Error in ICEGATE Website Delays Customs Clearance of Rs 1000 Cr Rough Diamonds in Surat

Sources close to the matter revealed that approximately 350 parcels of rough diamonds at the Surat Hira Bourse (SHB) were held up due to a systemic error in the ICEGATE website, which directly impacted the processing of GST applications.

By TBT Web Desk On Oct 23, 2023

Surat Diamond Industry Faces Prolonged Closure This Diwali

Surat : Diamantaires in the world’s largest diamond manufacturing center found themselves in a state of unease as a prolonged delay in the functioning of the ICEGATE website disrupted the processing of GST applications, leading to a backlog in customs clearance for rough diamonds amounting to a staggering Rs 1,000 crore over the past week.

Sources close to the matter revealed that approximately 350 parcels of rough diamonds at the Surat Hira Bourse (SHB) were held up due to a systemic error in the ICEGATE website, which directly impacted the processing of GST applications. This, in turn, led to a significant delay in customs clearance, with the consequences felt on October 16. The gravity of the situation prompted customs authorities to manually process the bill of entry on October 22, eventually releasing the valuable diamond parcels.

Realizing the impending Diwali season and the pivotal role these parcels play in the gem and jewelry trade, a group of trade members sought the intervention of the Gem and Jewelry Export Promotion Council (GJEPC). The GJEPC swiftly engaged with EP Systems in Delhi to address and rectify the technical glitch. Extensive discussions took place with the Assistant Commissioner and Additional Commissioner of customs in Surat, paving the way for the manual release of the held parcels.

In a race against time, with the Diwali season fast approaching, the Surat Hira Bourse authority took a decisive step. They made the exceptional decision to operate on a Sunday to ensure the expeditious clearance of all pending parcels. This extraordinary move underlines the industry’s commitment to meeting the demands of the festive season.

As Diwali, the festival of lights, approaches, the diamond trade community can now breathe a collective sigh of relief, with the assurance that the flow of rough diamonds, crucial for the jewelry industry, remains uninterrupted. The concerted efforts of all stakeholders have helped mitigate the challenges posed by the ICEGATE website’s technical disruptions.