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
SourcingJul 31, 2025
De Beers Records $189M First-Half Loss The diamond miner and marketer warned last week that it expected to be in the red after significantly cutting prices in Q2.
Events & AwardsJul 31, 2025
These Are the 2025 CASE Award WinnersJewelers of America’s 35th annual design contest recognized creativity, artistry, style, and excellence.
IndependentsJul 31, 2025
Matthew Tratner Takes Over as CBG President Tratner succeeds Andie Weinman, who will begin stepping back from the buying group’s day-to-day operations.
Brought to you by
Taking the Moment Head On: How Rio Grande Champions the Present & Future of Fine JewelryAs a leading global jewelry supplier, Rio Grande is rapidly expanding and developing new solutions to meet the needs of jewelers worldwide.
FinancialsJul 30, 2025
Kering's Jewelry Brands Resilient As H1 Sales Slide 16%The luxury titan’s star brand Gucci continued to struggle amid a "tough" environment.
Weekly QuizJul 31, 2025
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
WatchesJul 30, 2025
Peek Inside Zadok Jewelers’ New Rolex Showroom in AustinIts opening marks the completion of the retailer’s new 11,000-square-foot store in the Texas capital.
SurveysJul 30, 2025
Consumer Confidence Ticks Up in JulyRespondents shared concerns about tariffs and commentary on the “Big Beautiful Bill.”
Brought to you by
Investing in the Next Generation of Bench JewelersThe Seymour & Evelyn Holtzman Bench Scholarship from Jewelers of America returns for a second year.
SourcingJul 30, 2025
Rob Bates to Release Latest Book in His ‘Diamond District Mystery’ Series“Making a Killing in Diamonds” tells the story of Mimi Rosen, the disappearance of a scientist, and the murder of lab-grown diamond CEO.
EditorsJul 29, 2025
Out & About: Visiting Tacori’s Design Studio in LASenior Editor Lenore Fedow learned a lot when she took a behind-the-scenes factory tour with the jewelry brand earlier this year.
Events & AwardsJul 29, 2025
Melee The Show Welcomes 15 New DesignersThe first-time exhibitors, set to debut at the New York City show, share a devotion to craftsmanship, storytelling, and material integrity.
SourcingJul 29, 2025
Auctim to Offer 7.3M+ Carats of Rough EmeraldsThe online auction house’s September sale will feature rough Brazilian emeralds of various qualities.
MajorsJul 29, 2025
Alexis Padis Re-Elected AGS Board President She’ll lead an executive committee consisting of President-Elect Bryan Moeller, Mitchell Clark, Bill Farmer, and Larry Rickert.
CollectionsJul 28, 2025
Nanis Brings a New Palette to ‘Ipanema’A new edition of the Italian brand’s “Ipanema” collection has debuted with gemstones that evoke Brazil’s breathtaking views.
MajorsJul 28, 2025
The 1916 Company Partners with ‘Shark Tank’ Star’s Watch Insurance PlatformThe retailer will refer its customers to WonderCare, founded by venture capitalist and watch collector Kevin O’Leary.
IndependentsJul 28, 2025
Sissy’s Log Cabin to Open Flagship in Arkansas The jeweler’s largest store yet is set to open in Little Rock next fall.
CollectionsJul 25, 2025
Piece of the Week: Jemma Wynne’s ‘Forme’ NecklaceAnne Hathaway was seen wearing the toggle necklace three times while filming scenes for “The Devil Wears Prada 2.”
Events & AwardsJul 25, 2025
Pre-Registration Open for September Hong Kong ShowJewellery & Gem World Hong Kong is scheduled for Sept. 15 to 21, and buyer pre-registration will be available until Sept. 7.
FinancialsJul 25, 2025
LVMH Sales Slip in H1 Amid ‘Prevailing Uncertainties’Renovations at Tiffany & Co. stores ate into profits in the company’s watch and jewelry division.
Events & AwardsJul 24, 2025
2 Retailers to Receive 2026 Gem Award for Lifetime AchievementMark and Candy Udell of London Jewelers will receive the honor at the 24th annual Gem Awards next March.
SourcingJul 24, 2025
De Beers Sees Diamond Production Sink 36% in Q2 While struggles continue at the mining and trading end of the pipeline, consumer demand for diamond jewelry is holding steady.
CollectionsJul 24, 2025
Francesca Villa Adds Dimension to Her Intaglio CharactersThe “Fantasia” jewelry collection turns the intaglio animals from her “Close Encounters” collection into 3D characters.
WatchesJul 24, 2025
Breitling Drops Super Bowl Watch Honoring the Philadelphia Eagles The special Classic Avi Chronograph 42 with an Eagles-green dial is limited to 59 pieces, a nod to the Super Bowl Philadelphia just won.
CrimeJul 23, 2025
JSA Warns of Violent String of Smash-and-Grabs in California JSA has received reports of mobs swarming jewelry stores, driving cars into the storefront or smashing through the windows.
CollectionsJul 23, 2025
Silvia Furmanovich’s ‘Kashmir’ Collection Is a Tribute to Northern IndiaThe “Kashmir” collection features centuries-old craft techniques made in collaboration with the region’s master papier-mâché artisans.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
Montreal’s Ecksand Eyes Move to SoHoCreative Director Erica Bianchini shared why the jeweler is looking to expand into the U.S. and how it’s putting Canadian craftsmanship on the map.
IndependentsJul 23, 2025
IJO Raises Nearly $37K for LA Fire Relief Two Los Angeles Fire Department stations plan to use the donations to upgrade their equipment and tools.
