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Are you are importing Gold or Gemstones into the UK
Rule number 1 – speak to an expert such as Aerona

Importing gold or gemstones into the UK can be a challenge.  First of all you need to consider any prohibitions or quotas that may be in force. Secondly you have to think about Import Licensing Restrictions.  You also have to take into account the Rates of Duty Payable on the goods when you enter the UK.

One other important factor you must not forget is the Safety and Technical Standards, and you must make sure your gold or gemstones fully adhere to these.

Basically you can import gold and gemstones without a license except for uncut (rough) diamonds.

You must remember that you can only import or export rough diamonds to and from countries in the Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme. Otherwise your goods may be seized!

You must obtain a KP Certificate for each rough diamond shipment outside the UK.

Also, from the 1st January 2021 the UK became an independent participant of the KP.  Aerona strongly advise you to check how this could affect you.

If you plan to import or export rough diamonds between the UK and the EU:

All rough diamonds imported from EU countries into the UK need a EU-issued KP Certificate. If you are planning to import rough diamonds into the UK you must obtain a EU-issued KP Certificate from the relevant EU KP Authority.

Alternatively contact Aerona to organise this on your behalf.

There are many more restrictions and considerations to be taken into account when you are importing gold or gemstones into the UK. Our advice is to consult Aerona before you proceed.

For example, imported gemstones must be certified by a gemological laboratory. Always obtain a Certificate of Authority.

Certificates do provide identifying information about your stone. The Certificate will not, however, provide a monetary figure confirming the value of your stone.

Remember … certification must be completed by a third party that is independent from the transaction.

There is a great deal to consider when you are importing or exporting gold or gemstones.

For example:

Why you should buy ethical gemstones …

*  Are they responsibly sourced materials?

*  Are they responsibly sourced materials?

*  Are you supporting small businesses?

*  Are you aware of worker’s rights?

So ask yourself these questions …

*  Where are the gemstones sourced?

*  Where are the mining sites and have you visited them?

*  Where were the stones cut and polished?

*  What is the whole process from start to end?

*  Is there evidence for each of these questions?

As you can see there is a great deal to consider when importing gold or gemstones into the UK. We recommend that you consult an expert organisation such as Aerona who has an enormous amount of experience on this subject. You can rely on us to provide all the help and assistance you may require.

You can contact Aerona by telephoning 0161 652 3443. You could also email us at: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or you can send us a message using the form that can be found on our Contact page. Please remember, at Aerona we are here to help you.   

Case Study
A customer contacted us, to say that he was in Vietnam on a business trip and had purchased some gemstones but did not know what documentation was required to be able to get them through customs on arrival back in the UK. Our customer thought he could just purchase the Gemstones and bring them back home without any paperwork. 

We advised him on the correct documentation that was required and arranged for the import declarations to be sent to him before boarding his plane home. All within the space of 24 hours from contacting us over the weekend.