General Information
The Kimberley Process Certification System for the International Trade in Rough Diamonds was established in order to eliminate trade in conflict diamonds, which may be directly connected with the financing of armed conflicts, the actions of movements which intend to undermine or to overthrow legitimate governments, as well as the illegal trade and proliferation of arms, especially the small arms and light weapons.
With the purpose of elimination of conflict diamonds, a number of resolutions have been adopted by the Security Council of the United Nations.
For the implementation of the Kimberley Process, the European Union issued Regulation 2368/2002. The implementing law is Law no. 266(I)/2004.
In the Republic of Cyprus there is no Union authority duly authorised to issue/confirm the Kimberly Process certificates, within the framework of EU Regulation 2368/2002. As a result, the import/export of rough diamonds that originate in third counties which participate in the Kimberley Process into/from the Republic of Cyprus must be effected though an EU Member State where there is a Union authority which is authorised to issue/confirm the necessary Kimberley Process certificates.
The import from/export to countries that do not participate in the Kimberley Process is prohibited.
More information can be found in the practical guide for participants in the Kimberley Process and for companies engaged in the rough diamond trade with Europe. (Guide for traders of rough diamonds)
