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.
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 also need an EU-issued KP certificate. Read the guidance on moving goods under the Northern Ireland Protocol.
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.
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.