Policies & Issues

What to Know About Importing Diamonds Into the U.S.

Policies & IssuesMar 04, 2024

What to Know About Importing Diamonds Into the U.S.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection has released new guidance as the G7’s effort to restrict the circulation of Russian diamonds ramps up.

U.S. Customs and Border Protection logo
U.S. Customs and Border Protection recently issued new guidance on importing diamonds into the United States under the current Russian diamond ban.
New York—U.S. Customs and Border Protection issued its long-awaited guidance on importing diamonds into the United States late last week just as the G7’s new restrictions on diamonds mined but not cut in Russia took effect.

As of Friday, March 1, companies or individuals importing polished diamonds weighing 1 carat or more into the U.S. will have to provide “self-certification” that the diamonds are not from Russia.

What this means is that the imports have to be accompanied by a PDF document on official company letterhead with specific commentary included.

For non-industrial diamonds weighing 1 carat or greater, the commentary should read: “I certify that the non-industrial diamonds in this shipment were not mined, extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation, notwithstanding whether such diamonds have been substantially transformed into other products outside of the Russian Federation.”

For diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds, it should read: “I certify that the diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds in this shipment are not of Russian Federation origin or were not exported from the Russian Federation.”

This document can be uploaded to CBP’s Automated Commercial Environment (ACE) Document Image System, its electronic platform for trade processing.

Only one self-certification document will be required per entry.

CBP said it will be issuing additional filing requirements under the executive order once the necessary ACE enhancements are deployed. 

 Related stories will be right here … 

March 1 was one of the dates outlined by the Group of Seven nations back in December as they united to ban the import of Russian diamonds into all member countries in an effort to restrict Russia’s ability to continue to fund the war in Ukraine.

The March 1 measure was created to counteract CBP’s substantial transformation rule.

Under the rule, goods that are “substantially transformed” from their original state in another country become a product of the country where the transformation took place, e.g., a rough diamond mined in Russia but crafted into a polished diamond in India is technically a product of India, not Russia.

Substantial transformation has allowed Russian diamonds to continue to enter the U.S. even after President Joe Biden signed an executive order banning import of the stones in March 2022.

The latest CBP update said Russian diamonds, as well as fish and seafood, cannot be imported if they “were mined, extracted, produced, or manufactured wholly or in part in the Russian Federation,” whether or not they have been incorporated or transformed in another country.

In a member alert issued Friday, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee outlined the new guidance for members and detailed how the rules around importing diamonds into G7 nations will continue to tighten throughout the year.

Starting Sept.1, JVC noted, the G7 has said the size threshold will drop to 0.5 carats and the import rules will expand to include finished jewelry, lab-grown diamonds, and watches.

JVC also launched a new “Sanctions” page on its website that has links to relevant U.S. and G7 documents, a “Frequently Asked Questions” section, and additional resources for the industry.

“JVC continues to work alongside the jewelry industry and with the U.S. government to clarify the requirements and provide input regarding what is achievable in the market,” said the organization.

“Members are strongly encouraged to stay in touch with us about how the sanctions are affecting their businesses so that we can provide the U.S. government with updated information as the process continues.”

JVC members with more questions can reach out directly or book a one-on-one session via the organization’s member portal.

CBP’s self-certification guidelines are less stringent than some of the options discussed during the process, including the “G7 Diamond Protocol” developed by the World Diamond Council with industry input and the “EU Proposal,” which called for all finished diamonds to pass through a “polished node” to certify them as non-Russian.

While the update does provide the industry with some guidance, questions and concerns remain.

“Jewelers of America is glad the industry has been given some direction in terms of the new requirements for diamond imports, but questions about compliance—especially beyond the current ‘sunrise period’— remain,” said JA President and CEO David Bonaparte, referring to the six-month period the industry has been given to adjust to the new guidelines.

The sunrise period ends Aug. 31 just as the expanded regulations are set to take effect on Sept. 1.

Bonaparte continued, “What is clear is that the new restrictions are in line with what Jewelers of America has been advising members since the very start of the war—to not source diamonds emanating from Russia, period.

“While the U.S. Customs guidance released on Feb. 29 did not include any information for those who are not importers of affected goods, such as U.S.-based retailers, we are advising JA members to ask their suppliers to include copies of CBP declarations with all diamond and diamond jewelry they supply as a matter of best practices to protect their businesses and address customer concerns.”

JVC also addressed the “sunrise period” in its statement to members.

“The G7 technical committee is working on a traceability mechanism for diamonds that will be tested between March 1 and September 1, the ‘sunrise period’,” said JVC.

“We don’t yet know either how this will be structured or how it will be enforced.”

The industry has been waiting on more details about how the Russian diamond ban would be enforced following the G7 nations’ December 2023 meeting.

The G7 member nations are: the U.S., U.K., Japan, Italy, Germany, Canada, and France. The EU is a non-enumerated member.

The Latest

Rough diamonds from De Beers
SourcingMay 14, 2024
Anglo American Confirms It Is Looking to Sell De Beers

The mining giant also wants to offload its platinum business as part of an overhaul designed to “unlock significant value.”

The Yellow Rose and the Allnatt yellow diamonds
AuctionsMay 14, 2024
2 Huge Yellow Diamonds Are Heading to Auction

Christie's is selling one of the diamonds, moving forward with its Geneva jewelry auction despite the cyberattack that took down its website.

Instappraise Trifold Brochure
GradingMay 14, 2024
Instappraise Adds Trifold Brochure to Appraisal Offerings

Retailers can customize and print the appraisal brochures from their store.

