gained insights on coloured gemstones with the help of a customised seminar delivered by a GIA instructor.

Speaking at the ceremony, Apoorva Deshingkar said, “It has been a privilege to offer GIA’s world-class training programme to the PCCCC officers. I’m confident that the knowledge imparted will help them in their roles. I’d like to thank GJEPC and the participants for their support and commitment in making this initiative a truly enriching experience.”

Sanjeev Chetule added, “India’s import-export trade is touching close to US$ one trillion, and our role as Customs officers remains critical as ever to ensure smooth flow of trade within the confines of the law. 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. I’m grateful to GIA and GJEPC for organising this programme.”

Vipul Shah said, “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. Customs has and will continue to play an important role in ensuring the seamless import and export of gems and jewellery. I’d like to thank GIA for sharing the knowledge and practical training provided to our Customs officers.”

Sriram Natarajan, Managing Director of GIA India said, “We’re committed to the idea of offering GIA’s research-based knowledge to the PCCCC officers. GIA India will continue to support with GJEPC and train Customs officers with various gemmological training programmes. I’m confident such programmes will empower the Customs officers in their roles.”