Have you decided to enter the business of exporting rough diamonds? Are you exporting a rough diamond for the first time? Well, here is some useful information that will hopefully make the process easier and less stressful.

Preparing the Kimberley Process Certificate

When exporting a rough diamond shipment from the United States, it must be accompanied by an original Kimberley Process Certificate (KPC). A KPC for the U.S. must be obtained from the U.S. Kimberley Process Authority (USKPA). These certificates are available only to entities licensed by the USKPA. Contact the USKPA or by telephone on 212-997-2002 for additional information on becoming a licensee and obtaining KPCs. However, if you choose not to become a licensee you will need to refer to a licensed common carrier in order to export a rough diamond shipment.

Filing the Electronic Export Information

Businesses interested in exporting rough diamonds must file their export information using the Automated Export System (AES). Also, please review Foreign Trade Regulations §30.7(c) to ensure proper AES filing when exporting rough diamond shipments. Below are the AES filing options which are:

• Option 1 : The AES is the electronic way to file the Electronic Export Information (EEI) information directly to United States Customs & Border Protection Agency. To learn more about AES please visit //www.cbp.gov.
• Option 2 : The United States Census Bureau offers a FREE web application which allows exporters to file their EEI data to customs using AESDirect. For more information click the following link, AESDirect or call 1-800-549-0595, Option 1.

Packaging the Rough Diamond for Shipping

The rough diamond must be placed in a tamper-resistant container. The container must have a mechanism that will provide evidence if tampering has occurred. Please note that standard mailing procedures alone is not considered tamper-resistant. As a participant in the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), United States exporters may only export rough diamonds to other participating countries of the KPCS.

Managing Proper Records

• Exporters are required to fax all copies of the KPCs to the United States Census Bureau at 1-800-457-7328 immediately upon export of their shipments. Exporters must also retain records of all KPCs for five years.
• Exporters of rough diamond shipments must file an annual report including all export activity and submit it to USKimberleyProcess@state.gov. These reports are due annually on April 1.

For additional information on exporting rough diamonds, visit: //www.state.gov/documents/organization/105827.pdf