Recently, the G7 has released its 16th Sanctions Package against Russia, which includes updates related to diamonds and will take effect on March 1, 2025. Just as AWDC did before, Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC) will once again guide Antwerp diamond companies through these updates. We have gathered all relevant information and will walk you through it in this mailing,
Essentially there are no changes to scope or documentary evidence requirements for importing diamonds. To import rough diamonds into the EU for the first time, from mixed origin, it is mandatory, as from March 1, 2025, to present a KP Certificate that mentions all countries of origin of the diamonds in the shipment.
If available, please provide on the other accompanying documents, the breakdown of countries of origin in percentage of the diamonds in the shipment. KP Certificates with Mixed Origin will no longer be accepted. This also applies to rough diamonds from mixed origin, coming from mining companies who aggregate their rough production themselves. This does not apply to rough diamonds that are already G7-verified.
The date, on which traceability-based evidence must be provided when importing all diamonds that fall within the scope of the measures, will be postponed to January 1, 2026.
Key Takeaway 1 (concerning the shipments of goods with mixed origin): What does this mean for diamond companies in Antwerp who Import rough diamonds to the EU from abroad starting March 1, 2025?
Import of single origin diamonds: nothing changes. Import of mixed origin diamonds: when importing rough diamonds that fall within the scope of the sanctions, that are being imported into the EU for the first time, and that are of mixed mining origin, it is mandatory to present a KP Certificate mentioning the exact countries of origin of the rough diamonds in the shipment (and if available, the breakdown of countries of origin in percentage).
This also applies to rough diamonds from mixed origin, coming from mining companies who aggregate their rough production themselves. For shipments that were previously verified and certified with a G7 certificate, the above requirement does not apply, and Mixed Origin can still be mentioned. For shipments that contain both first shipments and already G7-verified parcels, you have to follow the correct procedures for both individually.
What does this mean for diamond companies in Antwerp who Export rough diamonds from the EU to abroad starting March 1, 2025? This is a logical consequence of the update concerning the import of rough diamonds in the 16th Sanction Package.
Export of single origin diamonds: nothing changes. Export of mixed origin diamonds: when exporting rough diamonds that fall within the scope and with mixed origin, all countries of origin of the rough diamonds in the shipment must now be provided. The different countries of origin should preferably be listed on the invoice. Alternatively, they can be recorded on a self-declaration form.
The new regulations for rough diamonds do NOT apply to 1: Rough diamonds that fall outside the scope, 2: Rough diamonds that are already G7-certified, 3: Rough diamonds benefiting from the Grandfathering principle & 4: Synthetic and polished diamonds.
Key Takeaway 2 (concerning the extended deadline for the requirement to provide traceability-based evidence for diamond imports): What does this mean? AWDC, in constructive collaboration with the Belgian government, has successfully negotiated with the G7 to postpone the deadline for providing traceability-based evidence for the import of all diamonds within the scope of the measures. The new deadline is set for January 1, 2026.
The reason why AWDC and the Belgian government have insisted on postponing this deadline is because there is currently too much uncertainty about the nature and governance of the traceability mechanism (which will generate the required traceability-based evidence). These aspects must first be clarified by the G7. By pushing back the deadline to January 1,2026, diamond companies now have much needed time to adequately prepare for its implementation in their daily operations.
What are our next steps: AWDC will use this time to support and guide Antwerp-based diamond companies in preparing for the mandatory implementation of the traceability system in their operations. We will do this, among other things, by identifying the needs within the market, organizing various information sessions on topics related to the traceability mechanism, …
The EU, together with its G7 partners, will use this time to continue working on various aspects to ensure the credibility and clarity of this diamond traceability mechanism. Solid governance of the traceability mechanism (including the financial aspect, data protection and security, …) Thoroughly monitoring of the level playing field among G7 partners. Ongoing engagement with stakeholders outside the G7 (with establishment of export verification points in African diamond-producing countries as a top priority).
Heera Zhaveraat (HZ International) A Diamond, Watch and Jewellery Trade Promotion Magazine provide dealers and manufactures with the key analytical information they need to succeed in the luxury industry. Pricing, availability and market information in the Magazine provides a critical edge.
