Kimberley Process

India, serving as the Chair of the Kimberley Process for 2026, hosted the KP Intersessional Meeting in Mumbai to strengthen the global framework regulating rough diamond trade. Read here to learn more.

The chairship is significant because India is a global hub for diamond cutting, polishing, and trading, making it central to the future of ethical diamond commerce.

The Kimberley Process is one of the most important international mechanisms created to prevent the trade in conflict diamonds, diamonds used to finance wars, insurgencies, and human rights abuses.

What is the Kimberley Process?

The Kimberley Process is an international certification system launched in 2000 and formally implemented in 2003 through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS).

It was created in response to the brutal civil wars in parts of Africa during the 1990s, where rebel groups used diamond sales to fund violence.

Its primary goal is:

• To stop conflict diamonds from entering legal markets
• To ensure rough diamonds are traded through transparent channels
• To protect legitimate governments and mining communities
• To maintain consumer confidence in natural diamonds

Historical Background

Rise of Conflict Diamonds

During the civil wars in countries such as:

• Sierra Leone
• Angola
• Liberia
• Democratic Republic of the Congo

Armed rebel groups seized diamond mines and sold diamonds internationally to buy weapons.

These became known as blood diamonds or conflict diamonds.

Global Response

Concerned by this, Southern African producer nations met in Kimberley in 2000, giving the initiative its name.

Later, the United Nations General Assembly supported the initiative through Resolution 55/56.

What is the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS)?

The KPCS is the operational system of the Kimberley Process.

Under this system:

• Every shipment of rough diamonds must carry a government-validated certificate.
• Diamonds can be traded only between KP participants.
• Countries must maintain internal controls to prevent smuggling.
• Imports and exports are monitored.

This helps ensure that rough diamonds are conflict-free.

Membership and Structure

Currently, the Kimberley Process has:

• 60 participants
• Representing 86 countries
• The European Union participates as a single bloc

Together, KP members account for nearly 99.8% of global rough diamond production.

Observers:

The process also includes observers such as:

• World Diamond Council
• Civil Society Coalition

How the Kimberley Process Works

Certification Mechanism:

Before exporting rough diamonds:

1. Diamonds are sealed in tamper-proof containers
2. Government authorities issue a KP certificate
3. Importing countries verify the certificate
4. Uncertified shipments are rejected

Internal Controls:

Participants must establish:

• Customs monitoring
• Licensing systems
• Export records
• Anti-smuggling mechanisms
• Annual reporting systems

Why the Kimberley Process Matters

1. Reduced Conflict Diamond Trade: The KP is credited with significantly reducing the share of conflict diamonds in global trade, from an estimated 15% in the 1990s to less than 1% today.
2. Consumer Confidence: Buyers increasingly demand ethically sourced diamonds. The KP reassures consumers.
3. Stability in Producer Nations: It supports legitimate governments in African producer nations.
4. Protecting Mining Communities: Formal trade channels create jobs and legal income.

India’s Role in the Kimberley Process

Founding Member: India is one of the original participants in the KPCS.

Global Diamond Hub

India:

• Processes nearly 90% of the world’s diamonds by volume
• Accounts for around 75% of global diamond turnover by value
• Hosts major centres such as:
  • Surat
  • Mumbai

Imports

India imports rough diamonds mainly from:

• United Arab Emirates
• Belgium
• Russia

2026 Chairship Theme

India’s 2026 KP theme focuses on the 3Cs:

• Credibility
• Compliance
• Consumer Confidence

Challenges Facing the Kimberley Process

1. Narrow Definition of Conflict Diamonds

Currently, KP defines conflict diamonds as diamonds funding rebel movements against governments.

Critics say this ignores:

• Human rights abuses by state forces
• Child labour
• Environmental destruction
• Forced displacement

2. Smuggling Networks: Illegal trade routes continue in some regions.
3. Lab-Grown Diamonds

• The rise of Lab-Grown Diamonds complicates market regulation.
• India is emerging as a major LGD producer.

4. Geopolitical Tensions: Sanctions, war, and supply disruptions affect the diamond trade.

Reforms Needed

Expand Definition

Include diamonds linked to:

• Human rights violations
• Forced labour
• Ecological harm

Blockchain Tracking: Use digital traceability tools from mine to market.

Stronger Audits: Independent compliance checks for participants.

Consumer Awareness: Labelling systems for ethical sourcing.

India’s Strategic Opportunity

As Chair, India can:

• Modernise KP procedures
• Promote transparency in global trade
• Balance natural diamonds and lab-grown diamonds
• Strengthen Africa-Asia diamond partnerships
• Position itself as the world leader in the ethical diamond trade

Conclusion

The Kimberley Process remains the most important global initiative to prevent conflict diamonds from entering legitimate markets. Though imperfect, it has transformed the diamond trade by introducing accountability and transparency.

India’s leadership in 2026 is highly significant because it sits at the heart of the global diamond value chain. If India succeeds in reforming the KP, it can help ensure that diamonds symbolise not conflict, but trust, sustainability, and prosperity.