Importing and exporting rough diamonds: The Kimberley Process

To enable the import and export of rough diamonds, Canada participates in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS). The Kimberley Process is an international initiative put in place to curb the trade in conflict diamonds. More than 80 countries participate, and industry and civil society are actively involved. Conflict diamonds are natural rough diamonds that are used to fund armed conflicts by rebel movements and their allies against legitimate governments.

Canada implements the KPCS through the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act (EIRDA) and its associated regulations, which are administered by Natural Resources Canada. If you import or export rough diamonds into or out of Canada, you must comply with the EIRDA.

Participating in the Kimberley Process improves global peace and security, increases transparency and traceability in the diamond industry and promotes Canada’s global leadership in responsible resource development.

Critical information for importing and exporting

Natural rough diamonds fall under the subheading 7102.10, 7102.21 or 7102.31 of the Customs Tariff’s Schedule and require a Kimberley Process Certificate. For more information on these tariff classifications, see Canada Border Services Agency’s (CBSA) memorandum (D10-17-41).

Synthetic (laboratory-grown) rough diamonds fall under subheading 7104.20.10 for exports and 7104.20.00.10 for imports of the Customs Tariff’s Schedule and do not require a Kimberley Process Certificate.

The EIRDA and its associated regulations contain Canada’s requirements for exporting and importing natural rough diamonds, including three important points:

• Canada may only trade with Kimberley Process participants listed on the Schedule of the EIRDA.
• All imported and exported rough diamonds must be accompanied by a valid Kimberley Process Certificate issued by the Kimberley Process authority in the exporting country.
• The rough diamonds must be in a tamper-resistant container. If your shipment appears to have been opened, it may be detained by customs authorities.

Canada, alongside G7 partners, also imposes import and export restrictions on Russian diamonds under the Special Economic Measures Act and its associated regulations. Learn more from Global Affairs Canada here. The associated CBSA Customs Notice and guidance is also available here.

Steps to import or export rough diamonds under EIRDA

Import rough diamonds: Four steps	Export rough diamonds: Four steps
Step 1: Learn the requirements The legal requirements for importing rough diamonds into Canada are outlined here: Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Regulations Kimberley Process – Export and Import of Rough Diamonds: Memorandum D19-6-4 Tariff Classification of Rough Diamonds, Unsorted Diamonds, and Unworked Diamonds: Memorandum D10-17-41	Step 1: Learn the requirements The legal requirements for exporting rough diamonds from Canada are outlined here: Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Regulations Kimberley Process – Export and Import of Rough Diamonds: Memorandum D19-6-4 Tariff Classification of Rough Diamonds, Unsorted Diamonds, and Unworked Diamonds: Memorandum D10-17-41
Step 2: Submit information to border services If you are an importer or broker, submit the required information to the CBSA. For specific processes related to the import of rough diamonds, review CBSA’s memorandum on the Kimberley Process (D19-6-4) as well as general guidance about importing commercial goods into Canada.	Step 2: Apply for a certificate If you are an exporter, you will need a Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate. Apply online for a certificate through the Natural Resources Canada (NRCan) Kimberley Process Portal. The application form will be made available in alternate formats, such as PDF and large print, on request. Please contact us if you require an alternate format. Take me to the NRCan Kimberley Process Portal If you are using the portal for the first time, you will need to create a new account or use your GC Key credentials. If you already have an account, you can sign up and register by following the instructions on the portal. Once your account is created, you can submit an application through the portal. More information about how to use the portal and apply is available in the NRCan Kimberley Process Portal User Guide (PDF, 1.92 mb). If you experience issues with the portal, contact us by email, phone, or submit a request directly through the portal.
Step 3: Present your certificate If you are an importer or broker, present a valid Kimberley Process Certificate from a participating country to a Canadian customs officer at the point of entry. The customs officer will stamp the certificate, then, within seven (7) days of the date of import, you must send the original certificate to NRCan by mail.	Step 3: Obtain your certificate The Kimberley Process Office Canada will review your application. If it is approved, the office will issue a certificate that is valid for 60 days and cannot be extended. Completed applications with supporting documentation are normally processed in one (1) business day (when all required information is accurate and complete). Printed certificates are mailed by priority post or courier. The time it takes to receive your certificate depends on your location and the transport company’s service standards.
Step 4: Maintain your records Keep all records related to your imported rough diamonds for at least three years. If you want to re-export any imported rough diamonds, you will need a Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate. To get it, you will need information from the Kimberley Process Certificate that accompanied the rough diamonds on import.	Step 4: Present your certificate Exporters must present a valid Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate at the time of export. CBSA will stamp the Export Declaration and the Exporter’s Copy portion of the certificate. Exporters must send the declaration to NRCan by mail within seven (7) days of the date of export and keep the Exporter’s Copy for at least three years. The certificate must accompany the shipment to the destination country. Remember to always check the import rules of the destination country.

Contact us

If you have any general questions on the import or export rough diamonds, issues accessing the NRCan Kimberley Process Portal, require assistance applying for a certificate or any other related matters, contact us and we will be pleased to assist you.

Kimberley Process Office Canada
Lands and Minerals Sector
Natural Resources Canada
580 Booth Street, 10th Floor
Ottawa ON K1A 0E4

Tel.: 1-855-525-9293

Email: Kimberley Process Office Canada

Find out more

To learn more about the Kimberley Process, visit the Kimberley Process official website.