A lot of diamond shoppers will have heard the term “Kimberley Process”, but let’s explain the goals and the procedure step by step!
The Kimberley Process (KP) was created as a commitment to remove conflict diamonds from the global diamond supply chain. Since its creation in Kimberley, South Africa in 2000, the KP unites 82 countries around the world and has the World Diamond Council as one of its observers, as well as being underpinned by the United Nations mandate.
Providing a united front between governments, civil society, and the diamond industry at large, the KP allows for active involvement that has succeeded to prevent 99.8% of conflict diamond trade.
The KP Certification Scheme (KPCS) requires participants to follow the following steps:
- Satisfy the minimum requirements and establish national legislation, institutions, and import/export controls
- Commit to transparent practices and the exchange of critical statistical data
- Trade only with fellow members who also satisfy the fundamentals of the agreement
- Certify shipments as conflict-free and provide the supporting certification
Currently, the Russian Federation is the chair of overseeing the KPCS and committees that activate the KP, and Botswana will serve as the vice chair, eventually becoming the head chair in 2021.
Through this seamless and transparent way of distributing diamonds, all participants and countries involved are actively working towards a world free of conflict diamonds.
We are proud to say that Antares Diamonds commits to being a part of formative change and helping create a more responsible world!
You can learn more about the Kimberley Process at kimberleyprocess.com.
