End Of Tolerance Period In The Kimberley Process 31 July 2003

In recognition of the difficulties experienced by various Participants in implementing the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme (KPCS), Participants at the Special Plenary of the Kimberley Process held in Johannesburg, South Africa, on 28–30 April 2003, adopted an administrative decision on a final extension of the tolerance period within which, the list of Participants would be confirmed. Relevant documentation submitted by 31 may 2003, was to be assessed by the Chair, who, having issued an updated list by 5 May 2003, was required to issue a revised list by 10 June 2003. This revised list was issued on 11 June 2003.

The Johannesburg Plenary further resolved that a Participation Committee of no more than nine members be established. Of these nine members, no more than seven, including the chair of the committee, would be selected from among Kimberley Process Participants. Two members of the Participation Committee would be selected from among Kimberley Process Observers, one from civil society and the other from industry.

Following consultations with Participants, the Chair of the Kimberley Process submitted the proposed composition of the Participation Committee for the approval of all Participants. The composition of the Participation Committee was approved by written procedure and consisted of the following members.

1. Angola
2. Canada
3. European Community
4. Israel
5. Russian Federation
6. South Africa
7. United States of America
8. Non-governmental Organizations (Global Witness and Partnership Africa-Canada)
9. World Diamond Council

The task of the Participation Committee was to assist the Chair of the Kimberley Process in assessing the application of new Kimberley Process Participants, in accordance with the provisions of the KPCS.

The following list represents the culmination of months of hard work by states, regional economic integration organizations, the Participation Committee and the Kimberley Process Interim Secretariat. States and regional economic integration organizations who have met the minimum requirements of the Kimberley Process Certification Scheme are:

1. Angola
2. Armenia
3. Australia
4. Belarus
5. Botswana
6. Canada
7. Central African Republic
8. China, People’s Republic of
9. Chinese Taipei
10. Congo, Democratic Republic of
11. Congo, Republic of
12. Cote D’Ivore
13. Croatia
14. European Community (Austria, Belgium, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Holland, Ireland, Italy, Luxemburg, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, United Kingdom)
15. Guinea
16. Guyana
17. Hungary
18. India
19. Israel
20. Japan
21. Korea, Republic of
22. Laos, Peoples Republic of
23. Lebanon
24. Lesotho
25. Mauritius
26. Namibia
27. Poland
28. Russian Federation
29. Sierra Leone
30. Slovenia
31. South Africa
32. Sri Lanka
33. Switzerland
34. Tanzania
35. Thailand
36. Ukraine
37. United Arab Emirates
38. United States of America
39. Venezuela
40. Zimbabwe

Participants have until 31 August 2003, to amend their respective legislation in accordance with this list of 31 July 2003. During this period, Participants may continue to trade with states and regional economic integration organizations that have not met the minimum requirements of the KPCS.  This is to ensure that trade in rough diamonds is not unduly disrupted during this transitional phase. After the 31 August 2003, no shipments of rough diamonds can be imported from, or exported to a non-Participant.

States and regional economic integration organisations who were unable to meet the minimum requirements of the KPCS, are encouraged to continue with their efforts to become Kimberley Process Participants. The Participation Committee will continue to receive and assess documentation submitted after 31 July. Submissions that are deemed to be compliant with the minimum requirements of the KPCS, will be approved without delay, and those successful applicants will be welcomed as Participants of the Kimberley Process.

Those states and regional economic integration organizations who have recently submitted notices of intent to become Kimberley Process Participants, are also encouraged to submit documentation complying with section II, section V (a), and section VI (8,9) of the KPCS. These submissions will be reviewed and assessed by the Participation Committee and successful Applicants will be welcomed as Participants in the Kimberley Process.

Abbey Chikane, chairman of the Kimberley Process commented, "I would like to thank the members of the Participation Committee for their tireless efforts in assisting me with finalizing the list of Kimberley Process Participants. I would also like to express my gratitude to all the representatives involved with the Kimberley Process, either as Applicants, Observers, or Participants, for their continued resolve to stop the trade in conflict diamonds," he concludes.