Kimberly Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)
• It is a joint Government, International Diamond Industry and Civil Society initiative to stem the flow of Conflict Diamonds (rough diamonds used to finance the conflicts and topple the established government).
• It was started in 2003 after the United Nations General Assembly adopted a landmark resolution in 2000 supporting the creation of an international certification scheme for rough diamond. It also finds mention in the United Nations Security Council resolutions.
• India is one of the founding member of KPCS. At present, KPCS has 54 members representing 81 countries including the EU with 28 members.
• KPCS enables the participating countries to certify the shipment in rough diamonds as ‘conflict-free’ and prevent entrance of conflict diamonds in legitimate trade.
• According to the KPCS terms, member states have to meet the ‘minimum requirements’ and also put in place national legislations and institutions, export, import and internal controls, commit to transparency and exchange of statistical data.
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