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.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
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
CrimeNov 12, 2026
1 of 7 Men Charged in $100M Brinks Heist to Plead GuiltyThree of the other alleged perpetrators will stand trial next March, while two remain on the lam and one was deported late last year.
AuctionsNov 12, 2026
24-Carat ‘Bulgari Pink’ Diamond Sells for $14.8MUnseen for more than seven decades, the fancy intense pink diamond was the star of Christie’s Geneva jewelry auction.
WatchesNov 12, 2026
Zadok Jewelers Now Offers Certified Pre-Owned Rolex WatchesThe curated selection is available online and at its showroom in Austin, Texas.
Brought to you by
DSF Antique Jewelry: Fine Jewelry, Signed Designers, and a World of Rare DiscoveriesWith over 50 years experience in the trade, DSF Antique Jewelry offers quality, craftsmanship, condition, and remarkable variety.
IndependentsNov 12, 2026
Greenberg’s Jewelers Welcomes New Fourth-Generation MembersThe next generation understands what makes the 126-year-old retailer special, said CEO and Co-President Elise Greenberg.
Weekly QuizNov 12, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Lab-GrownNov 10, 2026
GIA Examines Pink Lab-Grown Diamond Made to Look NaturalThe 6-carat CVD-grown pink diamond was “deliberately modified” to mimic the appearance of a natural rough diamond, the lab said.
SourcingNov 10, 2026
Botswana in Line to Take Controlling Stake in De Beers, President Says If the Global Diamond Consortium emerges as the top bidder for De Beers, Botswana’s stake will double to 30 percent, Duma Boko said Monday.
Brought to you by
How Overnight Mountings’ Bridal Builder Makes Custom Engagement Ring Design Easier to SellWith customization becoming more expected in engagement ring shopping, the Bridal Builder makes the process tangible.
ColumnistsNov 10, 2026
Who Checks the Facts When AI Writes Your Jewelry Copy?An incorrect AI-generated ad or product description can cost your store valuable consumer trust.
Events & AwardsNov 09, 2026
Here Are the 2027 Gem Award NomineesThese nine individuals and brands are up for a Gem Award in the Jewelry Design, Media Excellence, and Retail Innovation categories.
CrimeNov 09, 2026
Jeweler Pistol-Whipped, $900K in Jewelry Stolen During Home Invasion The incident, which happened in Miami-Dade County, serves as a reminder to jewelers of the dangers of selling and storing jewelry at home.
GradingNov 09, 2026
GIA Acquires Thousands of Gem Specimens With ‘Extraordinary’ InclusionsGIA Analytical Microscopist John Koivula curated the collection of 2,665 crystals, gems, and minerals over a 60-year span.
CollectionsNov 09, 2026
Bibi van der Velden’s Alligators Become High JewelryThe “Eclipse” collection, the brand’s first high jewelry line, centers its alligator motif in diamond and spinel jewels.
EditorsNov 06, 2026
The Spectrum Pieces I Can’t Stop Thinking AboutFrom a Betta fish brooch to a “dragon’s trove” of zircon eggs, here are seven pieces that’ve stuck with Associate Editor Lauren McLemore.
TrendsNov 06, 2026
Pat Pruitt’s DragonFly Earrings Take Flight on Election NightGroundbreaking New Mexico Governor-elect Deb Haaland wore the earrings, our Piece of the Week, when she declared victory on Tuesday.
MajorsNov 06, 2026
SNL’s Colin Jost Finds the Perfect Gift in Kay Jewelers’ Holiday AdJost goes on an epic journey, traversing rough seas and encountering a cyclops, to discover the perfect holiday gift.
Supplier BulletinNov 05, 2026
Winning With GCAL 8X®: What’s Working at the CounterSponsored by GCAL by Sarine
SurveysNov 05, 2026
What Retailers Should Know About Holiday Shoppers This YearFrom shrinking budgets to AI elves, here are five takeaways from holiday reports by Bain, Adobe, Mastercard, NRF, and insights from YouGov.
CollectionsNov 05, 2026
Judi Powers, Russell Jones Unleash Joy With New CollaborationThe designers combined their talents for Little Pet Portraits, hand-painted miniatures of our best friends set in a piece of jewelry.
FinancialsNov 05, 2026
Brilliant Earth Continued to Resonate With High-Income Shoppers in Q3Its non-bridal fine jewelry remains the star of the show, recently launching new collections inspired by Elizabeth Taylor and Jane Goodall.
MajorsNov 05, 2026
Ariana Grande Stars In Swarovski’s Holiday Campaign“Joy: The Swarovski Musical” features Ariana Grande as the leading lady in scenes inspired by classic musical montages.
GradingNov 05, 2026
GIA to Offer Next-Day Holiday ServicesThe lab will bring back its complimentary next-day service for some reports starting next week.
CrimeNov 04, 2026
$250K+ in Undeclared Cartier Jewelry Seized at Philadelphia AirportA Pennsylvania woman failed to declare a ring and a bracelet, discarding the boxes and receipts to conceal the purchases, officials said.
FinancialsNov 04, 2026
Pandora’s Q3 Sales Up 7% Amid Focus on DesignNew collections and relevant marketing pushed the company forward, while Pandora’s lab-grown diamond sales continue to lag.
Events & AwardsNov 04, 2026
NYC Jewelry Week 2026 Is the Largest Edition YetThe citywide celebration, slated for Nov. 16-22, is set to host more than 175 events, including live jewelry-making demos.
MajorsNov 04, 2026
Bergdorf Goodman Names New PresidentLanessa Elrod, former president and CEO of Louis Vuitton Americas, has stepped into the role as the retailer celebrates 125 years.
AuctionsNov 03, 2026
Infinity Gauntlet Set With 170+ Carats of Colored Gemstones Up for AuctionA replica of one of the most powerful objects in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the glove is heading to auction next month in Abu Dhabi.
