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Customs Clearance of Precious Stones in Iran (HS Codes, Documents & Certificates)
Customs clearance of precious stones Customs clearance of precious stones is one of the most sensitive and complex processes in international trade. These goods include a variety of gemstones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, sapphires, and other ornamental stones which, due to their high monetary value and economic significance, require strict compliance with import and export regulations. Precious stones fall into a special-goods category that, from a customs perspective, demands a high level of accuracy and transparency throughout declaration and clearance.
To estimate the time and cost of precious stones clearance, contact the Saba Tarkhis experts.
Instant Free ConsultationApplications of Precious Stones
Precious stones have diverse applications, the most important being in the jewelry industry. Stones such as diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are used to craft luxury jewelry including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings. Owing to their beauty and high value, these stones occupy a special position in the jewelry market. In addition, certain precious stones such as diamonds are used in other industries due to unique physical properties like extreme hardness, for example in the manufacture of precision cutting tools and drilling equipment. Precious stones are also treated as valuable assets in financial markets and, in some cases, are traded as long-term investments or stores of value. Pearls and amberoften classed as semi-precious are also used in jewelry and, in some cases, for therapeutic or medicinal purposes.
Key Points in Clearing Precious Stones
Owing to their value and sensitivity, clearing precious stones requires specific steps and documentation. The process must be executed with great care and attention to detail so that, while complying with domestic and international laws, any fraud or misuse is prevented. Below are some of the most important points:
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1. Accurate customs declaration
The first and most important step is completing and submitting an accurate customs declaration. It must precisely state the type, weight, quality, and value of the imported or exported stones. Declaring an undervalued shipment can lead to heavy fines or even seizure. The information in the declaration must match other documents such as the commercial invoice and certificate of origin. -
2. Import and export permits
For importing or exporting precious stones, you must obtain permits from the competent authorities. In Iran, a license from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade is required. Depending on the stone, additional permits may be necessary. For example, for certain rough diamonds or valuable emeralds, in addition to the ministry license, international certificates such as the Kimberley Process Certificate are mandatory. -
3. Certificate of origin
A certificate of origin is a key document confirming from which country and under what conditions the stones were mined and processed. It helps verify authenticity and supports precise identification and valuation. If it is not properly presented, clearance may be impeded. -
4. Certificate of authenticity
To prevent the import of fake stones, authenticity must be confirmed by recognized international laboratories. For valuable diamonds and emeralds, certificates issued by reputable labs are typically required. They specify stone type, purity, weight, and other important characteristics and serve as primary documentation during customs clearance. -
5. Quality standards
Quality must also be assessed. Any defects or quality degradation should be noted so they are considered during valuation. Quality evaluations are typically performed by experienced customs experts or accredited labs and cover features such as color, clarity, cut, and weight.
Use of Precious Stones
Precious stones are primarily used to produce jewelry and ornaments. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are employed for high-end rings, necklaces, earrings, and bracelets. Owing to their beauty and high value, they hold a prominent place in jewelry making. Additionally, diamonds thanks to their very high hardness are used in industries such as cutting and drilling.
Important Clearance Notes (HS Codes)
Each precious stone must be cleared under its specific tariff line. Below are the main types and their related HS codes:
| Stone / Item | Short Description | HS Code |
|---|---|---|
| Rough diamonds (non-industrial) | Gem quality, unworked | 7102.10 |
| Industrial rough diamonds | Industrial use | 7102.21 |
| Worked diamonds | Cut / polished | 7102.31 |
| Emerald (rough / unworked) | Green precious stone | 7103.10 |
| Worked emerald | Cut | 7103.91 |
| Ruby / Sapphire (rough) | Red / blue precious stone | 7103.10 |
| Worked ruby / sapphire | Cut | 7103.91 |
| Turquoise (rough) | Semi-precious | 7103.10 |
| Turquoise (worked) | Semi-precious | 7103.91 |
| Topaz (rough / unworked) | Color varieties | 7103.10 |
| Worked topaz | Cut | 7103.91 |
| Agate (rough / unworked) | Semi-precious | 7103.10 |
| Worked agate | Semi-precious | 7103.91 |
| Natural / cultured pearls | Unworked | 7101.10 |
| Worked pearls | Worked / polished | 7101.21 |
| Amber (raw / natural) | Fossil organic material | 7103.10 |
| Worked amber | Worked / polished | 7103.91 |
Import/Export Volumes, Global Flow & Trade Partners
As one of the larger jewelry markets in the Middle East, Iran supplies part of its demand for precious stones via imports. Countries such as India, Russia, South Africa, and Brazil are among the main exporters of precious stones to Iran. Import volumes fluctuate with market demand and global price movements, but generally Iran imports millions of dollars’ worth of gemstones annually—especially diamonds and emeralds.
