Kimberly Process Latest News
Recently, the Kimberley Process (KP) Plenary has selected India to assume the chairmanship of the Kimberley Process from 1 January 2026.
About Kimberly Process
- It is a tripartite initiative involving governments, the international diamond industry and civil society.
- Aim: It is aimed at preventing the trade in “conflict diamonds”.
- Conflict diamonds are rough diamonds used by rebel groups or their allies to finance conflicts that undermine legitimate governments, (As defined in United Nations Security Council resolutions).
- Governance: Each year, the Vice-Chair becomes the Chair the next year. Chair and Vice-Chair are appointed by Plenary consensus.
- Participants: It currently has 60 participants representing 86 countries, with the European Union counting as a single participant.
- This will be the third time India has been entrusted with the chair of the Kimberley Process.
What is Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)
- It is the mechanism the KP uses to prevent the trade of conflict diamonds.
- It was launched in 2003, which is enforced individually by KP Participant countries to ensure that rough diamonds in the legitimate supply chain are KP-compliant.
- Since 2003, India has been actively participating in the KPCS process.
- Department of Commerce is the nodal Department
- Gem & Jewellery Export Promotion Council (GJEPC) is designated as the KPCS Importing and Exporting Authority in India.
- GJEPC is responsible for issuing KP Certificates and is also the custodian of KP Certificates received in the country.
Source: PIB
Kimberly Process FAQs
Q1: What is the main goal of the Kimberly Process?
Ans: To prevent conflict diamonds from entering the market
Q2: Why is India a significant player in the Kimberly Process?
Ans: It is because India is a major diamond cutting and polishing hub in the world.
