The Kimberley Process Certification Scheme Secretariat-Nambia released a statement earlier this week refuting media claims that the KP could be circumvented by cutting and polishing a single facet to rough diamonds.

According to the statement, the definition of rough diamonds has been modified by the World Customs Organization, closing loopholes that might have existed before 2004. Also, semi-cut diamonds are regarded as rough diamond and their import or export remains subject to the requirements of the KP.

For more information, e-mail kpcs.namibia@kimberleyprocess.com.

JCK