Custom Duty & Taxes

GemsMantra · Worldwide Shipping

International Customs, Duties & Taxes

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GemsMantra ships natural gemstones, rudraksha and jewellery from India to 150+ countries, fully insured. Any import duty or local sales tax is set by your country’s customs — use the country lookup below to estimate what you may pay on delivery, and read exactly how the process works before you order.

🌎 Ships to 150+ countries 🛡️ Fully insured in transit ⏳ ~20–30 day delivery 💳 Duties paid on delivery (DDU)

How international customs works on a gemstone order

When you order from GemsMantra, the price you pay us covers the product, its GemsMantra Authenticity Report and insured international shipping. It does not include your own country’s import duty or sales tax — those are charged separately by your government’s customs department when the parcel arrives. This is standard DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) shipping, used by virtually every cross-border jeweller.

We dispatch & declareYour order ships from India, insured, with an honest commercial invoice declaring the true item and value — as customs law requires.

Customs assesses dutyOn arrival, your country’s customs applies its own duty and sales tax (VAT/GST) based on the declared value and item type.

You pay on deliveryThe courier usually pre-pays the duty and collects it from you at delivery (online payment is often possible), plus a small handling charge (typically ~US$12).

Two things decide the amount: the item type (loose gemstones are duty-free almost everywhere; finished jewellery attracts a small duty) and the declared value. Many countries also set a de-minimis threshold below which no duty is charged — for example, the USA is duty & tax-free under US$800, and Australia under A$1,000. Select your country below for the specific rates we see most often.

Customs & tax by country

Choose your destination to see the typical duty and sales-tax treatment for loose gemstones and for jewellery. These figures are compiled from our past shipments; they are a guide, not a quote — your customs office has the final word.

Duty & Tax Estimator

Select your shipping country

Loose Gemstones: Duty: 0% , Sales Tax: 0%

Jewelry:
1. Duty: 0% , Sales Tax: 0% (For invoice value less than $800)
2. Duty: 0% , Sales Tax: 4-8% (For invoice value, more than $800, as per state/city law (typically 4-8%)

Logistics Partners pay the duties beforehand on your behalf and collect these while delivering at your doorstep (online payment possible). A handling charge of $12 is added to the duty/sales tax.

For purchases above $2500 (loose gemstone or jewelry), logistics partners levy a minor merchandise processing fee of $31.50 (or 0.034% whichever is greater) as there is extra paper work needed as per the USA Patriot Act.

Please be advised that customs calculations are based on previous deliveries to your country. It is best to confirm customs charges with your local customs department for more accurate charges.

Please note: These estimates are based on our previous deliveries and can change with your local law and the declared value. For an exact figure, confirm with your local customs department. GemsMantra does not collect or profit from any customs duty — it is a government charge paid by the importer (you), and it is non-refundable if you refuse or return a parcel.

Before you order — important points

Organic gems (Red Coral, Pearl) can be restricted

A few countries restrict the import of certain organic gemstones such as Red Coral (Moonga) and natural Pearl (Moti) under wildlife or environmental rules. If you order one of these and it cannot be legally imported to your country, we’ll advise you before dispatch and help you choose an alternative or refund the item.

We declare honestly — no under-valuing

By law we must declare the true item and value on the customs invoice. We cannot mark a parcel as a “gift” or under-declare its value to reduce your duty — doing so is illegal and risks your parcel being seized. Please factor potential duty into your budget.

High-value stones ship with signature delivery

Higher-value gemstones are dispatched with signature or OTP confirmation and full insurance. If you need delivery by a specific date (for example an auspicious muhurat), tell us on WhatsApp and we’ll do our best to align dispatch.

International shipping & customs FAQ

Will I definitely have to pay customs duty?

Not always. Loose gemstones are duty-free in most countries, and many countries have a value threshold below which nothing is charged (e.g. under US$800 for the USA, under A$1,000 for Australia). Finished jewellery usually attracts a small duty. Use the country tool above to estimate.

Who pays the customs duty — you or me?

The importer pays — that is you. Duty and local sales tax are charged by your government, not by GemsMantra. The courier normally pre-pays it and collects it from you at delivery, sometimes with a small handling charge (typically ~US$12).

Is the duty included in the price I paid GemsMantra?

No. Your GemsMantra price covers the product, its Authenticity Report and insured international shipping. Import duty and local tax are separate government charges collected on arrival. This is standard DDU (Delivered Duty Unpaid) shipping.

Is customs duty refundable if I return the item?

No. Customs duty and local taxes are government charges and are non-refundable by GemsMantra, including if a parcel is refused or returned. Please see our Refund Policy for what is refundable.

Can you mark my parcel as a gift or lower value to save duty?

No. We are legally required to declare the true item and value. Under-declaring is illegal and can get your parcel seized or delayed — we won’t risk your order that way.

What if customs holds my parcel or asks for documents?

Occasionally customs may request an ID or a KYC document (common in some countries) before release. Contact us on WhatsApp with your order number and we’ll send whatever paperwork your customs needs.

How long does international delivery take?

Typically about 20–30 days, fully insured, including customs clearance time. You’ll receive a tracking link once your order is dispatched.

Which currency am I charged in?

Your order is billed in Indian Rupees (INR); your bank converts it to your local currency at its own rate. Any customs duty is charged separately by your country in your local currency.

Can I pre-pay duty so delivery is fully paid (DDP)?

For most destinations we ship DDU, where the courier collects duty on delivery. If you need a prepaid-duty (DDP) arrangement for a high-value order, ask us on WhatsApp before you place it and we’ll advise if it’s possible for your country.

Not sure about duty for your country?

Message our team with your country and what you’d like to order — we’ll give you a realistic estimate before you buy.

💬 Ask on WhatsApp

Rates are indicative and updated from real shipments · last reviewed 9 July 2026. Related: Help Center · Refund Policy · Certification & Guarantee.