The Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme for rough diamonds was launched on 1 January 2003, following a negotiating forum originated from discussions in the United Nations General Assembly regarding rebel activities in some parts of Africa. The aim of the scheme is to stop trade in "conflict diamonds" from fuelling armed conflicts, activities of rebel movements and illicit proliferation of armament. The participants of KP are rough diamond trading entities including the People's Republic of China, the European Union, the United States, the United Arab Emirates, India, South Africa, the diamond industry and civil society. Details of the KP can be found here.
The Certification Scheme for Rough Diamonds in Hong Kong, commenced on 2 January 2003, comprises a registration system for rough diamond traders and a certification system for the imports and exports of rough diamonds. 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 KP Certificates (Import) and KP 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. Schedule 7 to the Import and Export (General) Regulations (Cap. 60A) specifies the countries or places for which the certification scheme for rough diamonds in Hong Kong is effective or is permitted by the KP (the most updated list).
The Trade and Industry Department is the designated importing and exporting authority of the People's Republic of China for the purposes of implementing the Certification Scheme in Hong Kong while the Customs & Excise Department enforces the Scheme. The control schemes of the Mainland and Hong Kong are completely separated.