Policies & IssuesFeb 26, 2025
EU Once Again Pushes Back Deadline on Diamond Traceability Policies & IssuesMar 03, 2025
Customs Indefinitely Postpones Requirement to Disclose Country of Mining
Originally slated to take effect in April, official U.S. Customs and Border Protection documents now show the implementation date as “TBD.”
U.S. Customs and Border Protection announced last month that companies importing diamonds into the country must list the country in which the diamonds were mined. Customs originally said the new requirement would take effect in April but has since delayed its implementation to a yet-to-be-determined date.
New York—U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has postponed implementation of a new requirement that companies importing diamonds into the United States list the country in which the stones were mined.
While CBP’s earlier announcement of the new requirement stated it would take effect in April, a newer Automated Customs Environment (ACE) schedule has the enactment date as “TBD,” or to be determined.
The new requirement is an addition to the regulations already in place, which require importers to self-certify that the diamonds they are importing into the U.S. are not from Russia.
If and when the new country of mining requirement takes effect, a new field for “country of mining” will be added to the Automated Customs Environment (ACE) manifest that importers must fill out, along with an option to upload supporting documentation.
Jewelers of America said it recently updated its members on the current CBP requirements for diamond imports, including information about the new “country of mining” requirement that was expected in April.
The organization sent a follow-up note over the weekend notifying members of the delay in implementation.
“Given how quickly the situation can change—one way or another—we remain engaged and responsive to our members as questions come up, but our overriding guidance from the start of the war has been that Jewelers of America members should not source diamonds that emanate from Russia, regardless of where they are cut and polished, and [be] proactive by communicating with suppliers and conducting due diligence of their supply chains,” the organization said in a statement.
“We want members to be prepared, regardless of specific regulations that could be in the pipeline.”
Related stories will be right here …
While CBP’s earlier announcement of the new requirement stated it would take effect in April, a newer Automated Customs Environment (ACE) schedule has the enactment date as “TBD,” or to be determined.
The new requirement is an addition to the regulations already in place, which require importers to self-certify that the diamonds they are importing into the U.S. are not from Russia.
If and when the new country of mining requirement takes effect, a new field for “country of mining” will be added to the Automated Customs Environment (ACE) manifest that importers must fill out, along with an option to upload supporting documentation.
Jewelers of America said it recently updated its members on the current CBP requirements for diamond imports, including information about the new “country of mining” requirement that was expected in April.
The organization sent a follow-up note over the weekend notifying members of the delay in implementation.
“Given how quickly the situation can change—one way or another—we remain engaged and responsive to our members as questions come up, but our overriding guidance from the start of the war has been that Jewelers of America members should not source diamonds that emanate from Russia, regardless of where they are cut and polished, and [be] proactive by communicating with suppliers and conducting due diligence of their supply chains,” the organization said in a statement.
“We want members to be prepared, regardless of specific regulations that could be in the pipeline.”
Last week, the EU announced that it now will require diamond importers to provide information about where exactly their diamonds were mined.
As part of its 16th package of sanctions against Russia, the EU said that, as of March 1, importers will be required to provide a Kimberley Process certificate that states the exact country of origin for all the rough diamonds in each shipment.
The EU also postponed implementation of a system for tracking rough diamonds from mine to market, setting a new deadline of Jan. 1, 2026, citing the need for more time to refine a system.
The G-7 announced in December 2023 that member countries that are “major” importers of rough diamonds need to establish a “robust traceability-based verification and certification mechanism” for tracking diamonds through the supply chain.
The G-7 originally set a deadline of Sept. 1, 2024, for the creation and implementation of such a system, a deadline the EU has now pushed back twice, first to March 1, 2025, and now to the beginning of 2026.
Editors' Picks
Sponsored by
More on Policies & Issues
The Latest
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.
SourcingAug 26, 2026
AGTA Now Requiring Members to Call Lab-Grown Gems ‘Synthetic’The association added the requirement to its revised "Code of Ethics" and released the 17th edition of its “Gemstone Information Manual.”
SurveysAug 26, 2026
Consumer Confidence Dips in August Amid Anticipatory Anxieties Respondents were concerned about the future of the labor market and their income as well as the rising prices of gas and groceries.
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.
TrendsAug 26, 2026
Boucheron’s New Campaign Celebrates Its ‘Question Mark’ NecklacesThe campaign highlights the asymmetrical high jewelry necklace style that the jeweler first created in 1879.
