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Knowledge base

I sell precious stones: do I have to pay the HBJOAT tax?

Short answer

It depends on the nature of the stones, their condition, and how you market them.

The HBJOAT tax applies to cultured pearls as well as precious or fine stones, natural, synthetic or reconstituted, when they are worked but not mounted.

Works made from pearls or precious or semi-precious stones are also included.

Which stones are involved?

The official list of taxable products includes:

  • cultured pearls; ;
  • precious stones, such as diamonds, rubies, sapphires and emeralds; ;
  • precious stones, sometimes called "semi-precious stones", such as amethysts or topaz; ;
  • synthetic or reconstituted stones.

To be included as individual stones, they must be worked, whether matched or unmatched, but not mounted or set. Precious stones intended for industrial use are not covered by this category.

Are raw stones taxable?

Not automatically.

The official list covers worked but unmounted stones. A rough, unworked stone may fall under a different classification and should therefore not be considered taxable without prior verification.

The official product classification is authoritative.

Is retail sales taxable?

Yes. The retail sale in France of stones included in the list of taxable products is subject to the HBJOAT tax, except when it concerns second-hand goods.

Article L. 471-27 of the Code of Taxation on Goods and Services provides that the retail sale of HBJOAT products constitutes a taxable event, with the exception of costume jewelry and second-hand goods.

And what about wholesale between professionals?

The simple resale in its current state between professionals is not taxable.

Thus, a trader who buys worked stones from a supplier and resells them as is to a jeweler or gem-maker carries out a trading operation not subject to tax.

On the other hand, manufacturing, participation in manufacturing or importing from a country outside the European Union may constitute taxable transactions.

Concrete examples

✅ Taxable: retail sale to a private individual of a new, unmounted, cut diamond.

✅ Taxable: retail sale of a new, worked and unmounted synthetic sapphire.

❌ Not taxable: resale of stones in their original condition between two professionals as part of a trading activity.

❌ Not taxable: sale of a used stone.

⚠️ To be checked : sale of rough stones or diamonds intended for industrial use, according to their classification.

Rates and declaration

The HBJOAT tax rate is 0.19 % of the turnover excluding tax corresponding to the taxable transactions.

The declaration and payment are made on teletaxe.fr.

How to check the classification of your stones?

If in doubt, consult:

  • the official list of taxable products published by Francéclat; ;
  • the official list of gemstones available on teletax.fr; ;
  • the CPF or customs classification applicable to the product.

You can also request confirmation directly from Francéclat for a particular stone or activity.

Official sources

  • Article A. 471-8 of the Code of Taxation on Goods and Services
  • Article L. 471-27 of the Code of Taxes on Goods and Services
  • Francéclat: list of taxable products
  • Francéclat: list of gemstones
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