Import Loose Diamond from India into US

[jbase16]

Hi All,

I'm currently traveling in India and was wondering if I can buy a loose diamond here and bring it back into the US? Does anyone know the process that I need to follow and also was taxes, duties, tariffs i would have to pay. It would be a GIA certified 1.5 carat diamond...

thank you all in advance!

J

 

[John P]

Hi All,

I'm currently traveling in India and was wondering if I can buy a loose diamond here and bring it back into the US? Does anyone know the process that I need to follow and also was taxes, duties, tariffs i would have to pay. It would be a GIA certified 1.5 carat diamond...

thank you all in advance!

J

I don't believe you'll owe duty/tariffs on a diamond as long as you claim it. State what you actually paid, including taxes. Have a receipt showing the figure. For anything you receive as a gift you'll need to estimate fair market value when you claim it.

The rules can change, so it's a good idea to consult the Trade Commission's database before making large purchases abroad. It's about as easy to navigate as a pig with handlebars, but it's comprehensive. Updated November 2012.

http://dataweb.usitc.gov/

Not for diamonds, but with complex items you can contact Customs & Border Protection and ask directly. I've had friends bring exotic percussion instruments back from Africa, made from gourds/seeds. The first buddy got hung-up at CBP on entry, so those returning later got a binding ruling in advance, which was helpful.

 

[jbase16]

Hi All,

I'm currently traveling in India and was wondering if I can buy a loose diamond here and bring it back into the US? Does anyone know the process that I need to follow and also was taxes, duties, tariffs i would have to pay. It would be a GIA certified 1.5 carat diamond...

thank you all in advance!

J

I don't believe you'll owe duty/tariffs on a diamond as long as you claim it. State what you actually paid, including taxes. Have a receipt showing the figure. For anything you receive as a gift you'll need to estimate fair market value when you claim it.

The rules can change, so it's a good idea to consult the Trade Commission's database before making large purchases abroad. It's about as easy to navigate as a pig with handlebars, but it's comprehensive. Updated November 2012.

http://dataweb.usitc.gov/

Not for diamonds, but with complex items you can contact Customs & Border Protection and ask directly. I've had friends bring exotic percussion instruments back from Africa, made from gourds/seeds. The first buddy got hung-up at CBP on entry, so those returning later got a binding ruling in advance, which was helpful.

wow, that website is a mess. it looks like there is no duty or tariff on the diamond as you said. just wondering if anyone on pricescope has done this or knows more about it. i am little worried about the risk of cbp taking it from me upon entry!