The international certification scheme for rough diamonds entitled: “Kimberley Process Certification Scheme” was adopted in a Ministerial meeting held at Interlaken, Switzerland, on 5th November, 2002. India is a signatory to the Interlaken Declaration. The Scheme has been evolved to deal with the issue of conflict diamonds which are basically rough diamonds whose trade is prohibited by the United Nations Security Council because, the proceeds of that trade are used by rebel movements and their allies to finance conflicts aimed at undermining legitimate governments.
I am directed to refer to the subject mentioned above and to say that doubts have been raised regarding classification of Badian Khatal (fruit) or star aniseeds. It has been stated that some importers are claming classification of Badian Khatal fruit under CTH 1211.90 on the plea that it is specifically mentioned in the list of crude drugs given at the end of Chapter 12 of ITC(HS) classification of import/export commodities brought out by the DGFT.
Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS) for Rough Diamonds– Implementation-Reg am directed to invite your attention to the notification No. 21/2002-07 dated 26-12-2002 issued by the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) amending Paragraph 2.2 of the Export and Import Policy to provide that no import or export of rough diamonds shall be permitted unless the shipment parcel is accompanied by Kimberley Process (KP) Certificate required under the procedure specified by the Gem and Jewellery Export Promotion Council ( GJEPC).
