Rough Diamonds

General Information

To stop trade in "conflict diamonds" from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of rebel movements and illicit proliferation of armament, the Kimberley Process, a negotiating forum originated from discussions in the United Nations General Assembly regarding rebel activities in some parts of Africa and comprising rough diamond trading entities including the People's Republic of China, the European Community, the US, Israel, India, Japan, South Africa, the diamond industry and civil society, implemented a Certification Scheme for rough diamonds on 1 January 2003. Details about the Kimberley Process can be found at the Kimberley Process website at http://www.kimberleyprocess.com.

The Certification Scheme in Hong Kong commenced on 2 January 2003. Under the Import and Export Ordinance (Cap. 60 of the Laws of Hong Kong) and its subsidiary legislation , the imports and exports of rough diamonds must be covered by valid Kimberley Process Certificates (Import) and Kimberley Process Certificates (Export) respectively issued by the Director-General of Trade and Industry. Certificates are issued to traders registered with the Trade and Industry Department as rough diamond traders.