Transit of rough diamonds
Background information
During the 1990s it became clear that the civil wars taking place in Africa were principally being financed by illicitly mined diamonds ("blood diamonds"). In order to prevent the illegal trade in diamonds and end the civil wars a number of diamond-producing countries in southern Africa agreed to set up an international certification system for the diamond trade.
The Kimberley process regulations have been in force since 2002. By now more than fifty states, or associations of states like the European Union, and representatives of industry and non-governmental organisations are participating in the process. The transit of rough diamonds is therefore permitted only under certain conditions.
What must be borne in mind when rough diamonds are moved through the EU?
If rough diamonds are to be imported or exported they must be submitted to a Community authority for inspection.
Where it is intended only to move the rough diamonds for transit purposes - that is, to import and re-export them without further customs-approved treatment for e.g. logistical reasons, the obligation to submit them to a Community authority is waived in principle if the following conditions are met:
- The shipment is accompanied by a valid original certificate, and the rough diamonds are contained in a tamper-resistant container sealed by the issuing authority.
- The raw diamonds are being imported solely for the purpose of transit.
- The purpose of transit is clearly evident from the certificate.
- The shipment of rough diamonds originates from a country that is participating in the Kimberley process, and is also destined for such a country.
On entry into the EU the shipment must be presented to the customs authorities, who then verify compliance with the requirements.
The certificate is a properly issued and validated document issued by the authorised authority of the participating country concerned. It confirms that the requirements of the Kimberley process are being complied with.
You can find the list of states participating in the Kimberley process and the relevant contact details in the "Participants, contact" section.
Breaches of the Kimberley process certification system are subject to administrative fines.
Specific rules for the participation of Greenland in diamond transit
Greenland has been included in the Union system of certification and import and export controls for rough diamonds since 9 April 2014. In this context, Council Decision No 136/2014/EU of 20 February 2014 lays down specific rules and procedures to enable Greenland to participate in the Kimberley Process.
