The Kimberely Process

By Ronna Lin

The Kimberley Process (KP) is a worldwide certification system that regulates the trade of diamonds established in 2000. It ensures that diamonds passed through this process are not financing violence in the participating countries. The KP facilitates trade of rough diamonds between participating countries through an international certification scheme that makes the trade more transparent and secure.

There are 56 active countries who participate in the KP. During transportation, rough diamonds must be in a sealed container and shipped with a Process Certificate that certifies the diamonds are conflict-free. The Kimberley Process forms the rules that govern the trade in rough diamonds and each participant must meet a set of minimum requirements.