27 MARCH 2019

The Jewellers Association of Australia (JAA) is pleased to announce the implementation of a new import classification which will differentiate synthetic diamonds from natural diamonds.

This announcement is the outcome of ongoing discussions between the JAA and the Department of Home Affairs which aim to align Australian tariff classifications with technological advancements impacting the jewellery industry.

Representatives from the Department of Home Affairs agreed with JAA director, Ronnie Bauer, in a telephone conversation on February 4th 2019 that the implementation of the new synthetic diamond classification was ‘a necessary step to safeguard the Australian jewellery industry’ and its customers.

The Harmonizing Systems Council is expected meet in Canberra to approve the additional code which will then be put forth to the International Policy Council. The change is listed for debate in Federal Parliament in 2021 with the new code expected to be in use by January 1st 2022.

CIBJO President Gaetano Cavalieri has been informed of this development and congratulates the JAA and Mr Bauer on achieving a positive outcome.