KIMBERLEY PROCESS

What is the Kimberley Process?

• The Kimberley Process is an international certification scheme that regulates trade in rough diamonds with the aim of preventing the flow of conflict diamonds, while helping to protect legitimate trade in rough diamonds.
  
  
• The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) outlines the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds. The KPCS has developed a set of minimum requirements that each participant must meet.
  
  
• The KP is not, strictly speaking, an international organisation: it has no permanent offices or permanent staff. It relies on the contributions – under the principle of ‘burden-sharing' – of participants, supported by industry and civil society observers.
  
  
• Neither can the KP be considered as an international agreement from a legal perspective, as it is implemented through the national legislations of its participants.
  
  

Participants:

• The Kimberley Process (KP) participants are states and regional economic integration organizations that are eligible to trade in rough diamonds.
  
  
• As of November 2013, there are 54 participants representing 81 countries, with the European Community counting as a single participant. India is the founding member of KPCS.
  
  
• The participants include all major rough diamond producing, exporting and importing countries. The diamond industry, through the World Diamond Council, and civil society groups are also integral parts of the KP.
  
  

Recent development:

• The KPCS Plenary 2018, was held in Brussels, Belgium, from 12^th- 16^th November 2018. During the event, EU handed over the Chairmanship of KPCS to India from 1st January, 2019.
  
  
• India as a KP Chair, from 1^st January 2019, will be committed to make the KPCS a stronger process. India, during its Chairmanship will continue with the tradition to support the Artisanal & Small-Scale Mining (ASM) with capacity building and technical assistance.