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
Indian Consulate In New York Hosts India-USA Virtual Jewellery Exhibition; Facilitated By GJEPC
The Exhibition Brought Together 35 Indian Companies, Many Of Them Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Offering US Buyers An Opportunity To Explore Indian Jewellery Collections and Establish Direct Business Connections.
The Consulate General of India in New York, in collaboration with the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), organised the India-USA Virtual Exhibition on Gems & Jewellery on 23 October 2026, connecting Indian exporters with American buyers through a digital platform.
The inaugural ceremony featured welcome remarks by Ambassador HE . Binaya S. Pradhan, Consul General of India in New York, an inaugural address by Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, and closing remarks by Rajlakshmi Kadam, Consul (Trade), Consulate General of India, New York.
The exhibition brought together 35 Indian companies, many of them micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), offering US buyers an opportunity to explore Indian jewellery collections and establish direct business connections. The event was designed to help exporters reach new customers and develop partnerships in one of India’s most important markets.
Addressing participants, Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, highlighted the importance of the US market, which accounted for around 30% of India’s gem and jewellery exports, worth nearly US$10 billion, in FY2024-25. He noted that tariff uncertainty had affected trade significantly, with India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US falling by more than 44% between April and December 2025.
However, trade has begun to recover. Between April and September 2026, India’s gem and jewellery exports to the US grew nearly 6% year-on-year to almost US$3 billion, compared with US$2.77 billion in the corresponding period of 2025.
Kirit Bhansali also referred to progress on the proposed India-US Bilateral Trade Agreement, expressing hope that it would provide greater clarity and predictability for exporters and buyers once its terms are finalised.
With the US holiday season approaching, followed by Valentine’s Day and retailers’ sourcing plans for 2027, he urged American buyers to explore India’s manufacturing capabilities across diamonds, coloured gemstones and gold jewellery. He also encouraged buyers to engage directly with participating MSMEs, highlighting their skills, flexibility and ability to meet varied sourcing requirements.
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