Portugal Joins Kimberley Process Certification

140 95 Rapaport News

RAPAPORT… Portugal has joined the Kimberley Process certification scheme, according to the Official Journal of the European Union.

The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme is an international governmental certification program that was set up to prevent the trade in diamonds that fund conflict. Established in January 2003, the scheme requires governments to certify that shipments of rough diamonds are free from blood diamonds.

Countries that participate must pass legislation to enforce the Kimberley Process. They must also set up control systems for the import and export of rough diamonds.

Portugal is the seventh European member state to join the scheme. Other countries include Belgium, Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Germany, Romania and the United Kingdom.