Frequently Asked Questions

Short Answer: 
0% (effective September 1, 2025).
 

Long Answer: 
Thanks to the EU exemption lobbied by the AWDC, Antwerp-polished stones enter the US duty-free. This replaces the previous 15% tariff. 

Short Answer: 
No, only to polished diamonds. 

Polished diamonds of EU-origin can now be imported at a 0% import tariff when entering the US.  
 

Long Answer:
Polished diamonds of EU-origin can now be imported at a 0% import tariff when entering the US. Rough diamonds are also included in the list, but since there are no EU-origin rough diamonds, this has no impact.

This exemption makes Antwerp the only major trading hub with tariff-free access to the US market. 

Short Answer: 
No. Transit doesn’t change origin.
 

Long Answer: 
Under 19 CFR §134.1(a), origin requires substantial transformation. Simply routing through Antwerp doesn’t alter origin.) 
 

Warning: 
Transshipment to evade tariffs is penalized with duties up to 40%.

No, the exemption only applies to natural diamonds, as is defined by their HS code.

Short Answer: 
If the transformation from rough to polished (polishing) was done in Belgium (or another EU-country).
 

Long Answer: 
A rough diamond mined in Botswana or Angola, polished in Antwerp, becomes EU origin. Under Anheuser-Busch Brewing Ass’n v. United States (1908), a new and different article with a distinct character or use emerges after polishing. 

Short Answer: 
If imported as rough and polished in Belgium, origin = EU.
 

Long Answer: 
HS 7102.31 classifies rough diamonds (sawn, cleaved, bruted). Only polishing (7102.39) changes the origin. 
Confirmed by a 2019 CBP ruling: stones blocked in China, polished in India, became Indian origin.  

Short Answer: 
No. Replaced by country-specific tariffs.
 

Long Answer: 
From April to July 2025, a universal 10% applied. Since August 7, country-specific rates apply (15% for the EU, 25 and then later 50% India, etc.).

As of 1 September 2025, the EU has 0% for polished diamonds with EU origin.  

Short Answer: 
You could face a penatly of upto 40% of the shipment value, plus delays.
 

Long Answer: 
Mis-declaration risks penalties, audits, and seizure if intentional. 

Short Answer: 
Import rough from India, finish polishing in Belgium → origin EU (0%).
 

Long Answer: 
Strategy: Brute/block in India, ship to Antwerp for polishing. Final origin of polished = EU. 
On US entry: 0% duty instead of 50%. 

Yes, the tariff is determined by the country of origin (COO) rather than the country of export.

Polished diamonds: The country where the diamond was polished (transformed) is considered its country of origin.

If you claim that a diamond that was manufactured in India, but shipped through Europe (or another country), and declare that as the COO, and you are caught, you are transshipping. e that as the COO and you are caught, you are transshipping. 

Transshipment to evade tariffs is penalized with duties up to 40%.

Example from August 27 on: Rough diamond from Botswana -> Manufactured in India -> Traded in Antwerp -> US
1ct polished diamond (price) + 50% import tariff (Origin: India)
 

Short answer: 
No.

Long answer: 
Diamonds that are polished abroad and are recut in Belgium are NOT considered Belgian. Those diamonds have the origin of the country where they were (first) polished.

Diamonds that are rough (rough form till the process of bruting) that enter Belgium (as rough), and are polished here, are considered Belgian diamonds.

Recutting = not a new product, as it was already a “polished” stone. 

If you are not sure, you can email pictures of your diamonds to: Anja Waem (FOD Economie) anja.waem@economie.fgov.be and she will try to review this for you based on these images.

If you’re importing these diamonds to Belgium and have questions, you, as an importer, are entitled to inspect your shipment in advance. To avoid potential problems, we advise you strongly to make use of this possibility. You only need to inform Diamond Office before the clearance of your goods. Why is this important? Because you may not always 100% aware of the goods that are sent to you. However, when the contents of your shipment and the accompanying documents (invoice) do not match, you could face delays, fines or even confiscation of the goods. 

You can only claim Belgian or EU-origin when the transformation from rough to polished took place in Belgium (or another EU country). The diamonds must have been polished in Belgium to qualify as Belgian.

For example, A rough diamond mined in Botswana or Angola, but polished in Antwerp, becomes EU origin.

