US Import Duties on Gemstones from India: A Simple Guide

Buying gemstones from India as a US business? Here's what you actually need to know about import duties, explained simply.

Quick note: US tariff rules on Indian imports have changed several times since 2025 and are still evolving. This guide reflects the latest information we have but always confirm exact rates with a customs broker before a large order — rules can shift with little notice.

Will I pay duty on gemstones from India?

Possibly. As of 2026, the US has two separate tariff systems that can apply to Indian gemstone imports. There's also a discussion in progress about removing duties on loose, cut gemstones from India entirely — but that hasn't been finalized yet. Right now, the safest assumption is: budget for a duty and confirm the exact amount with a broker before you buy.

Does it matter if the stone is loose or set in jewelry?

Yes, a lot. Loose (unset) gemstones and finished jewelry are treated very differently by US customs. A loose bead or cabochon is classified differently than the same stone mounted in a ring. If you're buying loose stones for your own designs — which is most of what we sell — that generally works in your favor.

Does it matter where the stone was cut, not just mined?

Yes. US customs cares about where a stone was cut and finished, not just where it came from underground. This is part of why documentation matters — having clear paperwork on origin and processing can affect your duty.

Who pays the duty — me or you?

You, the buyer. This is standard for international wholesale purchases, not specific to us. Duties are calculated and collected separately from the price you pay for the gemstones themselves.

How do I find out the exact rate for my order?

Ask a licensed customs broker. This is genuinely the best answer we can give — the rules have changed multiple times in the past year, and a broker tracking current US customs rulings will always know more than a static blog post like this one.

What can you do to help?

We can:

• Give you clear documentation on where your stones were cut and finished
• Answer questions about how a specific order is classified (rough vs. cut, loose vs. set)
• Point you to our FAQ page for more on shipping and ordering

We can't give customs or tax advice ourselves — for anything about your specific duty amount, a customs broker is your best resource.