Kimberley Process clarifies on media reports of “Semi-Cut” diamonds

In response to recent reports in the media on how cutting and polishing a single facet to rough diamonds could circumvent the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), the Process has stated that the remarks are substantively incorrect.

The mentioned reports refer to a situation that existed until 2004. However today, polishing a single or a few small facets will not transform rough diamonds into polished diamonds and make these ‘fall off the KPCS’ radar” Rather semi-cut diamonds are regarded as rough diamonds and their import or export remains subject to the requirements of the KPCS.

Semi-cut diamonds are classified in tariff provisions of the Harmonised Commodity Description and Coding System (HS-System). Information on what constitutes a rough diamond is included in the explanatory notes to the HS-Coding System (Heading 7102) available at either the World Customs Organisation(WCO), the local customs agency, the local Kimberley Process Authority or the KP Working Group of Diamond Experts.