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

Surveillance footage of robbery
CrimeMar 28, 2025
2 Suspects Arrested in $1.7M Smash-and-Grab Robbery of NY Jewelry Store

Authorities said the robbers fled with jewelry and 70 Rolex watches, later taking pictures of themselves posing with big stacks of cash.

Nephrite and Jadeite by Heinrich Fischer, Richard W. Hughes
SourcingMar 28, 2025
19th-Century Jade Book Now Available in English

Lotus Gemology founder Richard W. Hughes has translated Heinrich Fischer’s 1880 book “Nephrit und Jadeit” from its original German.

LÖF The Valentine Ring
CollectionsMar 28, 2025
Piece of the Week: Löf’s ‘The Valentine’ Ring

The ring's design features contrasting lines influenced by work from architecture-inspired photographer Nikola Olic.

bench jeweler 1872x1052.png
Brought to you by
The Heart of the Industry: Giving Bench Jewelers the Recognition They Deserve

Bench jewelers spend years honing their skills, Jewelers of America’s Certification validates their talents.

Eggs on a shelf
SurveysMar 27, 2025
Consumer Confidence Falls in March Amid ‘Gloomy’ Outlook

The Conference Board’s index fell as consumers continued to worry about the impact of tariffs, the labor market, and the price of eggs.

Weekly QuizMar 27, 2025
This Week’s Quiz
Test your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Take the Quiz
Richard Rainsford memorial ring
AuctionsMar 27, 2025
300-Year-Old Ring Linked to Witch Trial Judge Goes Unsold at Auction

However, two medieval jewels surpassed estimates at Noonans Mayfair’s recent jewelry auction in London.

Austin Butler
WatchesMar 27, 2025
Austin Butler Joins Breitling as Brand Ambassador

The Oscar-nominated actor debuted in the campaign for the new “Top Time B31” collection, which introduced Breitling’s Caliber B31.

Facets-of-Fire-Difference-You-Can-See.jpg
Brought to you by
Natural Diamonds Should Mean More

Natural diamonds mean more than lab-grown, but when every cut is ideal, they all look the same. Customers want more—Facets of Fire delivers.

ICA Congress Brazil 2025
SourcingMar 27, 2025
Susan Jacques, Gaetano Cavalieri to Headline 2025 ICA Congress

The Congress is scheduled to take place May 19-22 in Brasilia, Brazil.

Bailey’s Fine Jewelry storefront
IndependentsMar 26, 2025
Bailey’s Fine Jewelry Acquires Fellow NC Independent Jeweler

The family-owned retailer is the new owner of Morrison Smith Jewelers in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Bulova 150 Art Deco Miss America Watch, 150 Art Deco Pocket Watch
WatchesMar 26, 2025
Bulova Celebrates 150th Anniversary With Art Deco Watches

The “150 Art Deco” collection features a Miss America timepiece and a pocket watch from the brand’s Archive Series.

Alex Wellen
MajorsMar 26, 2025
QVC Group Appoints New President

Alex Wellen, formerly CEO and president of MotorTrend Group, has taken on the role.

Jewelers of America’s new logo
Events & AwardsMar 26, 2025
Jewelers of America Announces New Funding Initiative

The Impact Initiative is part of the nonprofit association’s new three-year strategic plan.

Christies regent kashmir sapphire and regal Burmese ruby
AuctionsMar 25, 2025
Christie’s To Auction 35-Carat Sapphire, 13-Carat Ruby

The ruby and the sapphire, which Christie’s calls a “once-in-a-generation masterpiece,” are part of the upcoming Hong Kong jewelry auction.

Diamond earrings held in gloved hand
CrimeMar 25, 2025
Tiffany & Co. Earrings Swallowed Following Grab-and-Run Theft Recovered

The two pairs of earrings, snatched from a Tiffany & Co. store in Orlando, Florida, are valued at a combined $769,500.

Emmanuel Raheb CEO of Smart Age Solutions
ColumnistsMar 25, 2025
The Smart Lab: Using Short-Form Videos to Sell More Jewelry

The time to start experimenting with video content is now, writes columnist Emmanuel Raheb.

Pomellato Nudo High Jewelry Campaign
CollectionsMar 24, 2025
Pomellato’s Latest ‘Nudo’ Collections Revamp its Classic Design

From striking high jewelry to miniature fine jewelry, the new chapter continues to highlight gemstones featuring its signature 57-facet cut.

Jamie Singleton, Bill Brace, Rebecca Wooters, Bill Luth
MajorsMar 24, 2025
4 Top Executives to Depart Signet Jewelers Amid Turnaround

The jewelry giant is reducing its senior leadership by 30 percent as part of its new turnaround strategy.

Sothebys Watchcheck
WatchesMar 24, 2025
Sotheby's Now Offers Watch Repair Services

The auction house's partnership with online watch servicing platform WatchCheck makes repairs convenient and accessible, it said.

Swarovski lab-grown diamond Galaxy earrings
FinancialsMar 21, 2025
Swarovski Says Its Lab-Grown Diamond Sales Doubled in 2024

The company also noted record sales in the United States and a strong performance in its jewelry category.

Branko Gems
SourcingMar 21, 2025
BrankoGems To Hold Conference in Montana

The event, set for June 13-15, will feature educational presentations and guided visits to the state’s sapphire mines.

Til Death Ring by Marrow Fine
TrendsMar 21, 2025
Piece of the Week: Marrow Fine’s ‘Til Death’ Ring

After the black enamel band became a best-seller for the brand, it has now launched an enamel ring personalization program.

Korman Fine Jewelry Austin store
IndependentsMar 20, 2025
Korman Fine Jewelry’s New Store Is Double the Size

The Austin, Texas, jeweler’s new 11,000-square-foot store is set to open this summer.

JCK Rocks 2025
Events & AwardsMar 20, 2025
JCK Rocks to Feature Snoop Dogg, Jason Derulo

The rapper and singer-songwriter will perform at Tao Beach on June 8.

Conversations with Chris Ploof YouTube Video Series
TechnologyMar 20, 2025
Chris Ploof, Severine Ferrari Launch YouTube Video Series

“Conversations with Chris Ploof” covers tips for men buying wedding bands, behind-the-scenes footage of Ploof in his studio, and more.

Limelight Lab Grown Diamond store in India
Lab-GrownMar 20, 2025
Beyond Jewelry: Possibilities in the Lab-Grown Diamond Sector

As lab-grown diamond brands pop up across India, academics are researching how to grow demand outside of the jewelry industry.

Lab-grown diamond engagement ring
FinancialsMar 19, 2025
Signet Jewelers to Close Stores, Cut Staff Amid Declining Sales

The moves are part of the retailer’s new turnaround plan, “Grow Brand Love,” which also includes emphasizing brand loyalty over store banners.

×

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