Kimberley Process Clarification on Semi-Cut Diamonds

Posted in News by Admin on December 7th, 2009

As response to recent reports in the media on how the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) could be circumvented by cutting and polishing a single facet to rough diamonds, the Kimberley Process would like to emphasize that these remarks are substantively incorrect.

It is incorrect that semi-cut diamonds fall outside the scope of the KPCS.

Indeed, the mentioned reports refer to a situation that existed until 2004. However, since that date, in order to close possible loopholes (such as the one alluded to in the reports), the definition of rough diamonds has been modified by the World Customs Organization (WCO) upon suggestion by the Kimberley Process. Semi-cut diamonds are classified in tariff provisions of the Harmonized Commodity Description and Coding System (HS-System) which fall squarely within the scope of the KPCS’s definition of “rough diamonds” and, consequently semi-cut diamonds remain subject to the requirements of the KPCS.

Polishing a single or a few small facets will not transform rough diamonds into polished diamonds and make these “fall off the KPCS’ radar” as was reported in the media. Rather, semi-cut diamonds are regarded as rough diamonds and their import or export remains subject to the requirements of the KPCS.

In case of uncertainty, information on what constitutes a rough diamond is included in the Explanatory Notes to the HS-Coding System (Heading 7102) available at the WCO or at your local customs agency, the local Kimberley Process Authority or the KP Working Group of Diamond Experts.