Royal Chain gold chains
Brought to you by
Record Gold Prices Have Consumers Undeterred. Here’s Why.

Despite the rising prices, consumers continue to seek out the precious metal.

Born Leaders Platinum Born campaign
MajorsMay 14, 2024
Platinum Born Taps ‘Born Leaders’ for New Campaign

The ad aims to position platinum jewelry as ideal for everyday wear.

Weekly QuizMay 09, 2024
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these seven questions.
Take the Quiz
White, pink, and blue lab-grown diamonds from Lightbox
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Lab-Grown Diamond Brand Lightbox Cuts Prices by 25 to 40%

The move follows a price-drop test run in Q4 and comes with the addition of a “quality assurance card” from GIA for some loose diamonds.

Christie’s New York
TechnologyMay 13, 2024
Christie’s Website Brought Down by Hackers, Watch Auction Postponed

The site has been down since Thursday evening, just ahead of its spring auctions.

Header image w logo.jpg
Brought to you by
From Registration to Return: 10 Tips to Protect You Before, During and After a Tradeshow

Tradeshow risks are real. Get tips to protect yourself before, during and after and gain safety and security awareness for your business.

Madeleine K. Albright’s Patriotic Leopard Brooch
AuctionsMay 13, 2024
Madeleine Albright’s Jewelry, Pins a White-Glove Sale at Freeman’s | Hindman

The late former U.S. Secretary’s collection went for quadruple the sale’s pre-sale estimate.

Zachary’s Jewelers Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest winners
IndependentsMay 13, 2024
Zachary’s Jewelers Names Mother’s Day Jewelry Contest Winners

Three fifth graders’ winning designs were turned into custom jewelry pieces in time for Mother’s Day.

Kimberly Adams Russell
IndependentsMay 10, 2024
Frank Adams Jewelers Names New CEO

Kimberly Adams Russell is taking over the role from her father, David Adams, marking the third generation to hold the title.

Birth of Venus necklace
CollectionsMay 10, 2024
Piece of the Week: Carina Hardy’s ‘Birth of Venus’ Necklace

As a token of womanhood, this necklace depicts when Venus was born from the sea.

Roberto Coin Fleur de Lis jewelry
MajorsMay 09, 2024
Watches of Switzerland Pays $130M for Roberto Coin Inc.

The deal gives the retailer control over the distribution of Roberto Coin jewelry in the U.S., Canada, Caribbean, and Central America.

Lauren K Mosaic necklace
TrendsMay 09, 2024
Amanda’s Style File: Shine Bright, Moms  

Show your mother some love with a piece of fine jewelry.

Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry
IndependentsMay 09, 2024
Kyle Edward Fine Jewelry to Close Salisbury Store

The company’s Easton location will remain open.

Jewelers Board of Trade logo
MajorsMay 09, 2024
JBT Elects New Chairman

Brian D. Fleming of Carla Corporation was elected to serve a one-year term in the role.

Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show Bracelets
Supplier BulletinMay 08, 2024
Fusing Past and Present at the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry & Watch Show

Sponsored by the Las Vegas Antique Jewelry and Watch Show

Vikki Tobak
EditorsMay 07, 2024
Q&A: Author Vikki Tobak on the ‘Ice-Cold’ Exhibition

Tobak, author of “Ice Cold: A Hip-Hop Jewelry History,” shares how the exhibition came to be, and the pieces people may be surprised to see.

Cynthia Erivo, Zendaya, Lewis Hamilton at the Met Gala
EditorsMay 07, 2024
10 On-Theme Looks from the 2024 Met Gala

Stars adorned themselves in emeralds, platinum, and myriad bird motifs, writes Associate Editor Natalie Francisco.

Rendering of M.S. Rau pop-up shop in Aspen, Colorado
IndependentsMay 07, 2024
112-Year-Old New Orleans Business Popping Up in Aspen

M.S. Rau is set to open a seasonal gallery in the high-end resort town early next month.

Vhernier Calla necklace rose gold and ebony
MajorsMay 07, 2024
Richemont Acquires Italian Jeweler Vhernier

The branded jewelry market is thriving, said Richemont Chairman Johann Rupert.

The six Couture Luminaries designers 2024
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
These ‘Luminaries’ Are Set to Light Up Couture

The six designers, all participants in the show’s Diversity Action Council mentorship program, will exhibit in Salon 634.

Sylvester Stallone watch auction
AuctionsMay 07, 2024
Sotheby’s to Auction Sylvester Stallone’s Watches

The highlight of his collection is the coveted Patek Philippe Grandmaster Chime, which could sell for up to $5 million.

Models Wearing Venetian Link Bracelets and Necklaces
CollectionsMay 07, 2024
Phillip Gavriel Pays Tribute to Venice With New Collection

The “Venetian Link” series modernizes the classic Veneziana box chain in its bracelets and necklaces.

Jewelers of America logo
Events & AwardsMay 07, 2024
JA Now Accepting Applications for New Bench Jeweler Scholarship

The Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship will provide tuition assistance to two low-income students.

Anglo American executive Benny Oeyen
EditorsMay 06, 2024
Q&A: 8 Questions With Anglo American’s Benny Oeyen

The executive talked about the importance of self-purchasers and how fuel cell electric vehicles are going to fuel demand for platinum.

Opening of Malabar Gold & Diamonds store in Naperville Illinois
MajorsMay 06, 2024
Malabar Gold & Diamonds Opens 4th U.S. Showroom

The Indian jeweler’s new store in Naperville, Illinois marks its 350th location, part of its ongoing global expansion plans.

×

This site uses cookies to give you the best online experience. By continuing to use & browse this site, we assume you agree to our Privacy Policy