The Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has announced an update to the Handbook of Procedures (HBoP) 2023. This amendment adds the GIA Laboratory, located in the DMCC Free Zone of Dubai, UAE, to the list of authorized laboratories for certifying and grading diamonds of 0.25 carats and above. This notification was issued on January 15, 2025.
Indian businesses importing diamonds of 0.25 carats and above can now leverage the GIA Laboratory, DMCC, Dubai, UAE for certification and grading purposes. This addition expands the options available to Indian importers, potentially leading to:
- Increased Efficiency: Streamlined certification process for diamond imports.
- Enhanced Flexibility: More choices for certification services.
- Potential Cost Benefits: Introduction of competition among authorized labs.
The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) is a renowned non-profit organization dedicated to diamond, gemstone, and jewelry education and research. The GIA Laboratory is a globally recognized authority in diamond grading and certification.
This update to the HBoP-2023 reflects the government’s commitment to facilitating a more efficient and flexible diamond import process for Indian businesses.
