The Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) has introduced fresh guidelines aimed at fostering transparency and consumer trust in India’s rapidly growing diamond jewellery market. 

According to the Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC), the new standard, IS 19469:2025, aligns with global guidelines and establishes clear terminology and disclosure requirements for natural diamonds, laboratory-grown diamonds, treated diamonds, composite stones and imitations.

“By clearly defining acceptable and prohibited terms, the standard aims to eliminate ambiguity, prevent misleading descriptions and ensure that consumers are fully informed about the products they purchase,” noted GJEPC.

India, now the second-largest diamond jewellery market globally, is witnessing surging demand, with the sector valued at US$10 billion and expected to double by 2030. The new standard ensures that the term “diamond” refers exclusively to natural diamonds, while laboratory-grown diamonds must be clearly labelled using approved terms like “laboratory-grown” or “laboratory-created.” Misleading terms such as “fake” or “artificial” are expressly prohibited.

It also mandates full disclosure of treatments and provides clear definitions to prevent confusion. It likewise disallows use of abbreviations such as “lab grown,” “lab created,” “lab diamond” or “LGD.” 

“This standard will enhance consumer confidence and credibility in both natural and laboratory-grown diamond segments,” remarked Kirit Bhansali, chairman of GJEPC. “This is a major step forward in ensuring India’s diamond trade continues to lead the world with integrity and transparency.”

He added that this collaboration between BIS, GJEPC and industry stakeholders has ensured that consumers are protected and that the trade operates using uniform, internationally recognised definitions.