Does a lab-grown diamond need Kimberley Process paperwork when shipped?

ZKZ Editorial TeamMain answer · Product & gemmology desk

The Kimberley Process is described by its own FAQ as a certification scheme for trade in rough diamonds that aims to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds. We found no verified statement that finished lab-grown diamond jewelry needs a certificate, but customs treatment varies and should be checked with your broker.

What we verified

Fact The Kimberley Process FAQ says the scheme regulates trade in rough diamonds and was set up to prevent the flow of conflict diamonds while protecting legitimate trade in rough diamonds. It says conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance armed conflicts.

Fact The US Harmonized Tariff Schedule lists synthetic precious or semiprecious stones, including diamonds, under heading 7104 as "not strung, mounted or set", and lists silver jewelry under 7113.11.

What we could not verify

What to ask your broker

1. Does the destination require any certificate or declaration for loose laboratory-grown diamonds?
2. Is the answer different for mounted stones in finished jewelry?
3. Which HS code and description does the customs service expect?
4. Are there extra forms for samples or returns?

Keep the answers in writing and re-check them when you add a new route.

Our advice Do not copy another seller's paperwork routine without checking it. Shipping rules depend on your origin, the destination and the form of the goods, and an answer that worked for a rough stone does not necessarily apply to a finished ring.

Our advice Ask your forwarder or broker before shipping, and keep the invoice and report with the parcel. Check the rules for each destination separately.

Uncertain We could not confirm whether a country requires a Kimberley Process certificate, a declaration or other paperwork for loose lab-grown diamonds, and we do not know how each customs service treats them. This differs by country.

What to do

Our advice Ask your freight forwarder or customs broker, and keep a written answer for each route.

Our advice Describe the goods accurately on invoices, using words such as laboratory-grown diamond.

Our advice Keep supplier invoices and laboratory reports.

It depends Even if no certificate is needed, customs may ask for evidence of what the goods are.

Related reading: Can a Lab-Grown Diamond Pass a Diamond Tester? · What Are Lab Grown Diamonds? A Plain-English Explanation

Sources

• Kimberley Process, FAQ
• US International Trade Commission, Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 7104
• US International Trade Commission, Harmonized Tariff Schedule heading 7113

Fact = stated by the cited source. Our advice = editorial recommendation. Uncertain / it depends = limits of what can be said in general.