Diamond Dealer License in South Africa
The Diamond Dealer License is your legal right to buy and sell rough diamonds in South Africa. The application is complex, the documentation is exacting, and one mistake can mean months of delays. We’ve guided hundreds of clients through this process. We know exactly what SADPMR expects — and we make sure your application is right the first time.
Understanding the DDL
The Diamond Dealer
License. What it is.
Why it matters.
The Diamond Dealer License (DD License) is issued by the South African Diamond & Precious Metals Regulator (SADPMR) under the Diamonds Act, 1986. It is the legal authorisation that allows a person or company to buy, sell, and trade in rough diamonds within South Africa.
The Law Is Clear
Buying or selling rough diamonds without a valid Diamond Dealer License is a criminal offence under South African law. There are no exceptions for small-scale operations or informal traders. If rough diamonds are part of your business — or you intend them to be — you need this licence before you trade.
The SADPMR was established to administer the Diamonds Act, 1986 and the Precious Metals Act, 2005. The regulatory framework exists to protect the integrity of South Africa’s diamond industry — and everyone who operates within it is expected to comply, fully, from day one.
The good news: the pathway is clear, and we know it inside out. We have guided clients from their first enquiry all the way through to licence approval — handling the complexity so you can focus on building your business.
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Issued by SADPMR
The South African Diamond & Precious Metals Regulator is the statutory authority. All applications are lodged with and assessed by SADPMR.
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Valid for 5 Years
Your DDL is valid for five years from the date of issue. It must be renewed before expiry to maintain your legal right to trade.
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Individual or Company
You can apply as a natural person or as a registered company, close corporation, partnership or joint venture. The documentation requirements differ — we guide you through both.
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Premises Inspection Required
SADPMR will conduct a physical inspection of your business premises before approving your licence. Your workspace must meet specific compliance requirements.
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Business Plan Required
Every application requires a detailed, industry-compliant business plan including a BBBEE charter. This is one of the most common reasons applications are rejected — we draft it for you.
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Technical Ability Required
You must demonstrate technical knowledge of rough diamonds. This is achieved through completing an accredited rough diamond evaluation course — which CXD provides.
Who Needs a Diamond Dealer License?
If rough diamonds are
part of your plans,
This license is not optional.
The DDL is required for anyone who intends to buy, sell, or deal in rough diamonds in South Africa — regardless of scale, frequency, or business structure. Here’s who typically comes to us.
Aspiring Diamond Dealers
You want to enter the rough diamond trade legally and build a compliant, profitable business. The DDL is your starting point — and we get you there.
Investors & Collectors
Purchasing rough diamonds as an investment or adding them to a collection requires compliance. The DDL protects both you and the stones you acquire.
Small-Scale Miners
Mining and selling your own rough diamonds requires a licence. We help artisanal and small-scale miners navigate the regulatory pathway correctly.
Jewellers & Manufacturers
If you source rough diamonds directly rather than buying polished stones, you need a DDL to do so legally — even if you’re already an established jeweller.
International Traders
Foreign nationals and companies seeking to import or export rough diamonds through South Africa must hold a valid DDL. We understand the international compliance layer too.
Companies & Partnerships
Companies, close corporations, partnerships and joint ventures all require their own DDL. Company applications have additional documentation requirements — we handle them all.
Our DDL Assistance Service
We don’t just advise.
We do the work.
The DDL application is a legal process with real consequences. A single incorrect form, a missing document, or a business plan that doesn’t meet SADPMR’s standards can mean rejection — and the government fee is non-refundable.
Our service isn’t a checklist you follow alone. Depending on your circumstances, we can be as hands-on as you need — drafting documents, reviewing your submission, and walking alongside you every step of the way. We’ve been doing this since 1998 and we know what SADPMR looks for.
Every client’s situation is different. Some need light-touch guidance. Others need us to handle everything. We’ll discuss your specific circumstances on WhatsApp and agree on the right level of support for you.
We discuss your business structure — individual vs company — and determine the right application pathway for your specific situation.
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Personalised Document Checklist
A complete, tailored list of every document SADPMR requires for your application — no guesswork, no missing items.
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Professional Business Plan Drafting
We draft your SADPMR-compliant business plan — the document most commonly responsible for rejected applications — tailored to your goals and circumstances.
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SADPMR Form Completion & Review
All application forms completed correctly and reviewed before submission. We ensure every field is accurate and every requirement is met.
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Premises Compliance Guidance
We advise you on exactly what SADPMR inspectors look for during the premises inspection — so you can prepare with confidence, not guesswork.
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Submission Ongoing Guidance
We guide you through lodging your completed application and remain available via WhatsApp to answer questions as your application progresses through the SADPMR process.
From Xanchia Roberts
“The DDL process intimidates most people — not because it’s impossible, but because nobody explains it clearly. That’s exactly what we’re here for. By the time we’re done, you’ll know every document, every step, and exactly what to expect from SADPMR.”
The Full Application Process
Step by step.
No surprises.
We’ve done this before.
The DDL application is a multi-stage process with specific requirements at each step. Most people who try to do it alone get stuck — or rejected — on the business plan, the technical ability proof, or the premises compliance. Here’s how it works, and where we step in.
