The term refers to the import of any merchandise from outside of Israel, according to established law. In the diamond industry, it naturally refers to the import of rough and polished diamonds. Diamond importing takes place according to rules and regulations established by the Ministry of Economy, appointed by the state to be responsible for this field. The Diamond and Jewelry Authority is the ministry office in charge of diamond import and export.
Over the years, the import of rough diamonds was encouraged by the state, which called for the diamond manufacturing industry in Israel to receive support. The import of polished diamonds, on the other hand, has had its ups and downs, and there were years during which it was outlawed altogether, in order to protect the local manufacturers’ market.
