Ayesha Saba

The federal government has announced plans to enable e-commerce platforms and strengthen courier services for gemstone exports under the National Policy to Realize Pakistan’s Gemstone Potential 2026–30, with the aim of improving market access for exporters, particularly small and emerging businesses.

According to the policy document prepared by the Ministry of Industries and Production, gemstone exporters in Pakistan face persistent barriers in accessing international e-commerce platforms and digital payment systems. The document states that the absence of robust cross-border payment gateways and limited courier services willing to handle gemstone consignments have forced exporters to rely on intermediaries operating outside Pakistan.

The policy notes that global e-commerce platforms such as Etsy, eBay and Amazon, as well as payment systems including PayPal and Stripe, are largely unavailable to Pakistani gemstone exporters. As a result, exporters often route sales through foreign-based contacts who receive payments abroad, deduct commissions and remit proceeds informally. This practice leads to loss of foreign exchange earnings, inaccurate export recording and weak traceability.

According to the document, courier services have also been reluctant to accept gemstone consignments due to ambiguous customs clearance procedures and the absence of a reliable valuation and certification system. Currently, only a limited number of courier operators handle gemstone exports, with Pakistan Post holding the largest share. The policy highlights concerns about delayed deliveries, inadequate tracking, and limited connectivity to customs systems.

To address these challenges, the policy proposes a series of coordinated reforms involving the Ministry of Commerce, Federal Board of Revenue, State Bank of Pakistan and the proposed statutory gemstone authority. A key measure includes amending SRO 14(I)/2021 to bring gemstones within the ambit of business-to-consumer e-commerce exports for consignments valued up to $5,000, subject to certification and valuation by the National Warranty Office.

The policy also calls for the introduction of a Micro Export Payment Aggregator (MEPA) framework that would allow banks and financial technology firms to collect small export payments abroad and repatriate them in bulk. In addition, the State Bank of Pakistan will consider allowing licensed electronic money institutions to partner with banks and digital wallets for facilitating gemstone export payments under regulatory supervision.

According to the document, exporters involved in small-scale gemstone trade may also be permitted to receive export proceeds through designated accounts under simplified documentation requirements, subject to compliance with existing foreign-exchange regulations. These measures are intended to integrate gemstone exports into formal digital payment systems and reduce reliance on informal remittance channels.

The policy further states that an integrated e-commerce portal will be developed by the proposed statutory authority. This portal will be linked with Pakistan Customs, the National Warranty Office and banking systems to facilitate electronic documentation, tracking and reconciliation of export payments.

To improve logistics, the policy aims to attract international precious cargo courier companies that currently do not operate in Pakistan. The introduction of standardized inspection and certification procedures under the National Warranty Office is expected to reduce risks for courier operators and encourage their participation. In addition, the Ministry of Communication will establish a regulatory framework to define minimum quality standards for courier services handling gemstone consignments.

The document states that strengthening e-commerce and courier services will reduce transit times, improve shipment security and enhance buyer confidence. By providing exporters with direct access to global markets and secure delivery options, the policy seeks to support formalization, increase export volumes and improve Pakistan’s competitiveness in international gemstone trade.

Credit: INP-WealthPk