Scheme to support MSME diamond exporters and safeguard domestic industry

Department of Commerce, Government of India has introduced the Diamond Imprest Authorization (DIA) Scheme on 21st of January 2025, aiming to enhance the global competitiveness of India’s diamond sector. This scheme provides a streamlined mechanism for duty free import of Natural Cut and Polished Diamonds, and there by promoting value addition and boosting exports. The Scheme will be implemented with effect from 01.04.2025.

Key Features of the Scheme:

• This scheme allows the duty-free import of Natural Cut and Polished Diamonds, of less than ¼ Carat (25 Cents).
• This scheme mandates export obligation with a value addition of 10%.
• All Diamond exporters holding Two Star Export House status and above and having US $15 Million exports per year, are eligible for availing the benefit under this scheme.

The scheme is made in response to Beneficiation policies undertaken in a number of natural diamond mining countries like Botswana, Namibia Angola etc where Diamond manufactures are obliged to open cut and polishing facilities for a minimum percentage of value addition. This scheme is aimed towards retaining India’s position as a global leader in the entire value chain of Diamond industry. 

The scheme is designed to provide a level playing field for Indian diamond exporters, particularly MSME exporters, enabling them to compete effectively with larger peers. It aims to prevent the potential flight of investments by Indian diamantaires to diamond-mining destinations. Additionally, the scheme is expected to generate more employment opportunities, particularly for diamond assorters and in the processing of semi-finished diamonds in factories. By facilitating Indian exporters, it seeks to protect the domestic diamond processing industry and sustain the associated employment.

The DIA Scheme reinforces India’s position as a leading player in the global diamond trade, ensuring compliance with international standards while facilitating ease of doing business. This scheme also expected to create employment opportunities for skilled craftsmen in diamond industry and is also expected to increase the export of Cut and Polished Diamond from India.

The diamond industry is witnessing a steep decline in exports and job losses for the workers. This scheme is expected to combat this trend and will rejuvenate the Diamond Industry.

Duty-free import of natural cut and polished diamonds tied to value-add export obligation to boost competitiveness. The Diamond Imprest Authorization Scheme permits duty-free import of Natural Cut and Polished Diamonds below 1/4 carat subject to a mandatory export obligation requiring 10% value addition; it applies from 01.04.2025 and is available to exporters holding Two Star Export House status and above who meet the stated export performance criterion.