The AWDC has increased its alertness over the diamonds imports from diamond producing region of Bria in the Central African Republic (CAR), the Democratic Republic of Congo, after the surge of incidents reported between different rebel groups in Bria, and the current Chair of the Kimberley Process (KP) calling to observe increased vigilance.

AWDC will act on the KP Chair’s call based on the work of the KP Working Group of Diamond Experts who will immediately start collecting relevant information to develop a footprint for the diamonds from the region of Bria.

AWDC plays a key role to the world’s diamond industry in which 80 percent of the global rough diamonds pass through Antwerp. Diamond Office, part of AWDC, and is the single entry and exit point for all imports and exports of diamond shipment. Also, the Diamond Office plays a crucial role in the campaigns to combat smuggling, money laundering and the trade in conflict diamonds, which makes the ‘extra caution’ on the diamonds being imported from Bria, as important. Diamond Office is perceived to be an ethical centre, upholding the highest standards globally for the Kimberley Process for Diamonds through its Diamond Customs Office.