EU Diamond Importers Must Do More Russian Diligence

By Rob Bates | December 18, 2025

Starting Jan. 1, 2026, importers who bring certain polished diamonds into the European Union must sign a “Due Diligence Statement on Diamond Origin” attesting that they have asked their suppliers that their diamonds do not come from Russia.

This represents a higher standard than had been in place, according to Ine Tassignon, spokesperson for the Belgian group Antwerp World Diamond Centre (AWDC). Prior to this, polished diamond importers were simply asked to attest that they weren’t buying Russian gems.

The new form, however, requires them to affirm not only that their goods were not mined in Russia but that “reasonable steps have been taken to verify the declared origin and to avoid aggregation of diamonds of unknown origin with traceable goods.” Those statements must be backed up by what the EU, in an FAQ released today, calls “traceability evidence.”

“The statement is a self-declaration, but it’s more than just filling out the form,” explains Tassignon. “Importers have to be able to prove that what they are stating is true. They have to be prepared for eventual spot checks at the [Antwerp] Diamond Office.”

Possible documentary evidence can include the diamond’s original Kimberley Process certificate; G7 certificates, which are provided when companies import rough into Antwerp; records from a tech-based traceability solution, like Tracr or Everledger; or an attestation from the company that sold the trader those goods.

“[Importers] have to prove that they did their research, that they asked their supplier what the diamond origin is,” says Tassignon. “And they must be able to show that they are recording the information. If you are asking a supplier for information, you have to keep the email that proves that you asked.”

The new rules apply only to polished diamonds of one-half carat and above. If the diamonds were bought prior to Jan. 1, 2024, they are considered “grandfathered” and therefore not subject to the rules. However, the traders must be able to provide proof they were purchased before that date.

Current rules on importing rough diamonds into the European Union remain the same, the AWDC said.

While this new provision includes tighter rules than in the past, it does not require traders to use a digital traceability platform. The EU had said that use of such a platform would become mandatory in the new year.

“Traders are relieved that a digital solution is not required,” Tassignon says. “This is an easier transition. The larger companies are very far in their traceability system, but some of the smaller ones still have to start.

“Everyone wants to implement a robust traceability system,” she adds. “But it has to be something that works.”

The AWDC has posted a guide to the new rules here.

(Photo: Getty Images)