International News
GIA Suspends Acceptance of Overseas Submissions Requiring US Shipment
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) has temporarily suspended the acceptance of goods at its international laboratories that require shipping to the US for services. This decision comes in response to new tariffs introduced by President Donald Trump’s administration.
In a recent communication to clients, GIA advised customers outside the US to refrain from sending items directly to its American labs for grading or other services. The institute explained that a baseline 10% tariff now applies to all goods imported into the US, with additional duties imposed on items from countries such as India, South Africa, and Thailand starting April 9. These tariffs affect gems sent for laboratory services, even if they are not intended for sale.
“There is a baseline 10% tariff on goods being imported into the US,” the GIA explained. “Additional tariffs for products from specific countries, including India, South Africa, Thailand and others, will begin on April 9. These tariffs will apply to gems being shipped to a GIA laboratory in the US, even if only for laboratory services and not for sale.”
The US recently implemented steep “reciprocal” tariffs, including a 27% import duty on Indian goods and 20% on those from the EU. While a Temporary Importation Under Bond (TIB) provision exists to exempt goods not for sale, industry experts have cast doubt on its applicability, asserting there are no valid exemptions for imported goods.
GIA acknowledged the potential confusion caused by these regulatory changes and urged clients to ensure compliance with US import laws. The organization is assessing the situation and considering operational adjustments to maintain service continuity at its international labs. Meanwhile, clients are responsible for any tariff charges incurred when shipping to GIA’s US locations, based on the country where the diamond was substantially transformed.
International News
Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair: Where Asia’s Gems and Jewellery Industry Connects
This Year, Bangkok Gems Will Place Greater Emphasis On Design and Value Creation, With The Designer Zone, Collaborations With merging Talent, Business Matching, Seminars, and Industry Networking Opportunities.
At the heart of Southeast Asia, Thailand has long been recognized as a leading player in the global gems and jewelry industry. For international buyers seeking quality, authenticity, and competitive sourcing opportunities, the Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair offers more than an exhibition—it is a dynamic marketplace where generations of artisanal heritage, manufacturing expertise, and international business connections come together.
Visitors can source a comprehensive range of products and services across the supply chain, from gemstones, diamonds, pearls, and finished jewelry to packaging, tools, machinery, and related solutions.
Thailand’s gems and jewelry sector continues to demonstrate strong international potential. From January to June 2026, gems and jewelry exports excluding unwrought gold reached approximately USD 8.25 billion, an increase of more than 11% year on year.

This year, Bangkok Gems will place greater emphasis on design and value creation, with the Designer Zone, collaborations with emerging talent, business matching, seminars, and industry networking opportunities.
With direct access to suppliers, manufacturing expertise, and international business networks, Bangkok Gems continues to serve as a strategic meeting point for buyers and industry professionals from across Asia and beyond.
The upcoming 74th Bangkok Gems & Jewelry Fair will take place from 8–12 September 2026 at the Queen Sirikit National Convention Center (QSNCC) in Bangkok.
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