(Rapaport…December 10, 2002) A new organization has been created to fulfill the American diamond industry’s commitments under the Kimberley Process of diamond certification.
The Rough Diamond Export Mechanism (RDEM) — created under the auspices of the Diamond Manufacturers and Importers Association of America (DMIA) — will be the Kimberley certificate issuing authority for rough diamonds exported from the United States. Major shipping companies will issue the certificates in accordance with Transportation Security Administration procedures.
The RDEM was born of discussions held between the DMIA, the federal government, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee and shipping companies involved in exporting rough from the U.S. It is designed to be the first point of contact for any “duly authorized” inquiry about American rough exports under the Kimberley Process and to assure that the system is functional and transparent.