Policies & IssuesNov 27, 2024
G7 Announces Botswana as Second Verification ‘Node’ for Rough DiamondsPolicies & IssuesFeb 18, 2025
New Customs Requirements for Diamond Imports: What We Know
Beginning in April, companies importing diamonds into the United States will have to list the country in which the diamonds were mined.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection’s recent announcement that it soon will require diamond importers to list country of mining when shipping goods into the United States seems to have taken the trade by surprise, and left many with questions.
Washington, D.C.—Beginning sometime in April, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) will require companies importing diamonds into the United States to provide additional information and be more specific about the source of their stones.
Instead of just certifying that their diamonds did not come from Russia, importers will be asked to list the country in which they were mined.
The new requirement is part of the broader efforts the United States and other G-7 nations collectively began taking last spring to prevent Russian diamonds from crossing their borders.
Since March 1, 2024, companies or individuals importing loose polished natural diamonds weighing 1 carat or more into the U.S. have had to self-certify that the diamonds were not mined or manufactured in Russia.
The rules expanded to include finished jewelry and diamonds weighing 0.5 carats and above on Sept. 1.
What this requires of importers is filing a PDF on official company letterhead with the following statement, “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.”
Beginning in April, there will be a new field for “country of mining” in the Automated Customs Environment (ACE) manifest that importers will have to fill out, said JVC President, CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood.
They also can upload documents to support their country-of-mining claims, though CBP is not requiring additional documentation at this time.
In a member alert circulated last week, JVC said that CBP has listed “purchase orders, certificates of mining and certificates of origin” as acceptable forms of proof of country of mining.
While CBP has not provided specifics, it is presumed this means documents such as a Kimberley Process certificate or a certificate from the G-7 verification “node” in Antwerp or the pending one in Botswana.
Yood said if such documentation is not filed at time of import, it can be presented later if a shipment is spot-checked, meaning that customs pulls it and asks for additional documentation.
JVC also noted that more than one country of mining can be declared on an entry, but each one will require a separate line and its own documentation for verification.
Related stories will be right here …
Instead of just certifying that their diamonds did not come from Russia, importers will be asked to list the country in which they were mined.
The new requirement is part of the broader efforts the United States and other G-7 nations collectively began taking last spring to prevent Russian diamonds from crossing their borders.
Since March 1, 2024, companies or individuals importing loose polished natural diamonds weighing 1 carat or more into the U.S. have had to self-certify that the diamonds were not mined or manufactured in Russia.
The rules expanded to include finished jewelry and diamonds weighing 0.5 carats and above on Sept. 1.
What this requires of importers is filing a PDF on official company letterhead with the following statement, “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.”
Beginning in April, there will be a new field for “country of mining” in the Automated Customs Environment (ACE) manifest that importers will have to fill out, said JVC President, CEO and General Counsel Sara Yood.
They also can upload documents to support their country-of-mining claims, though CBP is not requiring additional documentation at this time.
In a member alert circulated last week, JVC said that CBP has listed “purchase orders, certificates of mining and certificates of origin” as acceptable forms of proof of country of mining.
While CBP has not provided specifics, it is presumed this means documents such as a Kimberley Process certificate or a certificate from the G-7 verification “node” in Antwerp or the pending one in Botswana.
Yood said if such documentation is not filed at time of import, it can be presented later if a shipment is spot-checked, meaning that customs pulls it and asks for additional documentation.
JVC also noted that more than one country of mining can be declared on an entry, but each one will require a separate line and its own documentation for verification.
CBP’s January Trade User Information Notice on the new country-of-mining requirement took many in the industry by surprise, though the organization had indicated back in the fall that requiring certification of country of mining was a possibility.
In October, CBP put a notice in the Federal Register, the daily journal where the U.S. government posts proposed rules and public notices, asking for comment on these changes, but few in the industry saw it.
Yood said her organization was made aware of the notice and drafted a comment on the proposal that CBP, “seems to have ignored.”
What We Don’t Know
While CBP has clarified some points of its new country-of-mining requirement since posting the notice in January, there are still a few outstanding questions.
It is not explicitly stated what size of goods will have to meet the new requirement.
However, since the sanctions on Russian diamonds apply only to diamonds that are 0.5 carats or larger, it is assumed this same size range will apply for certifying country of mining.
It is not expected that diamond importers will have to certify country of mining for goods that are smaller than half a carat.
CBP also has said it will begin collecting this additional information in April 2025, but did not provide an exact date.
Yood said JVC is recommending importers prepare for April 1, just to be safe.
The agency also has not addressed the issue of so-called legacy (or “grandfathered”) diamonds, meaning stones that were exported from Russia before March 1, 2024, the day the G-7’s ban on Russian diamonds went into effect.
The Office of Foreign Asset Controls announced in August that it has issued two licenses, General License 103 and General License 104, allowing diamonds that were out of Russia before that date to be imported into the U.S.
Companies importing goods under these licenses also are asked to self-certify using specific language, but it is unclear at this time if they also will be asked to provide country of mining information.
Diamond importers and others with questions about CBP’s new country-of-mining requirements can send them to JVC at info@jvclegal.com, as the organization will continue to collate questions and bring them to CBP, or can email CBP directly at kpmailbox@cbp.dhs.gov.
On Feb. 28 from 1-2 p.m. Eastern, JVC is holding a members-only virtual compliance briefing where it will be discussing country-of-mining requirements, among other issues.
JVC members interested in attending can register on the organization’s website.
On Feb. 28 from 1-2 p.m. Eastern, JVC is holding a members-only virtual compliance briefing where it will be discussing country-of-mining requirements, among other issues.
JVC members interested in attending can register on the organization’s website.
