Lab-grown diamond manufacturers: a guide for buyers in Belgium (Antwerp)
Belgium has very little growing capacity of its own; Antwerp's lab-grown stock comes mostly from India. Here is how Antwerp jewellers and traders can buy from the grower: the local hub, labelling rules, customs points and working hours.
The local trade
Antwerp is Europe's diamond centre, with a large lab-grown trade alongside natural goods.
Belgium has very little growing capacity of its own; Antwerp's lab-grown stock comes mostly from India. Local wholesalers give you speed and memo; buying from the grower gives you price and control over the goods. Many buyers use both.
Labelling
EU consumer law bans misleading descriptions. The trade follows ISO 18323 and CIBJO: "laboratory-grown diamond" in full, never "diamond" alone.
Customs and tax
Imports are declared under HS 7104 and Belgian import VAT applies. Lab-grown diamonds fall outside the Kimberley Process.
This is general guidance, not customs advice. Rules and rates change; confirm them with a licensed customs broker before you agree a landed price.
Working with a grower
India is 3.5 to 4.5 hours ahead of Antwerp.
Antwerp wholesalers mostly buy from Indian growers. Buying direct from the grower can cut out a layer of margin, but you take on shipping and import paperwork yourself.
- Run the 10 checks before you pay.
- Send the same RFQ to three suppliers.
- Ask for insured shipping to your door and agree the Incoterm in writing.
- Start with a trial parcel and check every report number on arrival.
Questions
Where do Antwerp jewellers buy lab-grown diamonds?
Antwerp is Europe's diamond centre, with a large lab-grown trade alongside natural goods. Belgium has very little growing capacity of its own; Antwerp's lab-grown stock comes mostly from India.
How should lab-grown diamonds be labelled in Belgium (Antwerp)?
EU consumer law bans misleading descriptions. The trade follows ISO 18323 and CIBJO: "laboratory-grown diamond" in full, never "diamond" alone.
From the publisher
Run INTI through the same checks.
INTI Diamonds grows CVD and HPHT lab-grown diamonds in India: white goods, fancy colours and large stones. Ask us for anything on the checklist, including a live video call of the factory before you pay.
We publish this guide. We would rather win your order by passing the checks than by hiding them.