• Recutting: Re-polishing or recutting an already polished diamond does not change its country of origin.
• Grandfathering: The grandfathering system identifies goods; it does not define their origin. Click here to find more information on grandfathering.
• Transshipping: Shipping or routing diamonds through Antwerp does not alter their origin. (This may result in a 40% evasion duty, imposed by the U.S. customs authorities).

Import tariffs, also known as import duties or customs duties, are taxes imposed by a government on imported goods.

They are typically calculated as a percentage of the product's value and can vary depending on the type of product and its country of origin.

The import duties are paid by the importer and may be fully or partially passed on to the end customer.

Global trade rules determine the origin of diamonds as follows: 

Rough diamonds: The country where the stone was mined is considered its country of origin. 

Practical: A rough diamond from a mine in Canada is therefore classified as a Canadian product and has been subject to President Trump's 35% import tariffs on Canadian goods. 

Practical: A rough diamond mined in Canada, purchased by a Belgian company, and subsequently sent to the US—for example, for a DOR Report by GIA—falls under these import tariffs, meaning the recipient will have to pay a 35% import duty, as the diamond remains in its rough form (Origin: Canada). 

Polished diamonds: The country where the diamond was processed/polished (WTO rules on “substantial transformation*”) is considered its country of origin. 

Practical: A rough diamond from a mine in Canada that was sent to India for manufacturing is now considered an Indian diamond. If this diamond is then sent to the US, the recipient will have to pay a 35% import duty. 

Practical: A rough diamond from a mine in Canada, polished in Canada, remains a Canadian diamond. If this diamond is then sent to the US, the import duty is 0% as the diamond is USMCA-compliant. 

*In WTO rules, "substantial transformation" determines a product's origin when it's not wholly obtained in a single country, meaning the country where the last significant manufacturing or processing occurred, giving the product its essential character, is considered the origin.
 

• China faces 30% tariff on all goods
• Canada: a 35% tariff applies on non‑USMCA goods.
• Mexico: a 25% applies tariff on non‑USMCA goods.
• Sector-specific tariffs still apply regardless of trade agreements 

Tariff Update for the Diamond Industry – September 24, 2025 
 

President Trump's update on the US Tariff Framework:  

• The 90-day pause on 'reciprocal' tariffs ended on August 1
• As of August 1, all countries know the tariffs applied to them. 
• A 15% tariff now applies to imports from a lot of other 'diamond countries'* 
• From September 1 (backdated), there is a 0% tariff on polished diamonds of EU-origin
   

*Exceptions:  

• India faces 50% tariff on all goods from August 27 onwards
• China faces 30% tariff on all goods
• Canada: a separate executive order raised the tariff rate to 35% for Canadian goods not covered by USMCA terms. This higher rate became effective immediately for non‑USMCA goods. Transshipped goods intended to evade the tariff face even higher duties (e.g. 40%)
• Mexico: Mexico was granted an additional 90‑day extension, thereby maintaining the existing 25%  tariff on non‑USMCA goods. 
• Sector-specific tariffs still apply regardless of trade agreements 
   

What this means for (Belgian) diamond traders:

• Canadian rough sent to Belgium, then re-exported to the US, qualifies as Canadian origin: 35% tariff applies (because non-USMCA goods)
• Canadian rough, polished in Canada, exported to the US, qualifies as Canadian origin: 0% tariff applies, (because USMCA-compliant)
• Polished diamonds from Belgium ('origin' is polished in Belgium) = 0% import tariff when entering the US
• Rough diamonds from any country (except Canada) sent to the US, even if transiting through another country: the country-specific tariff applies 
• Diamonds of Indian origin ('origin' is polished in India): 50% tariff
• Diamonds of Chinese origin ('origin' is polished in China): 30% tariff 

No, the country-specific or reciprocal tariff would replace the blanket tariff. In the case of Europe (Belgium), the 10% blanket tariff is replaced by a 0% import tariff on polished diamonds of EU-origin. Products that are not exempt are still subject to 15%.
 

