The European Commission has adopted a new customs code to differentiate natural and synthetic diamonds, according to Diamond loupe.
This code, which has become part of the consolidated European combined nomenclature (chapter 71), will enter into force on January 1, 2020. It will be valid until January 1, 2022, when the customs code HS6, which was recently adopted by the World Customs Organization (WCO), begins to be applied at the European level.
The European Federation of Jewellery (EFJ) and its members have actively supported the adoption of a new customs code that will facilitate the monitoring of synthetic diamond flows in Europe. It will increase the efficiency of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.
The EFJ welcomed the recognition by the European Commission of the difference between natural and synthetic diamonds as a result of the adoption of a new customs code.
EFJ also considers it necessary to legally require retailers to properly inform consumers of the origin of the products they sell.
Therefore, EFJ will continue to advocate for the development of EU legislation introducing a distinction between natural and LG diamonds at the retail level in order to protect consumer rights through full disclosure of information on the products.
Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau
