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
Natural Diamonds Cut In Europe Will No Longer Face US Import Tariffs, Decision Is Expected To Benefit Antwerp
The Main Reason Was That The US Does Not Have A Domestic Diamond Mining Or Cutting Industry That Needs Protection From European imports.
Natural diamonds cut in Europe will no longer face US import tariffs after the US government removed the 10% duty that had been in place for the past six months.
The decision is expected to benefit Antwerp, Europe’s largest diamond cutting and trading hub. According to the Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC), Belgium exported $2.1 billion worth of polished diamonds to the US in 2024.
The exemption was first introduced in September 2025 after discussions between the AWDC and the European Commission. The main reason was that the US does not have a domestic diamond mining or cutting industry that needs protection from European imports.
The reasons for granting the exemption remain unchanged- no diamonds are mined or cut in the US, so there is no local industry that requires tariff protection.
The earlier exemption ended in February 2026 after the US Supreme Court ruled that President Donald Trump’s reciprocal tariffs under the International Emergency Economic Powers Act (IEEPA) were unlawful. The US government then imposed a temporary 10% import surcharge under Section 122 of the Trade Act, which also applied to European polished diamonds.
After this surcharge expired on July 24, the US introduced new tariffs under Section 301 of the Trade Act. These tariffs target countries that do not have adequate measures to prevent imports linked to forced labor. However, natural diamonds cut in Europe have been exempted from these tariffs.
According to the US Trade Representative (USTR), the European Union is still strengthening its forced-labor regulations, which are expected to be fully implemented by December 2027.
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