The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism work collaboratively to ensure that the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (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 (KPC) required to certify the conflict-free origin of rough diamond product. Additional KPCS information can be obtained from the Department's Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) webpage. The Department's Permission to Export Rough Diamonds from Australia Fact Sheet [Related Document] provides a concise overview of the KPCS.
Categories of Rough Diamonds Subject to Export Control
The categories of diamonds subject to control are those within the Australian Harmonised Export Commodity Classification (AHECC) codes 7102.10; 7102.21; and 7102.31.
Descriptions of the categories are as follows:
- 7102.10 - unsorted, worked and unworked diamonds
- 7102.21 - industrial diamonds which are unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted
- 7102.31 - non-industrial diamonds which are unworked or simply sawn, cleaved or bruted.
Applying for a KPC
All shipments of rough diamonds exported from Australia must be accompanied by a Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) issued prior to export to certify the conflict-free origin of the rough diamond product. The Department has two systems for the issuance of KPCs: occasional export permits and frequent exporter licences.[Related Document]
Process for Occasional Exporters
Occasional export permits are suitable for applicants seeking to export a rough diamond shipment on 'one-off' or infrequent basis. These are assessed and granted on a shipment-by-shipment basis.
For permission to export a shipment of rough diamonds, the applicant should apply for a KPC by submitting a completed Occasional Exporter Application Form[Related Document] to the Department. Subject to the application being approved, the Department will issue a KPC for the specified shipment.
Process for Frequent Exporters
Companies seeking to export rough diamonds on a frequent basis may apply to be licensed as frequent rough diamond exporters. These exporters are licensed to issue KPCs for shipments of Australian-origin product only, subject to a strict schedule of licence conditions. Applicants should be advised that becoming licensed as a frequent exporter of rough diamonds is an involved process. Those considering applying for a frequent exporter licence should refer to the Frequent Exporter Application Form[Related Document] and contact the Department to discuss their requirements. Licences are valid for 12 months from the date of issue.
Procedural Information
KPC Applications
- The Occasional Exporter Application Form and Frequent Exporter Application Form[Related Document] outline the information to be provided to the Department by the exporter in support of their application. This supporting documentation should be provided at the same time the application form is submitted.
- Exporters should note that original documentation (for example, a receipt of purchase) may be required by the Department when establishing proof of origin.
- Exporters should note that applications require a current Australia wide Criminal History Check (CHC) from the Australian Federal Police, which may take up to three weeks to complete.
- The Department undertakes to process complete applications within one week of receipt, however, time delays may result from the submission of an incomplete application. While all applications will be processed expeditiously, it is in the applicants own interest to ensure that all necessary information is provided as early as possible.
Export of rough diamonds and use of the KPC
- The KPC must be presented to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service at least three hours prior to export so that the authenticity of the document can be verified and the export of the goods authorised.
- The KPC must accompany the shipment during transit and remain valid for that period. Australian KPCs are valid for 60 days from the issue date.
- The rough diamond product must be exported in a tamper-resistant container.
- The country of import must be a participant in the KPCS. A current list of participants can be obtained from the Kimberley Process
website. - It is the exporter's responsibility to have the Confirmation of Import Section of the KPC authenticated and returned expeditiously to the Department.
- Further information regarding export and import logistics can be obtained from the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.
Related Documents
Additional Information for Applicants
Queries relating to the export of rough diamonds from Australia can be directed to us at KP.EXPORT.AUSTRALIA@ret.gov.au, or to:
Minerals Development Section
Minerals Branch, Resource Division
Department of Resources, Energy and Tourism
GPO Box 1564
CANBERRA CITY ACT 2601
Queries relating to the import of rough diamonds should be directed to the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service.