On the other hand, jewelry manufactured with these stones is exported to regional markets particularly GCC countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait as well as Europe. These exports contribute meaningfully to Iran’s economy, as Iranian jewelry, known for distinctive designs and quality gemstones, is well received abroad.
Global circulation of precious stones
The global precious-stone market is vast, with annual turnover reaching billions of dollars. Countries that are major producers and exporters command a significant share. Because precious stones are both luxury and investment goods, demand remains high. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are among the most traded gemstones worldwide.
Leading exporting countries
Russia: one of the world’s largest diamond producers, with rich deposits accounting for a major share of global output.
South Africa: a key producer of diamonds and emeralds and a major hub for gemstone exports.
India: a global center for cutting and polishing diamonds; significant volumes of worked stones and gemstone jewelry are exported from India.
Brazil: an important source of gemstones such as emeralds and rubies; exports form a major part of its gemstone trade.
Major importing countries
United States: the largest importer of gemstones and jewelry globally, driven by a vast luxury and investment market.
China: another top importer; the growth of the luxury/jewelry market has spurred strong demand.
United Arab Emirates: Dubai is a regional trading hub and one of the world’s largest importers and distributors of gemstones and jewelry.
On the other hand, jewelry manufactured with these stones is exported to regional markets particularly GCC countries like the United Arab Emirates, Qatar, and Kuwait as well as Europe. These exports contribute meaningfully to Iran’s economy, as Iranian jewelry, known for distinctive designs and quality gemstones, is well received abroad.
Global circulation of precious stones
The global precious-stone market is vast, with annual turnover reaching billions of dollars. Countries that are major producers and exporters command a significant share. Because precious stones are both luxury and investment goods, demand remains high. Diamonds, emeralds, rubies, and sapphires are among the most traded gemstones worldwide.
Leading exporting countries
Russia: one of the world’s largest diamond producers, with rich deposits accounting for a major share of global output.
South Africa: a key producer of diamonds and emeralds and a major hub for gemstone exports.
India: a global center for cutting and polishing diamonds; significant volumes of worked stones and gemstone jewelry are exported from India.
Brazil: an important source of gemstones such as emeralds and rubies; exports form a major part of its gemstone trade.
Major importing countries
United States: the largest importer of gemstones and jewelry globally, driven by a vast luxury and investment market.
China: another top importer; the growth of the luxury/jewelry market has spurred strong demand.
United Arab Emirates: Dubai is a regional trading hub and one of the world’s largest importers and distributors of gemstones and jewelry.
Required Documents for Clearing Precious Stones
Clearing precious stones given their high value and legal sensitivities requires precise documentation to verify authenticity, valuation, and origin. These documents must be prepared and submitted accurately to avoid delays or complications.
1. Commercial Invoice
Details the stone type, weight, quantity, value, and terms of sale. All information must exactly match the shipment.
2. Certificate of Origin
Identifies the producing country and is used for customs duties and preferential trade treatments. Usually issued or endorsed by the chamber of commerce or competent authority.
3. Certificate of Authenticity
Issued by reputable international bodies or gem labs, confirming type, purity, weight, and other attributes critical to prevent counterfeit stones.
4. Quality Certificate
Confirms the stones meet international quality standards; issued by accredited laboratories and covers physical/chemical specifications.
5. Customs Declaration
Must precisely state type, weight, quantity, and value. Any errors or inconsistencies may cause delays or legal issues.
6. Import License
In some cases, permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade or other authorities are required, depending on stone type and origin.
