Rough Importers Must Fax Extra Cert

By Rob Bates -- JCK Online, 1/1/2008 2:00:00 AM

Importers of rough diamonds now must fax to the U.S. Census Bureau a copy of the Kimberley Process certificate that arrives with the imported diamonds, Jewelers Vigilance Committee says.

JVC notes that the Census Bureau is responsible for collecting, compiling, and publishing import and export statistics for the United States. "They are trying to be extremely accurate regarding rough imports and exports," says JVC's Cecilia Gardner. "They want checks and double checks."

The Clean Diamond Trade Act, signed into law in 2003, requires the Census Bureau to maintain statistics on imports and exports of rough diamonds. "If you fail to comply with all the regulatory compliances of the Clean Diamond Trade Act, there are sanctions provided," Gardner warns.