Copy URL to Clipboard
Diamonds are a popular gemstone that’s used for more than just jewelry. That said, importing them into the U.S. is no easy task. You’ll need to complete a variety of regulations if you want to get yours into the country.
Key takeaways:
Our guide below will provide you with all the information you need to import diamonds.
There are plenty of countries to choose from when looking for a supplier. Before you pick one, you should determine if you want to obtain rough diamonds or polished and cut diamonds.
Diamonds extracted straight from the earth are considered rough, while cut and polished diamonds have been transformed into a finished gem that’s suitable for use in jewelry.
Both rough diamonds going to a polisher/cutter, and those that have already been cut to various finishes, can be imported loosely.
There are also varieties of rough diamonds that aren’t considered suitable for jewelry, but can be ground down and used in other ways. Referred to as bort, these industrial diamonds are used for a variety of applications, such as:
I’ve given data on the top 10 diamond exporting countries you can use as suppliers. Keep in mind, this list will include countries that export rough, polished, and industrial diamonds. I’ve also removed the U.S. and Russia from this list, since they won’t be applicable to you.
Some countries specialize in importing certain diamonds more than others. Simply research each nation to see what they have to offer to find the one that suits your needs.
There are many regulations set by Customs and Border Protection (CBP) that you must follow when importing diamonds.
This includes:
Luckily, one thing you won’t have to worry about is getting a license to export and import diamonds for commercial purposes.
Since the start of the Russia/Ukraine War, the U.S. has begun enforcing a variety of prohibitions on the importation of Russian diamond products.
Starting on March 1st, 2024, all diamond imports will need a self-certification that says they aren’t from Russia. The self-certification should be provided on a company letterhead in PDF format.
If you’re importing non-industrial diamonds with a weight of 1.0 carat or greater, provide the following statement on your self-certification:
“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.”
When importing diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds, provide this statement on the self-certification:
“I certify that the diamond jewelry and unsorted diamonds in this shipment are not of Russian Federation origin or were not exported from the Russian Federation.”
You will only need to use one self-certification per diamond entry.
The purpose of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is to prevent conflict diamonds from entering the diamond trade. Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds sold by rebel groups to fund their operations against legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme requires exporters and importers of rough diamonds to prove their goods aren’t from conflict zones. To supplement the Kimberley Process (KP), the U.S. passed the Clean Diamond Act. This act requires all U.S. exporters and importers of rough diamonds to follow the (KP).
To adhere to both the Clean Diamond Act and Kimberley Process, you must follow these steps when you import diamonds:
It’s important to note the KP only applies to imports of rough diamonds. This means you won’t have to follow KP requirements if you’re importing diamonds that are cut or polished.
Related: How To Start A Diamond Import/Export Business
Duty rates will differ based on the type of diamond imports you’re bringing into the country. Loose diamonds are duty free, but diamonds set in jewelry will have varying duty rates. Lab grown diamonds will have a duty rate of 3%. Industrial diamonds are also duty-free.
When you import diamonds, be sure that you label them with the correct HTS code. There are about 11 different types of HTS codes that apply, and making sure you give the right one is important. Not having the correct HTS code can have repercussions, even if your diamonds are duty-free.
Use our HTS Lookup Tool if you’re not sure what HTS code applies to your gemstones.
Our HTS Lookup Tool will help you find the correct code for your diamonds.
You will need a customs bond if your import of diamonds counts as a formal entry. A formal entry is any import that has a value of $2,500 or more.
One type of customs bond you can obtain is a single transaction bond, good for just one specific import. The other type of customs bond is called a continuous bond. This gives you the ability to make multiple imports for a whole year.
Related: How To Get A Customs Bond
USA Customs Clearance has the expertise you need to import diamonds successfully. We have Licensed Customs Brokers and import specialists that know the regulations that you’ll have to follow to stay in compliance. You’ll also be able to access a variety of services to make your diamond importing experience smoother.
Bring your diamonds into the country with USA Customs Clearance by using one of our services. You can also contact our team at (855) 912-0406 if you have any questions about the services we provide. For direct queries, you can also complete our online contact form.
Our Licensed Customs Brokers can help you with bring your diamonds into the country
Learn from one of our experts during a 30 Minute Licensed Expert Consulting Session.
Copy URL to Clipboard
I would like to import raw diamond rom Sierra leone
I would like to purchase raw diamonds from Botswana
Switzerland vis charging me duty tax on uncut diamonds plus they charge me delay fee if I don't not pay for they have for the diamonds
Looking to purchase loose sapphires from Sri Lanka. Are colored loose stones treated like diamonds?
am interesting doing a importation of diamond and gold can you please walk me through the process
I lived in USA
hii
you provide import consulting for Canada. Because I want know how diamond import works in Canada.
Greeting
This is to inform you of our interest and desire to make a publicity of our industry a small scale mining firm here in west Africa to seek a foreign individual or body for exportation of Gold & Diamond to any part of the world based on your experience, idea & interest in this proposal. Furthermore, we will furnish you the necessary documents of our existing firm including the government authorization certificate for mining Gold & Diamond in this territory. Do not hesitate to message us back in case you are interested for further action.As our Agent we are ready to give some commission of the total purchase if you can connect us to a buyer. Our Email Address (groupivoiremining@email.com)
Best Regards
Mr.Ibrahim Kudis
My,fiance,was willed from her late father raw diamonds from his diamond mines in Africa as q well as large amount of gold from his mines. My wife is going to pay customs in that country,prior of releeasing
Her diamonds and send them to a security house in the US. Since paid taxes,in Afica does she have to pay taxes in the US?