Weekly QuizAug 20, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
Events & AwardsAug 26, 2026
Harry Winston Exhibition to Open in ShanghaiIt will explore the life of “The King of Diamonds” and showcase more than 165 creations from the brand.
CrimeAug 25, 2026
Florida Woman Scammed Out of $1.5M in Jewelry, Precious MetalsTwo suspects have been arrested in connection with the complex phone scam.
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.
ColumnistsAug 25, 2026
Proof Before Purchase: The Gen Z Way to BuyIn her first column for National Jeweler, Jennifer Shaheen asks jewelers if they know how to connect with the next generation of consumers.
Events & AwardsAug 25, 2026
SSEF Opens 2026 Applications for Gemology Education ScholarshipsThe annual awards cover tuition for an on-site educational course at the Swiss lab, as well as flights and lodging.
TrendsAug 25, 2026
Brent Neale Celebrates Blackberry Farm’s Anniversary With JewelryThe jeweler partnered with the Tennessee resort to honor its 50th anniversary with limited-edition blackberry pendants and earrings.
EditorsAug 24, 2026
Q&A: Reeds Jewelers VP Genna Zimmer on 80 Years in BusinessThe third-generation jeweler shared how the North Carolina retailer is celebrating this milestone and the love story that started it all.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
Rio Grande, MetalWerx Host Argentium Silver WorkshopThe class, led by renowned metalsmith Cynthia Eid, highlighted Argentium silver as an alternative to gold amid high prices.
Events & AwardsAug 24, 2026
JIS Miami Opens Fall 2026 RegistrationThe show is slated for Oct. 16-19 at the Miami Beach Convention Center.
CollectionsAug 24, 2026
Francesca Villa Honors Napoleon, His Empresses In New CapsuleThe “Empresses” capsule uses 19th-century medals depicting Napoleon, Joséphine, and Marie-Louise across five one-of-a-kind pieces.
SurveysAug 21, 2026
These Are 2026’s Hottest Retailers, Says NRFThe retailers at the top of the list offer affordable products and fun, discovery-fueled experiences.
WatchesAug 21, 2026
Bremont Names Former Vacheron Constantin Exec CMODaniel Bing was formerly the marketing director for the Americas at Vacheron Constantin.
CollectionsAug 21, 2026
Bijules, Kamyen Serve Up ‘Topspin’ Tennis Bracelet Ahead of US OpenIn our Piece of the Week, the designers reimagine the tennis bracelet with green enamel wrapped around a strand of “Desert Diamonds.”
PodcastsAug 20, 2026
Episode 8: Diamond Industry Update With David Bonaparte & Ronnie VanderLindenThe industry veterans join the podcast to discuss diamond marketing, the FTC Jewelry Guides, and lobbying for lower tariffs.
TechnologyAug 20, 2026
A New AI-Powered Gemstone Identification App Is HereFounder Vik Westermann said the app is a “starting point” to inspire people to work with appraisers and gem labs, not replace them.
AuctionsAug 20, 2026
Storied Unicorn Brooch Up for Auction Gallops to New Home The Verdura brooch, which belonged to the late Virginia Fortune Ryan Ogilvy, was sold to a private collector in Asia.
Events & AwardsAug 20, 2026
MJSA Education Foundation Names 5 Scholarship WinnersThe five students were awarded a total of $10,000 through the nonprofit’s 2026 “Future of Jewelry Making” scholarship.
MajorsAug 20, 2026
Plumb Club Elects 2026-2027 BoardSteven Lerche is now beginning his term as the youngest member to become president of The Plumb Club’s elected executive committee.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Mike Alexander To Succeed Scott Murphy as Jewelers Mutual CEO Murphy will retire at the end of the year and Alexander, currently the company’s president, will take over at the start of 2027.
MajorsAug 19, 2026
Zales Wants You to Wear Fine Jewelry Every DayThe new campaign, “You Are The Occasion,” discourages shoppers from saving their fine jewelry for special occasions only.
SourcingAug 19, 2026
Vasant Mehta, a Dedicated Diamond Industry Leader, Dies at 81Mehta led India’s GJEPC through the 2008 financial crisis and was respected worldwide for his wisdom, integrity, and knowledge.
CrimeAug 18, 2026
2 California Men Arrested in Fatal Vehicle Smash RobberyOne is the driver who allegedly crashed a car into a Sacramento jewelry store in April, striking a 71-year-old employee who later died.
