Importers of rough diamonds must now fax a copy of the Kimberley Process Certification arriving with the imported diamonds to the U.S. Census Bureau upon making any entry with U.S. Customs and Border Protection, the Jewelers Vigilance Committee said.

The Census Bureau is responsible for collecting, compiling, and publishing import and export statistics for the U.S., JVC said. Copies of the foreign Kimberley Process Certification must be faxed to 1-800-457-7328. Questions regarding the KP certification may be directed to Adria Gibson, 202-863-6057.

The Clean Diamond Trade Act, signed into law in 2003, prohibits the “importation into, or exportation from, the United States on or after July 30, 2003, of any rough diamond, from whatever source, unless the rough diamond has been controlled through the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme.” The Act requires the Census Bureau to maintain statistics on imports and exports of rough diamonds.

For information about the JVC products and services, including JVC’s Web site.

JCK