How the Kimberley Process Works

The Kimberley Process is an international government-led framework created to reduce trade in conflict rough diamonds. Participating jurisdictions control rough-diamond imports and exports, exchange trade data and require qualifying shipments to travel in tamper-resistant containers with validated certificates. Its formal conflict-diamond definition focuses on rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict against legitimate governments. That scope is narrower than many consumers assume. The process does not grade polished diamonds, does not issue a retail ethics certificate for an individual stone and does not cover every concern involving labour, state violence, environmental harm or human rights. Buyers should understand both its contribution and its limitations.

Why the Process Was Created

Conflict diamonds became a major international concern during civil wars in parts of Africa during the 1990s.

Governments, industry and civil-society organisations developed a certification system focused on rough-diamond trade.

The scheme entered operation in 2003.

How the System Operates

Participants implement domestic controls and trade rough diamonds only with other participants.

International rough shipments require validated certificates and tamper-resistant containers.

Trade statistics and review mechanisms support monitoring, although implementation quality can vary.

The Formal Scope

The scheme’s core definition addresses rough diamonds used by rebel movements or their allies to finance conflict against legitimate governments.

It applies to rough diamonds rather than finished jewellery.

That legal scope should be stated accurately rather than expanded through marketing.

What It Does Not Cover

It is not a complete test of labour practices, environmental impact, corruption, state abuse or community benefit.

It does not grade or identify the diamond gemmologically.

It does not guarantee that every later polished-stone transaction has a complete chain of custody.

Due Diligence Beyond the Scheme

Responsible buyers can request supplier policies, invoice warranties, source representations and risk-based due diligence.

The World Diamond Council System of Warranties extends written assurances through industry invoices, but it remains distinct from a government certificate.

OECD guidance provides broader risk-management principles for mineral supply chains.

What This Means for a Private Buyer

Treat Kimberley participation as a baseline control for rough trade, not a complete ethical conclusion.

Use the Responsible Sourcing guide hub, the focused Kimberley certification guide and the explanation of Kimberley Diamonds: The Name, the Region, the Process. Pelican can review available sourcing documentation through private sourcing.

Explore private sourcing.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Kimberley Process?

It is an international certification framework for trade in rough diamonds.

When did it begin?

The certification scheme began operating in 2003.

Does it cover polished diamonds?

Its certification mechanism applies to rough-diamond shipments, not individual polished stones.

Does it eliminate all unethical diamonds?

No. Its formal scope is narrower than all labour, environmental and human-rights concerns.

Who issues the certificates?

Government authorities in participating jurisdictions validate shipment certificates.

What should buyers check beyond Kimberley compliance?

Supplier policies, warranties, invoices, chain-of-custody information and broader risk-based due diligence.