The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) is a joint government, industry and civil society initiative to stem the flow of conflict diamonds – rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments. The trade in these illicit stones has fuelled decades of devastating conflicts in countries including Angola, Cote d'Ivoire, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Sierra Leone.
Further information regarding the KPCS can be obtained from the Kimberley Process
website.
The KPCS imposes extensive requirements on its members to enable them to certify shipments of rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’. The KPCS bans trade in rough diamonds with non-participants so that a reduction in the illicit trade can be achieved.
KPCS Implementation in Australia
The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism work collaboratively to ensure that the KPCS is implemented efficiently and correctly in Australia. Within this arrangement the Department is designated as the Kimberley Process Export Authority, responsible for all matters relating to the export of rough diamonds from Australia. This includes issuing Kimberley Process Certificates required to certify the conflict-free origin of rough diamond product.
Exporting Rough Diamonds from Australia
Exports of rough diamonds from Australia are subject to the provisions of the Customs (Prohibited Exports) Regulations 1958. Accordingly, all shipments of rough diamonds exported from Australia must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate issued by the Department.
Information and application forms for applying for a Kimberley Process Certificate can be found on the Kimberley Process Export Application webpage.
Information regarding other Australian Government administered mineral export controls can be found on the Mineral Export Controls webpage.
Research and Statistics
The Kimberley Process website provides rough diamond production and trade statistics for KPCS participants.