GlossaryEN1 min readUpdated: Jun 25, 2026
Kimberley Certification Scheme for Diamond Logistics
The Kimberley Certification Scheme (KCS) was established in 2003 to prevent rough diamonds originating in conflict zones from entering the legitimate global diamond trade.
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Source: https://www.kimberleyprocess.com
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The Kimberley Certification Scheme (KCS) was established in 2003 to prevent rough diamonds originating in conflict zones from entering the legitimate global diamond trade. It obliges participating countries to issue an official government certificate for every rough diamond shipment confirming conflict-free origin, and to seal consignments in tamper-evident containers throughout transport. Freight forwarders, customs authorities, and border inspection points verify both the certificate and the physical seal at each crossing; any discrepancy triggers detention of the shipment. The scheme binds states, mining companies, traders, and logistics providers within a unified chain of documentation. Unlike the individual Kimberley certificate – the per-shipment document – the KCS denotes the broader international governance framework, audit mechanisms, and compliance obligations imposed on all participants.
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