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
EditorsSep 03, 2026
Q&A: Simon G.’s CEO on Why He Won’t Use AI for Jewelry DesignZaven Ghanimian discussed the value of human craftsmanship and where the implementation of artificial intelligence does work.
Events & AwardsSep 03, 2026
Here Are the First Recipients of Nina Pugliese Memorial Scholarship Jewelers of America also revealed the recipients of the Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship and its own scholarship programs.
WatchesSep 03, 2026
Robert Pattinson Joins Jaeger-LeCoultre as Brand AmbassadorThe British actor, known for his roles in “Twilight” and “The Odyssey,” will star in a campaign for the Master Control Chronometre.
Brought to you by
Your Piece Could Be the One Editors Talk AboutSubmit your pieces for a chance to win in this year's competition.
CollectionsSep 03, 2026
Sydney Evan Celebrates 25 Years With 4 New CollectionsThe “Confetti Disco,” “Champagne Cheers,” “Tuxedo,” and “Classic Punk” jewelry collections each capture a distinct spirit of celebration.
Weekly QuizAug 27, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
CrimeSep 02, 2026
CA Jeweler Gets 5 Years in ‘Phantom Rolex’ Ponzi SchemeNelson Holdo of Newport Beach pleaded guilty to multiple counts of felony grand theft and writing bad checks and was sentenced Monday.
AuctionsSep 02, 2026
If You Love Cats, This Jewelry Auction Is for YouCat ladies of the jewelry world, unite. Sandy Lerner’s “significant” collection of cat jewelry and other objects is going up for auction.
Brought to you by
Why More Jewelry Retailers Are Hosting Turnkey Estate Buying EventsRetailers are seeking new ways to attract customers, increase traffic, and create revenue – Estate buying events are a popular solution.
MajorsSep 02, 2026
Messika Names Former Omega Exec as New President, CEO of AmericasArnaud Michon, the former Omega USA President, will now lead Messika’s Americas region during its international development.
Events & AwardsSep 02, 2026
Emerald’s New Owner Introduces ‘Glitter in the Grove’The branding references the back-to-back jewelry shows that new parent company Forge will host in Miami's Coconut Grove this November.
AuctionsSep 01, 2026
UK Woman Uncovers Rare Patek Philippe Watch in Mom’s Jewelry BoxThe stainless steel Patek Philippe “Calatrava” watch from the 1930s sold for nearly $80,000 at a recent Hansons Cornwall auction.
ColumnistsSep 01, 2026
Your Jewelry Marketing Has a Bridal ProblemEngagement rings are important but don’t ignore the customers who are buying jewelry “just because,” Emmanuel Raheb writes.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Kering Names New Pomellato, DoDo CEOsFormer Pomellato CEO Sabina Belli has been named president of Kering Italia amid a shakeup of Kering's new Jewelry division.
MajorsSep 01, 2026
Anne Marie Shulman Joins GPA GlobalThe veteran luxury packaging executive was appointed to help the company grow its North American business.
CrimeAug 31, 2026
$4M Van Cleef & Arpels Diamond Necklace Snatched From Vienna Museum Once the property of an Egyptian queen, the necklace was part of a larger exhibition of VCA jewelry at the Museum of Applied Arts (MAK).
GradingAug 31, 2026
GIA, Gübelin Gem Lab Confirm New Paraíba Tourmaline Deposit in EthiopiaThe labs’ separate investigations each determined that the East African country is producing copper-bearing tourmaline.
Events & AwardsAug 31, 2026
Wisconsin Museum to Host Jewelry Exhibition“Chicago Collects: Jewelry in Perspective” at the Oshkosh Public Museum will feature works by Fabergé, Lalique, and Louis Comfort Tiffany.
CollectionsAug 31, 2026
Catbird Launches First Men’s Jewelry CollectionThe “Worn Well” collection is Catbird's take on classic men's jewelry.
CollectionsAug 28, 2026
Dolly Parton Would Have Loved This Butterfly Necklace This Buddha Mama butterfly is our Piece of the Week honoring the legend, who embraced the beautiful insect as her symbol.
SourcingAug 28, 2026
Gareth Penny to Give Opening Speech at CIBJO Centenary CongressThe former De Beers CEO, and perhaps its next owner, will be a featured speaker at the event, slated for Sept. 4-7 in Italy.
IndependentsAug 28, 2026
Day’s Jewelers Honored With 3 Workplace AwardsThe employee-owned jeweler was named a “Best Place to Work” in Maine, New Hampshire, and for women.
CollectionsAug 27, 2026
Pandora Expands ‘Talisman’ Collection as Lawsuit Continues The second iteration of the jewelry collection was inspired by the zodiac and the four elements: earth, water, air and fire.
SourcingAug 27, 2026
OFAC Renews License Allowing Import of ‘Grandfathered’ Russian Diamonds General License 104B supersedes General License 104A, which was set to expire on Sept. 1.
CrimeAug 27, 2026
Customs Seizes Nearly 900 Pieces of Counterfeit JewelryThe package, intercepted in Indianapolis, contained fake Cartier, Tiffany & Co., and Van Cleef and Arpels jewelry.
IndependentsAug 27, 2026
Jessica McCormack to Open First West Coast StoreThe new location in Costa Mesa, California, marks the brand’s second store in the United States and fourth standalone location worldwide.
FinancialsAug 27, 2026
Movado’s Q2 Sales Up As Younger Consumers Take Interest in WatchesThe fashion watch category was once threatened by the Apple Watch, but consumers are now opting for new wearables, said Movado’s CEO.
SurveysAug 26, 2026
5 Jewelry Insights From The RealReal’s Resale ReportThe report delves into trending styles, the most popular jewelry brands by city, and why Belle Époque jewelry could be the next big thing.
