The UK trades in rough diamonds is regulated by the Kimberley Process (KP) Certification Scheme. The EU is a participant of the KP and acts on behalf of the UK.

1. Until 31 December 2020

The EU will treat the UK as a member state for the purpose of the KP until 31 December 2020. This means you can continue to trade internationally in rough diamonds in exactly the same way. See the guidance on exporting diamonds.

2. From 1 January 2021

The UK has secured Independent Participant status in the KP, which will begin on 1 January 2021.

2.1 Importing and exporting rough diamonds between Great Britain and the EU

When the UK becomes an independent participant in the KP, all rough diamond exports from Great Britain to the EU will require UK KP certification.

All rough diamond imports from the EU to Great Britain will need an EU-issued KP certificate.

For further information about trading rough diamonds with the EU from 1 January 2021, see the latest version of the Border Operating Model (BOM). The BOM explains how the border with the EU will work and includes useful information about other new arrangements, for example customs.

If you plan to export rough diamonds from Great Britain to EU countries, you will need to apply to the Government Diamond Office for a UK KP certificate using the contact details on this page.

If you plan to import rough diamonds from EU countries to Great Britain, the EU exporter will need to obtain an EU-issued KP certificate from the relevant EU KP authority.

Under the terms of the Northern Ireland Protocol, the EU Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Regulation will continue to apply in Northern Ireland. This means that:

2.2 Moving rough diamonds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland

You will need a KP certificate if you plan to:

• move rough diamonds from Great Britain to Northern Ireland
• move rough diamonds from Northern Ireland to Great Britain

See guidance on customs procedures that need to be completed when you move rough diamonds between Great Britain and Northern Ireland.

If you are planning to import or export rough diamonds from/to Northern Ireland, you should contact the Government Diamond Office for more information.

2.3 Importing and exporting rough diamonds between NI and other Kimberley Process participants (except the EU)

If you plan to export rough diamonds from Northern Ireland to another Kimberley Process participant, except the EU, you will need a KP certificate.

If you plan to import rough diamonds into Northern Ireland from another Kimberley Process participant, except the EU, the exporter will need to obtain a KP certificate.

2.4 Moving rough diamonds between Northern Ireland and the EU

You do not need KP certification to move rough diamonds between Northern Ireland and the EU.

3. Contact us

If you would like to discuss this further, contact the Government Diamond Office:

Email: kpuk@fcdo.gov.uk

Telephone: 020 7008 2938 or 020 7008 8289 Monday to Friday, 10am to 4pm. Find out about call charges.