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Complete Your Rough Diamond Evaluation Course
Before you can apply for a DDL, SADPMR requires proof of technical ability — your knowledge of rough diamonds. This is achieved by completing an accredited rough diamond evaluation course.
CXD offers two pathways: the online course (R5,500, self-paced) or the in-person 2-day masterclass in Margate (R15,500). Both result in an internationally recognised certificate that satisfies the technical ability requirement. We recommend starting your police clearance certificate at the same time — it can take several weeks to process.
CXD Provides This
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Prepare Your Compliant Business Premises
SADPMR will conduct a physical inspection of your premises before approving your licence. Your workspace must be set up appropriately for diamond trading — secure, professional, and compliant with regulatory standards.
We advise you on exactly what is required so you can prepare with confidence. This includes guidance on security requirements, record-keeping systems and workspace standards that SADPMR inspectors look for.
You Prepare · We Guide
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Gather Your Documentation
The SADPMR application requires a specific set of documents. We provide you with a complete, personalised checklist — and assist with compiling each item correctly. Required documents include:
- Certified copy of identity document (natural person) or certified company registration documents (CK1, articles of association, founding statement)
- Proof of authorisation to apply in a representative capacity (companies)
- Certified copies of managing director / member ID documents (companies)
- Documentary proof of registered business premises
- Valid tax clearance certificate
- Proof of adequate financial ability
- Technical ability certificate (your CXD course certificate)
- Police clearance certificate from SAPS Head Office
- Shareholders’ resolution (companies)
CXD Assists
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We Draft Your Business Plan
The business plan is the document most commonly responsible for rejected applications. SADPMR requires a detailed, industry-compliant business plan that includes a Broad-Based Socio-Economic Empowerment (BBBEE) charter development section in line with the Minerals and Petroleum Resources Development Act.
This is not a generic business plan. It needs to speak the language of the regulator — specific, compliant, and professionally presented. We draft this for you, tailored to your business structure, goals and circumstances.
CXD Drafts This
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Application Submission to SADPMR
Once all documentation is complete and your business plan is finalised, we guide you through the submission of your application to SADPMR. The non-refundable government application fee is paid at this stage directly to the regulator.
- Individual (natural person): R5,000 application fee payable to SADPMR
- Company / CC / partnership / joint venture: R10,000+ payable to SADPMR
- Fee is non-refundable regardless of outcome — this is why getting the application right the first time matters
SADPMR Fee Applies
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SADPMR Premises Inspection & Approval
After your application is received and paid, SADPMR will schedule a physical inspection of your business premises. If your premises are compliant and your documentation is in order, your Diamond Dealer License is issued.
You are then legally authorised to buy and sell rough diamonds in South Africa — with a valid licence that runs for five years from the date of issue.
SADPMR Conducts
Understanding the Costs
Two separate fees.
One clear picture.
Many people are confused about what they’re paying and to whom. There are two completely separate fees involved in the DDL process — our service fee, and the government application fee paid directly to SADPMR. Here’s the breakdown.
Our DDL Assistance Service
R4,500
This is what you pay CXD for our expert guidance, document preparation, and application management. It covers everything we do on your behalf throughout the process.
- Initial consultation & pathway assessment
- Personalised document checklist
- Professional business plan drafting
- SADPMR form completion & review
- Premises compliance guidance
- Submission support & WhatsApp assistance
Government Application Fee
Varies
This fee is paid directly to the South African Diamond & Precious Metals Regulator when you submit your application. It is completely separate from our service fee and is non-refundable regardless of outcome.
- Paid to SADPMR at time of application lodgement
- Non-refundable — getting it right first time is critical
- Renewal required before expiry of 5-year term
Need Your Technical Ability Certificate First?
The DDL requires proof
you know rough diamonds.
We teach you that too.
Before SADPMR will approve your DDL application, you need a technical ability certificate demonstrating your knowledge of rough diamond evaluation. CXD provides two accredited pathways — online at your own pace, or in-person in Margate. Both result in the same internationally recognised certificate that satisfies the SADPMR requirement. Choose the path that suits your life.
Online Rough Diamond Course
R5,500
- 14-lesson complete digital curriculum
- SADPMR-recognised technical ability certificate
- Lifetime Digital Campus access
- DDL application guidance included
- WhatsApp mentoring throughout
- Study on any device, any time
In-Person Masterclass
R15,500
- 2-day private hands-on training
- Real rough diamonds from day one
- Maximum 3 students — personal attention
- SADPMR-recognised certificate
- Flexible scheduling — your dates
- Includes online course + lifetime campus access
Start Your Application
Your license to trade.
Let’s get it done right.
WhatsApp Xanchia directly to discuss your situation. Whether you’re ready to start immediately or just exploring your options, we’ll walk you through the process, answer every question, and agree on the right level of support for your application.
No complicated intake forms. Just a conversation — and then we get to work.
Our Service Fee
R4,500
SADPMR Fee (Individual)
R5,000
SADPMR Fee (Company)
R10,000+
License Validity
5 Years
SADPMR fees are non-refundable — let’s make sure your application is right before you submit.
Common Questions
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