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
Candidates From India, China and The UAE Running For President Of The WFDB
The Election Reflects Power Shifts In The Trade As Well As Open Questions About The WFDB’s Character and Future.
Three candidates from India, China and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are running for president of the World Federation of Diamond Bourses (WFDB) in an election that reveals contrasting approaches to the organization and the industry. s (WFDB) in an election that reveals contrasting approaches to the organization and the industry.
Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) vice president Mehul Shah, Shanghai Diamond Exchange (SDE) president Lin Qiang, and Dubai Diamond Exchange (DDE) chairman Ahmed Bin Sulayem have put their names forward ahead. Israel’s Yoram Dvash is standing down after completing the maximum two three-year terms.
The key theme is a split between preserving the federation’s traditional, experience-led model and pushing a younger, reform-minded approach.
Candidate positions
Mehul Shah is presented as the continuity candidate: he wants to strengthen the federation, add members, and restore its earlier influence, but he argues that younger leaders should first gain experience in junior roles.
Ahmed Bin Sulayem is linked with a reformist, younger-leaning camp that wants fresh leadership and modernization, with David Troostwyk and Molefi Letsiki on the same informal slate.
Lin Qiang’s role is more institutionally grounded, with recent WFDB and Shanghai ties showing China’s growing involvement in the federation’s outreach and industry strategy.
Industry context
The election is happening against broader concern about the WFDB’s relevance as lab-grown diamonds reshape the market and as influence shifts toward bodies like the World Diamond Council.
WFDB leadership tracker: track the Executive Committee, presidential election rules, and potential future candidates from India, China, and the UAE.
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Candidates From India, China and The UAE Running For President Of The WFDB
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