International News
US jewellers warn Congress of harm from new sanctions on Russian diamonds
US jewellers have warned Congress of the harm that new sanctions on Russian diamonds will cause for the entire retail sector.
The trade association Jewelers of America (JA) met with a dozen Democratic and Republican lawmakers in both the House and Senate to voice concerns over the 1 September restrictions that will require all goods of 0.50-scts and above to enter G7 countries via Antwerp for verification.
JA said it continues to staunchly support efforts that will keep diamonds of Russian origin out of the supply chain, including the more stringent U.S. Customs and Border Patrol requirements that went into effect on 1st March. However, the proposed adoption of an exclusive physical verification and certification system in Belgium for all rough diamonds would cause maximum damage to the global diamond and jewellery supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues.
They say a single import channel will “cause maximum damage to the global diamond and jewelry supply chain, while having minimal effect on Russia’s diamond revenues”.
JA is urging all its members to lobby Congress and explain that the way the restrictions are being implemented will hurt jewellery businesses.
“JA has been working tirelessly behind the scenes and this visit to Washington, D.C. was a critical step to ensure we minimize unnecessary disruptions to the U.S. diamond industry,” said JA president & CEO David J. Bonaparte.
International News
BDB Committee Hosts Consul General of Italy at Bourse; Discussions Focus On Boosting Trade Between The Two Countries
- Partnership between Europe’s Leading Jewellery Hub and World’s Largest Diamond Manufacturer will be mutually beneficial
- BDB requests modifications in Italy’s VAT Policy: Collection at Point of Sale Rather than Point of Import
The senior leadership of Bharat Diamond Bourse (BDB) welcomed H.E. Mr. Walter Ferrara, Consul General of Italy in Mumbai, on his visit to the BDB complex on June 30 to discuss opportunities for strengthening cooperation between India and Italy in the diamond and jewellery sector.
The BDB was represented by President Anoop Mehta, Vice President Mehul N. Shah, Honorary Joint Secretary Prakash Shah, and Committee Members Kiran K. Gandhi, Milan K. Parikh, Paresh Mehta, and Ramniklal Shah.
India and Italy both enjoy unique positions in the global diamond and jewellery industry. Italy is known for its exquisite jewellery and exceptional craftsmanship. It is Europe’s leading diamond and jewellery hub, and home to many renowned jewellery brands, while India is the world’s largest supplier of diamonds, including to Italy.
Business ties between the two countries have strengthened over the years, with nearly 100 Indian exhibitors participating annually in Vicenzaoro, Europe’s largest jewellery exhibition.
BDB leadership emphasised that there is enormous potential to further boost trade between the two countries, and suggested some policy reforms to help the process. They requested Italian authorities to consider shifting the collection of 18% VAT levied on loose diamonds to the point of sale rather than at the time of import.
Mehul Shah Said:
“The current system impacts the liquidity of Italian traders and hampers the cycle of trading and manufacturing. Shifting collection to the point of sale would ensure smooth tax compliance, while also enabling seamless trade between the two countries.”
The Hon’ble Consul General acknowledged the concerns raised by the BDB leadership and assured the delegation that he would ensure that their inputs were communicated to the relevant authorities. He also assured continued support to BDB members wherever required, including assistance in facilitating a faster visa process.
The visit concluded with a tour of the BDB campus and MDMA Hall, showcasing its world-class infrastructure and integrated trading ecosystem.
The interaction reaffirmed Bharat Diamond Bourse’s commitment to strengthening international partnerships and promoting constructive dialogue to support the continued growth, competitiveness, and sustainability of the global diamond and jewellery industry.
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