Australian Jewellers: Sourcing Lab-Grown Diamonds Duty-Free From India
India's gem and jewellery exports to Australia grew 38% in 2025-26, helped by duty-free access under ECTA. A practical guide for Australian jewellers sourcing lab-grown diamonds from India.
Australian jewellers have a structural advantage when they buy from India. Under the India–Australia Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement (ECTA), in force since 29 December 2022, Australia removed tariffs on Indian-origin goods, and the trade has followed: India's gem and jewellery exports to Australia rose 38% in 2025-26 to about US$360 million, according to GJEPC. Laboratory-grown diamonds are a growing part of that. Here is how to make the most of it.
What Australian customers are asking for
Oval, elongated cushion and pear centre stones lead Australian engagement demand, often with hidden halos and slim bands, and trilogy (three-stone) rings remain popular. Lab-grown diamonds have also moved into the mainstream: national chains such as Michael Hill now sell lab-grown engagement rings, which makes customers comfortable asking independents for them. Our look at Australian jewellery trends has more.
What to source
Certified centre stones
Ovals, rounds, elongated cushions and emerald cuts from 1.00 to 3.00 ct with IGI reports.
Matched melee
For halos, pavé, trilogy shoulders and eternity bands. Consistency beats the top grade; see our melee guide.
Finished jewellery
Studs, tennis bracelets and pendants for a private-label range, also duty-free under ECTA.
Paperwork for duty-free entry
To claim the ECTA preferential rate, the goods must originate in India and the shipment needs proof of origin under the agreement, usually a certificate of origin issued in India. Ask your supplier to arrange it and send a copy ahead of the shipment, and confirm the requirements with your customs broker. Without it, the general rate applies.
- Commercial invoice describing the goods as laboratory-grown diamonds, with weight, value and tariff code
- Certificate of origin under ECTA
- Packing list and air waybill
- Copies of grading reports for certified stones
Consignments over A$1,000 need a full import declaration, normally lodged by your carrier's broker. Our importing checklist walks through every step.
GST, marking and description
GST of 10% is payable on imported goods; registered businesses can usually claim it back. Australia has no compulsory hallmarking, but metal purity stamps such as 18ct or 750 must be accurate, and under the Australian Consumer Law any description must not mislead: call grown stones lab-grown or laboratory-grown, in store, online and on receipts.
Tips from jewellers who do it well
- Start with a sample parcel to check quality and matching.
- Agree price validity periods; lab-grown prices move.
- Keep core stock of best-selling sizes; order special stones on demand.
- Keep reports and invoices together for your customers' insurance.
Oval engagement rings from our Surat workshop
Working with us
Sheladiya Diamond, the family business behind Zarna Jewels, cuts and polishes CVD diamonds in Surat. Australian jewellers can buy loose stones through Zarna B2B, with 24-hour holds and a quality check on every stone before payment, or ask us about finished and private-label jewellery.
Are lab-grown diamonds from India duty-free in Australia?
Yes, for Indian-origin goods with proof of origin under ECTA. GST of 10% still applies on import.
When did ECTA come into force?
On 29 December 2022.
Does Indian gold jewellery need hallmarking in Australia?
No, Australia has no compulsory hallmarking, but purity stamps must be accurate and descriptions must not mislead.
