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
SIJE 2026 To Host 450+ Global Brands As Singapore Welcomes Back The World Diamond Congress After 38 Years
The Largest Edition In The Expo’s History Will Coincide With The Inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week From 9–15 July 2026.
Singapore International Jewellery Expo (SIJE) 2026 is set to stage its largest-ever edition, bringing together more than 450 brands and exhibitors from 26 countries across 10,000 square metres at Marina Bay Sands from 9 to 12 July 2026.
The event will be officially inaugurated by Alvin Tan, Minister of State for the Ministry of Trade & Industry and the Ministry of National Development, Singapore, and is expected to attract around 18,000 trade buyers and consumers over four days.
A major highlight of this year’s edition is Singapore hosting the 41st World Diamond Congress for the first time since 1988, marking the prestigious event’s return to the city-state after 38 years. The Congress, scheduled from 12 to 15 July at PARKROYAL COLLECTION Marina Bay, will bring together global leaders from across the diamond value chain, including miners, manufacturers, traders, retailers and industry associations.
SIJE 2026 also forms one of the two pillars of the inaugural Singapore Diamond & Jewellery Week (SDJW), a week-long celebration running from 9 to 15 July 2026 that will feature retail experiences, industry events, promotions and international showcases across the island nation.
Despite ongoing global economic uncertainties, SIJE 2026 has recorded its strongest international participation to date, underlining confidence in Singapore’s position as a trusted hub for jewellery, luxury retail, gemstones and high-value trade.
The exhibition will feature prominent country pavilions and exhibitors from Italy, Hong Kong and Uzbekistan, alongside leading jewellers, gemstone dealers, luxury watchmakers, designers and manufacturers from around the world.
One of the unique attractions this year will be the display of a replica of the historic Crown of Carlo di Borbone at the Diamond Exchange of Singapore (DES) Pavilion. The crown, originally created in the 18th century for Charles III of Spain, has been reconstructed from historical records and is linked to the legendary “Perfect Colour of Violet” diamond
Organised by Italian Exhibition Group (IEG) Asia, SIJE continues to strengthen Singapore’s role as a gateway to the rapidly expanding markets of Southeast Asia and the Asia-Pacific region.
Industry observers note that the scale of SIJE 2026, coupled with the return of the World Diamond Congress, reflects growing momentum in the regional luxury market and reinforces Singapore’s standing as one of the world’s most important centres for jewellery trade, craftsmanship, innovation and international business exchange.
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