The European Union has announced a postponement in the implementation of stringent traceability requirements for polished diamond imports, pushing the deadline from March 2025 to January 1, 2026. This decision aligns with ongoing efforts by the G7 to refine governance and ensure a level playing field in the global diamond trade.
Under the revised timeline, imports of rough diamonds (classified under CN codes 7102 10 00 and 7102 31 00) will still require a certificate confirming their mining origin as of March 1, 2025, in accordance with Council Regulation (EC) No 2368/2002. This certificate must explicitly state the country or countries where the diamonds were mined, ensuring they are not sourced from Russia, as stipulated in Regulation (EU) No 833/2014. However, for polished diamonds (CN code 7102 39 00), the mandatory submission of traceability-based evidence, including a certificate verifying they are neither mined, processed, nor produced in Russia, has been deferred to January 1, 2026.
The delay in enforcing traceability requirements for polished diamonds reflects the complexity of establishing a robust system. EU authorities emphasised that addressing governance challenges will necessitate continued collaboration with G7 nations and third countries. This cooperation aims to facilitate smooth implementation while maintaining continued engagement among G7 partners through ongoing monitoring of diamond-related measures.
Mr. Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said, “We are delighted with the EU’s decision to defer the traceability requirements for polished diamond imports to January 2026. This extension is a testament to the collaborative efforts of the GJEPC and the Ministry of Commerce in advocating for a practical timeline. It provides our industry the breathing space needed to align with these critical regulations while ensuring India’s position as a global leader in the diamond trade remains strong. We look forward to working closely with the G7 and other stakeholders to refine this system for a transparent and sustainable future.”
The EU’s decision underscores its commitment to refining the G7 protocol on diamond traceability, ensuring that the global supply chain remains transparent and free of conflict-linked or sanctioned origins.