Home›Learning Center›GST on Diamond – Tax Rates, Making Charges & Billing Rules
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LoansJagat Team
Read Time
5 Min
16 Jul 2025
GST on Diamond – Tax Rates, Making Charges & Billing Rules
gst
The wedding of his daughter Meera was rapidly approaching and Baldev Shah, a retired schoolteacher from Surat, was overjoyed. Since he wanted to give her a diamond necklace, he went to a famous jewellery store.
At ₹5,00,000, he discovered the ideal item: a diamond necklace. "Sir, the GST on diamond jewellery is 3%," the salesperson told him as he was ready to make the transaction.
Baldev was taken aback. "GST? On a wedding gift?"
"Yes, sir," the salesman explained. "The GST rate on diamond jewellery is 3%, which includes the cost of the diamonds, the metal, and making charges. Additionally, job work charges attract a 1.5% GST."
Baldev nodded his head, understanding the total cost would be ₹5,15,000.
Later, as he presented the necklace to Meera, he smiled, "Turns out, even diamonds come with a tax!"
Moral: Always be informed about taxes, even when buying gifts.
GST on Diamond– A Short Introduction
The Goods and Services Tax (GST) on diamonds in India varies based on the type of diamond and its processing stage. As of July 18, 2022, the GST Council revised the rates to address issues related to Input Tax Credit (ITC) accumulation in the diamond industry.
GST Rates on Diamonds:
Rough or Unpolished Diamonds: These attract a GST rate of 0.25%.
Cut and Polished Diamonds: The GST rate for these diamonds was increased from 0.25% to 1.5% to resolve ITC accumulation issues.
Diamond Jewellery: Finished diamond jewellery is taxed at 3% GST, which includes the cost of the diamond, the metal, and making charges.
Impact on the Industry:
The increase in GST on cut and polished diamonds aims to streamline the tax structure and reduce the ITC accumulation faced by the sector. This adjustment is expected to release blocked working capital and stimulate industry growth.
For consumers, the GST paid on diamond jewellery is non-refundable, as there are no provisions to claim GST benefits for personal purchases. However, registered businesses can utilise the input tax credit (ITC) on eligible purchases, helping to offset the GST paid during production or procurement.
GST on Diamond – Create a Table Mentioning Different Categories of Diamond with Price and Applicable GST Rate
Category
HSN Code
GST Rate
Description
Rough or Unworked Diamonds
7101
0.25%
Includes uncut, unpolished diamonds; primarily used in industrial applications.
Cut and Polished Diamonds
7102
1.5%
Diamonds that have been cut and polished but are not yet set in jewellery.
Diamond Jewellery
7113
3%
Finished jewellery items containing diamonds, such as rings, necklaces, and bracelets.
Making Charges on Diamond Jewellery
N/A
3%
Charges for the craftsmanship involved in creating diamond jewellery; included in the total value of the jewellery.
Grading, Certification & Bank Charges
N/A
18%
Charges for processing or manufacturing services provided by third parties in the diamond industry.
Job Work Charges
N/A
1.5%
Charges for processing or manufacturing services provided by third parties in the diamond industry.
Note: The GST rates mentioned above are applicable as per the latest notifications and may be subject to changes by the GST Council.
HSN Codes for GST on Diamond – Create a Table Mentioning Diamond Types with Their Respective HSN Codes
HSN Code
Description
GST Rate
7102
Diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set
0.25%
71021000
Unsorted diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set
0.25%
71022110
Industrial diamonds, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, sorted
0.25%
71022120
Industrial diamonds, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted, unsorted
0.25%
71022910
Industrial diamonds, other than unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted
0.25%
71022990
Other diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set
0.25%
71023100
Non-industrial diamonds, unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted
0.25%
71023910
Non-industrial diamonds, cut or otherwise worked but not mounted or set
0.25%
71023990
Other non-industrial diamonds, whether or not worked, but not mounted or set
0.25%
71049100
Synthetic or reconstructed diamonds, whether or not worked or graded, but not strung, mounted or set
0.25%
71051000
Dust and powder of natural or synthetic diamonds
3%
71059000
Dust and powder of other natural or synthetic precious or semi-precious stones
3%
Impact of GST on Diamond Industry with Examples
Aspect
Description
GST Rate / Effect
Example
Simplified Tax Structure
Unified tax system replacing multiple state & central taxes
Positive
A trader sells goods worth ₹1,00,000. Under GST, 18% = ₹18,000. Single return filed. Previously, separate taxes totalled 24%.
Input Tax Credit (ITC)
Tax paid on inputs (tools, services) can be claimed back
Positive
A manufacturer buys machinery (₹90,000 GST) and raw material (₹36,000 GST), then sells goods with ₹1,80,000 GST. Pays only on the value added.
Export Promotion
GST is exempt on exports with refund provisions
0% (exports are zero-rated)
A diamond exporter buys raw material worth ₹3,00,000 + 18% GST (₹54,000), exports finished product for ₹5,00,000 with 0% GST. Gets a full refund of ₹54,000.
Job Work (Processing)
GST applies to outsourced cutting and polishing services
1.5% or 18% (depends on context)
1.5% for job work; 18% if reworking old jewellery
Jewellery Making Charges
Making charges attract GST if included in the total invoice
3%
₹3,000 GST on ₹1,00,000 jewellery incl. ₹10,000 making charge.
Exchange of Old Jewellery
GST is charged on the entire value of the new item, even if old jewellery is exchanged
3% on the new value
Exchanging ₹1L old for ₹2L new, GST on ₹2L applicable
Compliance Requirements
Small businesses face difficulty with online filing, returns, and e-invoicing
Neutral to Negative
SMEs lacking digital tools struggle with monthly filings
Unorganised Sector Issues
Many informal diamond units find it hard to register and comply
Negative
Digital GST filings are challenging for traditional artisans
Cash Flow Challenges
Businesses pay GST upfront and wait for refunds, affecting liquidity
Negative
SMEs face a working capital crunch while waiting for input credit refunds.
Transportation Cost Savings
Removal of interstate taxes like Octroi or Entry Tax
Positive
Seamless diamond transport from Surat to Mumbai
Notes:
Source References: GST Council Notifications, IndiaFilings, EbizFiling, GJEPC, Economic Times.
Export Refunds: Only available upon filing correct GST returns.
Rates as of 2025: Subject to change based on GST Council decisions.
Conclusion of GST on Diamond
GST on diamonds helps exporters by making exports tax-free (0% GST) and allowing them to claim back input tax. For example, if a diamond trader pays ₹54,000 as GST on raw materials, they can get a full refund. This reduces costs and keeps Indian diamonds competitive in global markets.
FAQs Related to GST on Diamond
Q: What is the GST rate on rough or uncut diamonds?
Rough diamonds attract a concessional GST rate of 0.25%.
Q: Is GST applicable to diamond jewellery?
Yes, finished diamond jewellery is taxed at 3% GST.
Q: Can exporters of diamonds claim GST refunds?
Yes, diamond exporters can claim refunds of input tax credits.
Q: What is the GST on diamond cutting and polishing services?
Job work services for diamonds are taxed at 1.5% GST.
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