New “Country of Mining” Import Requirement and What it Means for Diamond Jewelers

Diamond imports have been in the spotlight lately, most recently with the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) announcement of a new requirement for diamond importers to declare the “Country of Mining” for each diamond. This regulation (ensuring compliance with Executive Order 14114) was initially set to take effect in April 2025, but has since been postponed.

Though the new import regulation is currently on hold, it’s still important to understand the potential implications and how to ensure you’re compliant. If the hold is lifted, all U.S. jewelers will need to adhere to these new requirements. Here’s what you need to know.

Understanding the “Country of Mining” Requirement

The “Country of Mining” requirement mandates that importers specify the origin country where each diamond was mined, in an effort to enhance transparency in the diamond supply chain.

This initiative is part of broader efforts by the United States and other G-7 nations to prevent Russian-mined diamonds from crossing their borders via third-party countries, especially in light of geopolitical tensions and sanctions on Russia following the invasion of Ukraine.

Country of Mining vs Country of Origin

Today, importers are required to submit a statement that diamonds are not of Russian origin. However, the country of mining and the country of origin can sometimes be two separate places. For example, a diamond may be mined in Botswana, but then cut and polished in India. Under the new regulations, both the country of mining (Botswana) and the country of origin (India) would need to be listed on the documentation.

Current Status of the Regulation

As of March 2025, CBP has postponed the implementation of the “Country of Mining” requirement. The specific reasons for this delay have not been publicly detailed, but there was significant industry feedback and requests for further clarification on the finer details of this regulation. Currently, the official deployment timeline per CBP is “TBD”.

Which Diamonds Would This Regulation Apply To?

At this stage, it’s believed that the new import requirements will apply to loose (both rough and polished) diamonds and any finished diamond jewelry with diamonds of 0.5 carats or higher. It’s not expected to apply to laboratory-grown diamonds, where standard country of origin documentation remains sufficient.

What the New Import Regulations Could Mean for Jewelry Designers

While the postponement offers a temporary reprieve, it’s essential for jewelry designers to prepare for the eventual enforcement of this regulation. Here’s how it may impact your business:

• Supply chain transparency: You’ll need to trace the origin of the diamonds you purchase, in terms of both mining and processing locations. This requires working closely with suppliers who can provide detailed provenance information.
• Documentation: Replacing the previous generic document label, the CBP has a new self-certification requirement where importers confirm that their diamonds do not originate from Russia. This certification is submitted via the Document Image System (DIS) using the newly designated document code CBP167.
• Supplier relationships: It will become more important to establish relationships with reputable suppliers who can provide the necessary documentation, which may include certificates of origin, certificates of mining, and purchase orders.
• Compliance costs: Be prepared for potential increases in costs related to compliance, such as third-party verification services or updated inventory management systems.

With the situation currently in flux, and an abundance of conflicting information regarding this new regulation, it’s difficult to know exactly how it will be rolled out or enforced. For now, stay vigilant and informed.

How to Prepare for These Potential Changes

To ensure your business is ready for the eventual implementation of the “Country of Mining” requirement, think about taking the following steps:

• Educate yourself: Stay informed about the latest developments in diamond import regulations by checking official CBP communications and industry news sources.
• Assess your supply chain: Conduct a review of your current suppliers to determine their ability to provide the required origin information. This will help to prevent delays in your supply when (or if) CBP enforces this regulation.

While you don’t need to make any drastic changes at this point, it’s essential to be aware of the increasing focus on diamond origin tracing. Make sure you understand where your diamonds originate and have the documentation necessary to comply with these new regulations.

Final Thoughts

We all think diamonds are perfect, but it’s no secret that there are many flaws in this industry. More transparency and traceability around sourcing are welcome—the industry needs to be more accountable and demonstrate more ethical responsibility.

That said, these regulations can’t be hurried into place, and this delay is a welcome opportunity for CBP to figure out the finer details and work with the industry to develop a solution. We need country of origin regulations that are logical, beneficial, ethical, and enforceable.

In the meantime, make sure you stay up-to-date and watch this space for future developments!