BIS issues new norms for lab-grown diamonds, mandates clear labelling

Surat: The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has notified new diamond standards aligned with global norms, clearly stating that the term “diamond” will apply only to natural diamonds.

Under the new standard, India officially adopts the terms “laboratory-grown diamond” and “laboratory-created diamond”, while expressly disallowing misleading or outdated descriptions such as “fake” or “artificial” for such stones. The standard also mandates full disclosure of treatments and provides clear definitions to prevent consumer confusion. The new standards also states that abbreviations such as “lab grown”, “lab created”, “lab diamond” or “LGD” shall not be used.

The standards specify recognised manufacturing processes such as Chemical Vapour Deposition (CVD) and High Pressure High Temperature (HPHT) to ensure transparency. According to the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the newly introduced IS 19469:2025 is based on the international standard ISO 18323:2015.

The move aims to improve consumer trust, bring clarity in diamond terminology and align India’s diamond trade with international practices. BIS said the standards were framed following consultations with GJEPC and the Ministry of Consumer Affairs and are expected to remove confusion, similar to hallmarking in gold.

Kirit Bhansali, Chairman, GJEPC, said: “We thank BIS for launching the new standard aligned with globally harmonised framework for diamonds. This standard will enhance consumer confidence and credibility in both natural and laboratory-grown diamond segments. This is a major step forward in ensuring India’s diamond trade continues to lead the world with integrity and transparency.”
DeshGujarat