Is it possible to say where a rough diamond is from?

A number of researchers are working on different analytical techniques that could enable them to determine where an individual stone comes from. However, to date, there is no scientific consensus on the best methods. The Kimberley Process relies on administrative controls to track stones from mine to export, and subsequent trading. The Kimberley Process (KP) is investigating the possibility of detecting anomalies both from ‘footprinting' (study of the overall characteristics of production/exports) and ‘fingerprinting' (identification of individual stones) and how these methods might strengthen KP implementation.

My company wants to ensure it complies with Kimberley Process requirements, what do we need to do?

Companies need a Kimberley Process (KP) certificate when they plan to export rough diamonds from a participant country if the diamonds fall under the relevant customs tariff (subheadings 7102.10, 7102.21 or 7102.31) in the schedule to the Customs Tariff. The exporting authorities in both country of export and the destination country require this certificate to verify that the exporter is meeting all KP requirements. The KP secretariat can help you in contacting the national KP authorities in your country. In order to strengthen the credibility of the agreement, the industry body, the World Diamond Council proposed that the industry create and implement a ‘System of Warranties' for diamonds. Under this system, which has been endorsed by all Kimberley Process participants, buyers and sellers of both rough and polished diamonds must make the following statement on all invoices: "The diamonds herein invoiced have been purchased from legitimate sources not involved in funding conflict and in compliance with United Nations resolutions. The seller hereby guarantees that these diamonds are conflict free, based on personal knowledge and/or written guarantees provided by the supplier of these diamonds." More detail on the related record-keeping arrangements and principles adopted by industry organisations are available at the following website.

Which HS codes fall under the Kimberley Process?

The KP governs production and trade in rough diamonds only (HS codes 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31). For further information on these classifications see the WCO website. Polished diamonds do not require a Kimberley Process certificate. Questions or uncertainties about HS codes should be raised first with the national authorities of the exporting country.
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