Unsorted diamonds — a mixed lot that has not yet been separated into industrial and gem-quality categories — occupy a distinct classification that reflects the rough-diamond trading pipeline before sorting occurs at major cutting and trading centers. South Africa and Botswana are the leading sources of US imports under this heading, consistent with their roles as major primary producers. Compliance with the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a mandatory condition of entry for rough diamonds, requiring a government-issued certificate accompanying each shipment. Importers must ensure that KPCS documentation is in order before arrival, as non-compliant shipments are subject to refusal of entry under US law implementing the Clean Diamond Trade Act.

AI-written summary of the official U.S. Census Bureau trade figures on this page — verify before relying on it.