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The Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC) is an official document that ensures the trade of rough diamonds happens responsibly and ethically. Introduced under the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), it helps prevent the sale of conflict diamonds—diamonds that are used to fund violence or illegal activities.
What is the Kimberley Process Certificate?
A Kimberley Process Certificate confirms that a shipment of rough diamonds comes from a legitimate, conflict-free source. Every certificate carries a unique serial number and security features to maintain authenticity. It acts as a global passport for rough diamonds, allowing them to move safely through international markets while meeting ethical trade standards.
Features of Kimberley Process Certificates
Conflict-free guarantee: The certificate verifies that a diamond shipment is not “conflict diamonds,” which are rough diamonds used by rebel movements to finance wars against legitimate governments.
Government validation: The certificate is issued by a government of a participating KPCS member state after verifying the diamond’s source and authenticity.
Traceability: Each certificate is unique and contains information about the shipment, including data on its contents and country of origin.
Tamper-resistant transport: The certificate must accompany shipments of rough diamonds packed in tamper-resistant containers to ensure the contents have not been tampered with.
International trade requirement: To be traded internationally, all rough diamond shipments must have a Kimberley Process certificate and be exported/imported only between KPCS member countries.
How to apply for a Kimberley Process Certificate?
To apply for a Kimberley Process (KP) certificate in South Africa, you must hold a valid KP license, have an Inter-bank GIRO (IBG) account, and submit the application form
If you are exporting or importing rough diamonds, you must apply for a Kimberley Process Certificate from your country’s authorized government office or embassy department. The application process may vary slightly by country, but it generally involves the following steps:
- Register with the official authority overseeing diamond trade compliance.
- Prepare documents, including invoices, proof of origin, and trade details.
- Submit your application for review and verification under KPCS regulations.
- Receive your certificate once the verification process is complete.
Obtain a valid KP license
- Ensure you have a valid license to participate in the Kimberley Process.
Set up an IBG account
- You must have a valid Inter-bank GIRO (IBG) account for transactions.
Submit the application form
- Complete and submit the official “Application for Kimberley Process Certificate” form.
- This application may submit online through the relevant South African authority’s portal.
- Be prepared to upload any supporting documents required.
- Select a processing location and choose between self-pickup or courier delivery for the certificate.
Make the fee payment
- Pay the required fees for the KP certificate.
- Payment can typically made online via a payment gateway or offline by cheque or Demand Draft.
It is important to check your embassy’s official website for the most recent 2025 application guidelines, documentation requirements, and fees before submitting your request.
Usage of the Kimberley Process Certificate
The certificate must accompany every shipment of rough diamonds during export, import, and customs inspection. It proves that the diamonds meet international ethical standards and are free from conflict involvement. For traders and exporters, this certificate not only ensures compliance but also builds trust and transparency in global trade.
Kimberley Certificate costs
The Certificate costs at least $350 in the United States.
In order to export a rough diamond with a Kimberley Certificate in the United States, The Raw Stone must work with one of three logistics companies that are licensed to give out Kimberley Certificates. Those logistics companies include Brinks, Malca Amit and Ferrari Express. The only service these logistics companies use to export a loose rough diamond is armored delivery and the cost for armored delivery starts at $300 and that does not include the cost that the companies charge for the Kimberley Certificate as well which is at least $50.
Why it Matters?
In 2025, the Kimberley Process remains a key part of promoting ethical sourcing and responsible diamond trade. By following this certification process, countries and businesses contribute to global peace efforts, sustainable development, and fair trade practices.
The Kimberley Process Certificate is more than a legal requirement—it is a commitment to ensuring that every diamond traded reflects integrity and ethical responsibility.
Which countries are members of the Kimberley Process in 2025?
Africa
Asia
Europe
| Belarus | Switzerland |
| European Union | Ukraine |
| Norway | United Kingdom |
| Russian Federation | |
North America
Oceania
South America
FAQ
1. Which HS codes fall under the Kimberley Process?
The KP governs production and trade in rough diamonds only (HS codes 7102.10, 7102.21 and 7102.31). Polished diamonds do not require a Kimberley Process certificate.
2. Did the Certificate is a logistical document rather than a statement of ethicality or origin?
A Kimberley Certificate does not provide any guarantees or statements of origin, sustainability or ethicality. It simply states that the rough diamonds mentioned on the form exported from a certain country under the provisions of the Kimberley Process. This therefore allows the rough diamond to pass through customs. Currently there are no diamond-producing or large diamond trading countries that are not part of the Kimberley Process.
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