7. Kimberley Process Certificate
Mandatory for rough diamond imports. It certifies legal, conflict-free sourcing. Without it, rough diamond clearance is not possible.
8. Bill of Lading
Issued by the carrier; shows how and under what conditions the goods were transported required to take delivery and complete clearance.
9. Packing List
Gives detailed information about each package—counts, packaging type, and contents helping customs verify alignment with documents.
10. Health & Safety Permits (if required)
Needed in special cases (e.g., stones containing particular substances or sourced from countries with specific health regulations).
11. Insurance Documents
Prove the shipment was insured during transport essential for high-value cargo like gemstones.
12. Environmental Clearance
When applicable, confirms compliance with environmental regulations in line with domestic and international requirements.
1. Commercial Invoice
Details the stone type, weight, quantity, value, and terms of sale. All information must exactly match the shipment.
2. Certificate of Origin
Identifies the producing country and is used for customs duties and preferential trade treatments. Usually issued or endorsed by the chamber of commerce or competent authority.
3. Certificate of Authenticity
Issued by reputable international bodies or gem labs, confirming type, purity, weight, and other attributes critical to prevent counterfeit stones.
4. Quality Certificate
Confirms the stones meet international quality standards; issued by accredited laboratories and covers physical/chemical specifications.
5. Customs Declaration
Must precisely state type, weight, quantity, and value. Any errors or inconsistencies may cause delays or legal issues.
6. Import License
In some cases, permits from the Ministry of Industry, Mine and Trade or other authorities are required, depending on stone type and origin.
7. Kimberley Process Certificate
Mandatory for rough diamond imports. It certifies legal, conflict-free sourcing. Without it, rough diamond clearance is not possible.
8. Bill of Lading
Issued by the carrier; shows how and under what conditions the goods were transported required to take delivery and complete clearance.
9. Packing List
Gives detailed information about each package—counts, packaging type, and contents helping customs verify alignment with documents.
10. Health & Safety Permits (if required)
Needed in special cases (e.g., stones containing particular substances or sourced from countries with specific health regulations).
11. Insurance Documents
Prove the shipment was insured during transport essential for high-value cargo like gemstones.
12. Environmental Clearance
When applicable, confirms compliance with environmental regulations in line with domestic and international requirements.
Need precise HS classification, Kimberley certification, and document preparation? Our team handles the file end-to-end.
Request a ProformaFAQs
What document is mandatory to import rough diamonds?
The Kimberley Process Certificate is mandatory for importing rough diamonds; without it, clearance is not possible.
What are the key HS codes for gemstones?
Pearls: 7101; diamonds: 7102; other precious and semi-precious stones (rough/worked): mainly 7103.10 and 7103.91, depending on type and processing.
What documents are required for clearance?
Commercial invoice, certificate of origin, authenticity/quality certificates, customs declaration, import license (as applicable), bill of lading, packing list, insurance documents, and for rough diamonds, the Kimberley certificate.
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Summary & Call to Action
With our specialized services, clients can benefit from swift, worry-free clearance of precious stones.
Request Expert Advice Get a Clearance ProformaSpecialized Customs Services by Saba Brokerage
Clearing precious stones requires high levels of care and expertise due to their value and legal/financial sensitivities. Given the complexity of customs and international rules, services designed to streamline this process must be comprehensive and specialized. A professional team can provide end-to-end support for precious-stone clearance. Key services include:
1. Pre-import advisory: Providing precise guidance so importers/exporters fully understand the rules and make the best decisions for importing or exporting precious stones.
2. Document preparation and review: Preparing all required documents authenticity certificates, certificates of origin, and more—so the clearance path proceeds quickly and smoothly.
3. End-to-end customs execution: Full follow-up of all administrative steps to prevent delays and ensure the shipment is released in the shortest possible time.
4. Compliance with international standards: Ensuring full adherence to international frameworks such as the Kimberley Process and other trade standards to minimize legal/financial risks.
5. Cost optimization: Leveraging experience to reduce costs through optimized processes and suitable strategies, minimizing unnecessary expenses.
With professional services, importers and exporters can confidently complete precious-stone clearance and overcome all customs hurdles.