Phases:  

1. Thursday, April 3, 2025: 0% Import tariffs
2. Saturday, April 5, 2025 onwards: 10% minimum on all goods
3. Wednesday, April 9, 2025 onwards: The 90-day suspension of country-specific reciprocal tariffs—scheduled to expire July 9—was officially extended to August 1, 2025 via executive order on July 7. The baseline 10 % universal tariff remains in effect throughout this period.
4. Friday, August 1, 2025: The 90-day suspension of country-specific reciprocal tariffs has come to an end. All countries know the import tariffs that apply to them. These tariffs come into effect as of August 7, 2025.  
5. September 1, 2025: the United States applies new country-specific tariffs on diamond imports via Annex II, a list of certain products that can be exempt from tariffs in case a bilateral agreement is concluded. (Backdated)

What this means for (Belgian) diamond traders (practical examples): 
 

1. Canadian rough sent to Belgium, then re-exported to the US, qualifies as Canadian origin: 35% tariff applies (because non-USMCA goods)
2. Canadian rough, polished in Canada, exported to the US, qualifies as Canadian origin: 0% tariff applies, (because USMCA-compliant)
3. Non-Canadian rough, polished in Canada and then exported to the US will qualify for a 35% tariff (non-USMCA-exempt)
4. Polished diamonds from Belgium ('origin' is polished in Belgium) = 0% import tariff when entering the US
5. Rough diamonds from any country (except Canada) sent to the US, even if transiting through another country: the country-specific tariff applies
6. Diamonds of Indian origin ('origin' is polished in India): 50% tariff
7. Diamonds of Chinese origin ('origin' is polished in China): 30% tariff 

Yes, in this case, as the diamond was manufactured in India, it is considered an Indian diamond, and therefore the 50% import tariff would apply. 

Example: Rough diamond from Botswana -> Manufactured in India -> Traded in Belgium -> US 
Polished diamond (price) + 50% (Origin: India)

Yes, given that the transformation of the diamond (manufacturing) took place in India, the diamond carries an Indian origin and as such the 50% tariff will have to be applied when exporting these diamond from Dubai to the US. 

The tariff rate of the UAE (which is 10%) will not be applicable, as the origin of the diamond is not Emirati but Indian. 

Example: Rough diamond from Botswana -> Manufactured in India -> Traded in Dubai -> US 
Polished diamond (price) + 50% import tariff (Origin: India)

Yes, in this case, the tariff is applied based on the mining country. Even if the diamond in its rough form first passed through another country, but remained in its rough form, the country of origin (mining country) tariffs apply.

Rough diamonds carry their country-specific import duties. 
Canadian rough carries a 35% tariff (not USMCA-exempt) 

EXAMPLES: 

Example: Rough diamond from Botswana -> US 
Rough diamond (price) + 15% (Origin: Botswana)

Example: Rough diamond from Lesotho -> traded in Antwerp -> US 
Rough diamond (price) + 15% (Origin: Lesotho)

Example: Rough diamond from Canada -> traded in Antwerp -> US 
Rough diamond (price) + 35% tariff (Origin: Canada) - not USMCA-exempt

For US tariff purposes, Hong Kong is considered part of China and thus subject to import tariff of 30%.

Yes, the tariff is determined by the country of origin (COO) rather than the country of export.

Polished diamonds: The country where the diamond was polished (transformed) is considered its country of origin.

Example from August 27 on: Rough diamond from Botswana -> Manufactured in India -> Traded in Antwerp -> US
1ct polished diamond (price) + 50% import tariff (Origin: India)
 

Since tariffs are based on the country of origin rather than the country of export, routing through Dubai wouldn’t necessarily provide an advantage.

All products (including second-hand fine jewellery) are subject to the new import tariff. At the moment there are no exceptions.

As of August 27th, India faces a tariff of 50%. This means that all diamonds polished in India that are shipped into the US are subject to 50% US import tariffs.

This is because India and the US did not agree on a trade deal before August 27th.

All goods imported into the US will be subject to the import tariffs, regardless of their final purpose or destination—whether for sale, consignment, or grading. 

Again, this is what we expect to happen based on general trade regulations and precedents (e.g. formerly mentioned case of a Canadian diamond sent to the US for DOR purposes). 

No. There is an import duty to the US, if goods are leaving the US, there are no tariffs upon return to the EU. If something changes, we will update this FAQ.

No, we are pleased to share that the European Council has decided not to impose retaliatory tariffs on these imports.

There are currently no EU import tariffs on polished diamonds exported from the United States to Belgium. 

This important decision follows several weeks of intensive lobbying by AWDC and strong support from the Belgian government. It highlights the EU’s recognition of the strategic importance of the diamond sector in Belgium and its commitment to safeguarding free trade in diamonds.

No, you won’t have to pay any EU import tariffs. The European Council has confirmed that polished diamonds exported from the U.S. to Belgium are not subject to retaliatory tariffs. Your shipment can return without additional import duties. 

Yes, unless they meet the set conditions.

