Lab-grown diamond manufacturers: a guide for buyers in UAE
The UAE is a trading hub rather than a growing one, so most stock there comes from Indian and Chinese growers. Here is how UAE jewellers and traders can buy from the grower: the local hub, labelling rules, customs points and working hours.
The local trade
Dubai is the hub: the Dubai Diamond Exchange inside DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) hosts hundreds of diamond companies, many with Indian roots.
The UAE is a trading hub rather than a growing one, so most stock there comes from Indian and Chinese growers. Local wholesalers give you speed and memo; buying from the grower gives you price and control over the goods. Many buyers use both.
Labelling
There is no UAE-specific lab-grown labelling code. The safe standard is ISO 18323 and CIBJO terminology: always say "laboratory-grown" in full, never just "diamond".
Customs and tax
Lab-grown diamonds are declared under HS 7104, outside the Kimberley Process. The India–UAE trade agreement (CEPA) covers many gem and jewellery lines; confirm how your goods are treated with your clearing agent.
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
Dubai is 1.5 hours behind India, so you share almost the whole working day.
Many Indian manufacturers have a Dubai office. That is useful for local delivery and memo, but check whether you are buying from the grower or from a trading arm that adds a margin.
- 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 UAE jewellers buy lab-grown diamonds?
Dubai is the hub: the Dubai Diamond Exchange inside DMCC (Dubai Multi Commodities Centre) hosts hundreds of diamond companies, many with Indian roots. The UAE is a trading hub rather than a growing one, so most stock there comes from Indian and Chinese growers.
How should lab-grown diamonds be labelled in UAE?
There is no UAE-specific lab-grown labelling code. The safe standard is ISO 18323 and CIBJO terminology: always say "laboratory-grown" in full, never just "diamond".
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.