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
IndependentsJun 05, 2026
Pennsylvania Jewelry Store To Close After 79 YearsJim Springer, owner of Dunkelberger’s Fine Jewelry, is heading into retirement.
SurveysJun 05, 2026
Consumers to Cut Back on Spending Amid Rising Prices, Survey Shows When conducting its May consumer confidence survey, The Conference Board asked extra questions about consumers’ budgeting strategies.
CollectionsJun 05, 2026
Rebel Jewelry’s Charm Symbolizes Perseverance for Pride MonthThe “Tunnel” charm, our Piece of the Week, celebrates Pride Month with its design inspired by hope and the light at the end of the tunnel.
Brought to you by
All Eyes on Gold Prices. Alternatives to Look For. And What to BEWARE of in VegasAs gold prices rise, today’s retailers are looking for alternatives at prices that will appeal to wider audiences.
SourcingJun 05, 2026
State of Diamonds: The Way Forward for Natural DiamondsThe jewelry industry is reassessing its positioning as Gen Z reshapes the retail landscape and lab grown continues to gain market share.
Weekly QuizJun 05, 2026
This Week’s QuizTest your jewelry news knowledge by answering these questions.
AuctionsJun 04, 2026
Treasures from Maurice Tempelsman’s ‘Marvelous’ Life Head to AuctionUp for auction at Sotheby’s, the collection of Tempelsman’s personal effects includes a Cartier Tank watch Jackie O. gifted him.
CollectionsJun 04, 2026
Buddha Mama to Spend the Summer in AspenThe Miami-based fine jewelry brand will host its first summer residency in the Colorado mountain town from June 5 to Aug. 23.
Brought to you by
How Modern Training Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage for Jewelry RetailersWith the trade and customer trust in mind, GIA® developed NextGem™ – on-demand training designed specifically for retail.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
AGS Honors Late Peter Yantzer, Holds Time Capsule CeremonyThe organization also announced its international board of directors for the 2026-2027 term.
MajorsJun 04, 2026
Neiman Marcus’ Downtown Dallas Store to Close in SeptemberSaks Global confirmed the closure this week, spelling the end for a store that’s been part of downtown Dallas for more than 100 years.
ColumnistsJun 03, 2026
Peter Smith: When Top Talent Leaves and What It Says About YouSmith discusses how managers should handle a top performer's exit, warning that a poor response could have a lasting impact.
GradingJun 03, 2026
GIA’s Tracr Investment Is First Step Toward Industry-Owned PlatformThe Gemological Institute of America is now a 30 percent stakeholder in Tracr, the De Beers-backed blockchain for diamonds.
WatchesJun 03, 2026
The 1916 Company Taking Pre-Owned Rolexes on the Road, AgainThe retailer is bringing Rolex Certified Pre-Owned watches to five U.S. cities in 2026 for collectors to see, try on, and purchase.
IndependentsJun 03, 2026
Jessica Alba Is the New Face of Gabriel & Co.The actress and entrepreneur stars in the jeweler’s new campaign that celebrates life’s quiet moments.
TrendsJun 03, 2026
State of Design: Only the Innovative Will SurviveThe price of gold has risen, affecting the number of pieces designers make, the materials they use, and how they position themselves.
FinancialsJun 02, 2026
Signet Jewelers’ Q1 Sales Up 2% As It Focuses on ‘Core Four’ The jewelry retailer is zeroing in on Zales, Jared, Kay Jewelers, and Blue Nile as it looks to create unique brand identities for each.
SourcingJun 02, 2026
Leader Appointed for Botswana’s Diamonds for Development Fund Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, a development economist, will head the fund created to help Botswana diversify its economy.
WatchesJun 02, 2026
Watch Industry Veteran James Marks Joins Sotheby’sSotheby’s has appointed the former Phillips executive as its global head of private sales and retail in its watches division.
AuctionsJun 02, 2026
Sotheby’s to Auction 10-Carat Blue Diamond, 1960s Harry Winston Necklace A private collection of five Paraíba tourmalines also will be up for sale at Sotheby’s High Jewelry auction in New York, scheduled for June 16.
IndependentsJun 02, 2026
State of Retail: 6 Things Retailers Should Know About Consumers TodayFrom Gen Z’s view of luxury to “doom spending,” these are the six consumer trends to note this year.
Events & AwardsJun 01, 2026
Design Atelier Brands Have a Big Night at Emotional Couture Design AwardsThe show started by honoring Mildred Marcano, ended with a tearful Beth Anne Bonanno, and recognized a dozen-plus designers in between.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
RapNet Rebranding as Rapaport TradeThe revamped online diamond marketplace will feature pricing intelligence and data-driven tools for more efficient buying and selling.
SourcingJun 01, 2026
Gemfields’ Higher-Quality Emerald Auction Achieves $26.8MThe miner said demand for higher-quality emeralds is stable, but there is notable caution in the market.
CollectionsMay 29, 2026
Cultus Artem’s Necklace Is the Oasis in Las Vegas’ DesertThe “River of Heaven” necklace, our Piece of the Week debuting at Couture, combines 26 salt and pepper diamonds spaced by Tahitian pearls.
IndependentsMay 29, 2026
Meet the 2026 Retailer Hall of Fame InducteesThis year’s inductees include second-, third-, and fourth-generation jewelers.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Announces Jesse Itzler as 2026 Keynote SpeakerThe author, speaker, and entrepreneur will give his presentation, “Spiritual Billionaire,” on Saturday morning.
Events & AwardsMay 28, 2026
JCK Rocks To Ride With NellyThree-time Grammy award-winning artist Nelly is set to perform at the annual event at Tao Beach on Sunday night.
