Importing and exporting rough diamonds: The Kimberley Process
If you import or export rough diamonds into or out of Canada, you must comply with the Kimberley Process. This page tells you how and why.
Conflict diamonds are natural rough diamonds that are used to fund armed conflicts against legitimate governments. They constitute a small percentage of the international diamond trade, but they can devastate peace, security and sustainable development in the affected countries.
The Kimberley Process is an international initiative put in place to curb the trade in conflict diamonds. This joint initiative of governments, industry and civil society now has more than 50 participants, including Canada. In fact, Canada’s provisions exceed the Kimberley Process’s minimum requirements.
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.
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 Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act and its associated regulations contain Canada’s requirements for exporting and importing natural rough diamonds, including three important points:
- Canada may only trade with participants listed on the Schedule of the Export and Import of Rough Diamonds Act.
- 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. That means that if it’s been opened, it must show that it’s been opened. If your shipment appears to have been opened, it may be detained by customs authorities.
Steps to import or export rough diamonds
| 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 D-19-6-4 |
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 D-19-6-4 |
| Step 2: Submit information to border services If you’re an importer or broker, submit the required information to the Canada Border Services Agency using the Single Window Initiative (SWI) and the Integrated Import Declaration (IID) up to 90 days in advance of the diamonds’ arrival at the border. Then, you or your broker can receive decisions about the diamonds’ release. You may also use the Customs Automated Data Exchange (CADEX) system and Customs Declaration (CUSDEC) system. Refer to the mapping requirements listed in the Electronic Commerce Client Requirements Document, Chapter 14. A paper process at the border is supported if you don’t have a broker, but it’s slower than the automated process. |
Step 2: Apply for a certificate If you’re an exporter, you will need a Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate. Download and fill in the PDF application and email or mail it to the Kimberley Process Office. (There’s a guide at the back of the form to help you complete the application.) If you have questions or can’t access the application, contact: Kimberley Process Office |
| Step 3: Present your certificate If you’re 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 days of the date of import, you must forward the original certificate to: Kimberley Process Office |
Step 3: Obtain your certificate The Kimberley Process Office will review your application. If it’s approved, the office will issue a certificate that’s valid for 60 days and can’t be extended. Under normal circumstances, completed applications with supporting documentation are processed in one business day. 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’ll need a Canadian Kimberley Process Certificate. To get it, you’ll 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. The Canada Border Services Agency will stamp the Export Declaration and the Exporter’s Copy portions of the certificate. Exporters must forward the declaration to the Kimberley Process Office within seven 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. |
Find out more
To learn more about the Kimberley Process, visit the Kimberley Process official website.
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