Editor’s Note
This article outlines the core function of the Kimberley Process (KP), a tripartite initiative to stem the trade in conflict diamonds. It explains the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) and its role in certifying compliant rough diamonds.
Key Points
- KP unites governments, industries, and civil society to reduce conflict diamond trade.
- KPCS, launched in 2003, ensures rough diamonds are KP-compliant.
- Participants enforce regulations and verify exports with KP certificates.
The Kimberley Process (KP) is a coalition of governments, civil society organisations, and diamond industries in reducing the flow of conflict diamonds. The Kimberley Process stands at the forefront of the global effort to ensure that diamond markets are free from conflict, promoting transparency and accountability across nations. At present, KP has 60 participants which represents 86 countries including the European Union countries as 1 participant. These contribute to 99% of the global rough diamond production and trade.
The Kimberley Process is the coming together of various governments, civil societies, and diamond industries to reduce the trade of conflict diamonds, also known as rough diamonds. The Kimberley Process (KP) is open to any country that can meet its standards. Currently, it comprises 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the EU and its 27 Member States counted as one participant under the European Commission.
Conflict diamonds qualify the rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance armed conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments.
The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is the mechanism the KP uses to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds. It was launched in 2003 and was enforced individually by KP Participant countries to ensure that rough diamonds in the legitimate supply chain are KP-compliant. The Participants in the KPCS must comply with the following fundamental requirements:
Participant countries must enforce stringent legal and regulatory standards to control the import and export of rough diamonds and ensure adherence to KP requirements.
Participants commit to transparent practices, which are crucial for the integrity of the diamond supply chain, by exchanging accurate and timely statistical data.
Every diamond export is closely inspected and must be accompanied by a valid KP certificate, certifying that the diamonds are conflict-free to prevent the entry of illicit stones into the market.
Trade is permitted only between certified KP members who comply fully with these international standards, safeguarding the legitimacy of the diamond trade.
The KP brings together diverse groups representing key stakeholders across the diamond industry, fostering a uniquely collaborative environment through its tripartite structure.
Countries that have fully committed to the KP standards and actively prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
Industry and civil society groups that play a pivotal role in monitoring the effectiveness of the KP, offering insights and support to strengthen the certification scheme.
