Two mid-2026 trade changes matter for anyone buying loose coloured stones into the United States or the EU. Neither replaces your own broker. Both change the gap between a WhatsApp stone price and what clears customs. This article is trade reporting, not legal or customs advice.
On the US side, Roskin Gem News Report (5 August 2026) summarises AGTA alerts on USTR Section 301 tariffs that took effect 24 July 2026 after a temporary 10% global surcharge expired. AGTA's preliminary review, as reported there, says loose coloured gemstones from India and Sri Lanka face 10%, while Thailand and Vietnam face 12.5%. Some origins (including EU and Switzerland) are described as exempt for loose coloured stones, pearls and gem-quality diamonds. Several African producers named in the piece were outside the investigation set. Brazil is on a separate track: 25% on polished loose coloured stones from 22 July, with rough exempt. Cutting-hub substantial transformation can drive the duty line even when the mine story is Ceylon or Mozambique.
On the EU side, Access2Markets (30 June 2026) explains that from 1 July 2026 the old duty-free treatment for consignments of intrinsic value €150 or less ends for distance sales. A temporary €3 customs duty per declared item applies until 1 July 2028, alongside whatever VAT rules already applied. How lines are grouped on the declaration affects how many €3 charges appear.
For Gem Shop clients in Prague, wider EU, the US and the UAE, our rule does not change. Listing price is the stone only. We quote landed cost components on WhatsApp before payment. Video still comes first. Tariff tables are not a substitute for a formal entry filing.
