Shipping & customs
Best-practice guidance for moving certified stones internationally. Chaos does not arrange or insure shipments — terms are agreed directly between dealer and jeweller, but these are the options we recommend.
Recommended carriers
Specialist jewellery and high-value logistics. Fully insured door-to-door. 3–5 days door to door internationally. Recommended for orders above $10,000.
Armoured carrier with declared-value insurance, used by the bullion and trade industry. Best for very high-value parcels.
Declared value up to $50,000 (subject to FedEx limits and signed shipper's release). 2–3 working days India → UK. Good balance of speed and cost.
Reliable 2–4 day international service with declared value coverage. Strong tracking; widely accepted by jewellery insurers.
Customs & duty (UK example)
Stones shipped from India to the UK are subject to UK import duty (currently 2.5% for cut diamonds, varies by HS code for coloured stones) and VAT at 20% on the import value (stone + shipping + insurance + duty). The jeweller / importer of record is responsible for clearance and duty payment.
Dealers should supply:
- A commercial invoice stating the stone’s wholesale value and HS code.
- A copy of the grading certificate (GIA, GRS, SSEF, IGI, etc.).
- Country-of-origin documentation where available.
- Kimberley Process certificate for rough/cut diamonds where required.
Risk & responsibility
Chaos does not arrange or insure shipments. Shipping terms — who pays, who insures, and when risk transfers — should be agreed between dealer and jeweller before the order is confirmed. Our recommended default is CIF (Cost, Insurance, Freight) to the jeweller’s address, so the dealer arranges insured carriage and risk transfers on delivery.
For dealers — packaging tips
- Loose stones: use a sealed gem paper inside a hard-shell gem jar, padded inside a small rigid carton. Never ship loose in a soft envelope.
- Declare value accurately on the commercial invoice — under- declaring voids insurance and can result in confiscation by customs.
- Tamper-evident packaging: use security tape and a sealed outer carton so any interference is visible on arrival.
- No "diamond" or "gemstone" labelling on the outer packaging — keep it discreet. Use a neutral description on the outer waybill where the carrier allows.
- Photograph the parcel sealed before handing it to the carrier — this protects both sides in any dispute.