Conditions: 

• 90-Day Return Window:  All shipments must return to their origin within 90 days of entry into the U.S.
• Return Consistency: Shipments must return in full, exactly as they were sent—no partial or consolidated returns are allowed.
• Penalty for Breach or Loss: In cases of a breach of the 90-day limit, U.S. Customs will impose a penalty equal to 100% of the stone’s value plus applicable duties, taxes, and tariffs.
• Increased Liability Coverage: All GIA shipments must be covered at a minimum of 200% of the value, plus the applicable tariff (based on the country of origin—refer to the official tariff list on the AWDC website).
• Rough Diamonds Exception: Please note that at this moment rough diamond shipments can no longer be processed through GIA NYC and should instead be directed to GIA Hong Kong or Dubai.
   

If you don't take these conditions into account, then your polished diamonds sent to GIA USA are subject to the country-specific import tariff. 

This differs in the following circumstances:

1. Rough diamonds from Canada are subject to a 35% tariff 
2. Canadian diamonds polished in Canada are exempt from the 35% tariff, as they are USMCA compliant = 0% 
   
    
3. Canadian rough diamonds polished abroad (e.g., Belgium, Dubai, India - NOT China) are subject to tariffs based on the country of manufacture (country-specific tariffs apply) 
4. Canadian rough diamonds polished in China are subject to a 30% import tariff

 DOR (Diamond Origin Report) Report by GIA for rough diamonds: 

Canada
Example: Rough diamond from Canada -> purchased in Belgium -> Grading US 
Rough diamond (price) +  35% (Origin: Canada)

All other producing countries: 
Example: Rough diamond from Lesotho -> purchased in Belgium -> Grading US 
Rough diamond (price) + 15% (Origin: Lesotho)

Tariffs are based on the declared value of the shipment and depend on where the product was manufactured, not where it was shipped from.

UPDATE 7 April, 2025: 

Yes; 

Effective immediately, GIA laboratories will resume accepting submissions for items outside local service criteria. We will also temporarily expand our services in Dubai and Hong Kong for direct client submissions and shipments.

For clients located outside the United States, we have expanded the scope of our services for the GIA laboratories outside the United States.

• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, up to 3.99 cts may be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Bangkok, Dubai, Gaborone, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Surat, and Tokyo.
• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, up to 9.99 cts may be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Dubai and Hong Kong.
• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, 10 cts and above and fancy color diamonds may be submitted to the GIA laboratory in Hong Kong until further notice.

*Rough diamond submissions are subject to the Kimberley Process Certification rules in each country; rough diamonds cannot be shipped to the GIA laboratory in Dubai.

Clients in the United States or clients outside the United States submitting goods with a United States country of origin may continue to submit all diamonds, colored stones and pearls - of any size - to the New York and Carlsbad laboratories.

Per the terms of the GIA client agreement and as stated in the email sent last week, the submitting client is responsible for paying any bills issued by a shipper or U.S. government agency related to tariffs.

Source: GIA

Update – April 7, 2025:  

Yes; 

Effective immediately, GIA laboratories will resume accepting submissions for items outside local service criteria. We will also temporarily expand our services in Dubai and Hong Kong for direct client submissions and shipments.

For clients located outside the United States, we have expanded the scope of our services for the GIA laboratories outside the United States.

• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, up to 3.99 cts may be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Bangkok, Dubai, Gaborone, Hong Kong, Johannesburg, Mumbai, Surat, and Tokyo.
   
• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, up to 9.99 cts may be submitted to the GIA laboratories in Dubai and Hong Kong.
   
• D-to-Z diamonds, rough* or polished, 10 cts and above and fancy color diamonds may be submitted to the GIA laboratory in Hong Kong until further notice.

*Rough diamond submissions are subject to the Kimberley Process Certification rules in each country; rough diamonds cannot be shipped to the GIA laboratory in Dubai.

Clients in the United States or clients outside the United States submitting goods with a United States country of origin may continue to submit all diamonds, colored stones and pearls - of any size - to the New York and Carlsbad laboratories.

Per the terms of the GIA client agreement and as stated in the email sent last week, the submitting client is responsible for paying any bills issued by a shipper or U.S. government agency related to tariffs.

Source: GIA

Update – April 7, 2025:  

Per the terms of the GIA client agreement the submitting client is responsible for paying any bills issued by a shipper or U.S. government agency related to tariffs.

Source: GIA
 

If GIA receives such a bill, they will charge the amount back to the submitting client.

You should contact your local GIA Client Service Representative.